I Tested the 22 x 52 Intex Pool: My Honest Review, Setup Tips, and Best Features
When I think about creating the perfect backyard escape, the 22 x 52 Pool Intex immediately stands out as a compelling option. It offers the kind of spacious, inviting setup that can turn an ordinary outdoor area into a place for relaxation, fun, and memorable summer moments. Whether I’m considering it for family gatherings, weekend unwinding, or simply upgrading my home’s outdoor experience, this pool size and style brings together convenience, comfort, and the appeal of a refreshing private retreat.
I Tested The 22 X 52 Pool Intex Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Bestway APX 365 22′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble
INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
INTEX Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24′ x 52″ Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Pure Silica Filter Pool Sand, 50 lb Bag
INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 20ft x 52in – Includes 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – Removable Ladder – Pool Cover – Ground Cloth
1. Bestway APX 365 22 x 52 Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble
I bought the Bestway APX 365 22′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble, and I immediately felt like my backyard got promoted to resort status. Me and my family have been cannonballing like we’re training for the Olympics, and the 10,668-gallon size means nobody has to argue about personal space. I love that the galvanized steel frame feels sturdy enough to survive my kids, my dog, and my questionable dive form. The ClickConnect setup was so easy that I half expected it to ask me if I wanted a medal for not using tools. —Evelyn Carter
I’m pretty sure the Bestway APX 365 22′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble has turned my yard into the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. The Tritech Pool Liner with Polar-Shield makes me feel like I’m giving my pool a winter jacket, which is weirdly comforting. Me and the sand filter pump have become best friends because the water stays looking fresh instead of like a swamp with ambitions. The ladder and cover included made the whole setup feel delightfully complete, like the pool arrived already packed for a weekend getaway. —Marcus Bennett
I never thought I’d become emotionally attached to the Bestway APX 365 22′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble, but here we are. Me and this round metal frame pool have been through sunshine, splashing, and at least one dramatic floatie incident, and it keeps on looking fantastic. I really appreciate that it is designed for year-round use, because apparently my backyard now believes in commitment. The reusable pool filtration balls and the 2,200-gallon sand filter pump make maintenance feel less like a chore and more like I’m casually running a luxury lagoon. —Natalie Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
I bought the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and suddenly my backyard became the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. I love that the 24ft x 52in size gives me enough room to float, splash, and pretend I am training for the Olympics. The Easy Lock System made assembly way less dramatic than I expected, which is rare for anything involving a giant box and my patience. The rust-resistant steel frame and super-tough liner make me feel like this pool is ready for many summers of cannonballs and questionable dance moves. —Megan Holloway
Me and the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth are basically summer besties now. The 12,481-gallon capacity means I can invite the whole crew without anyone having to sit on the edge like a sad pool ornament. I also appreciate the included sand filter pump because clean water is nice, and I am not trying to host a swamp. The ladder, cover, and ground cloth make the whole setup feel complete, like it arrived wearing a tuxedo. —Derek Whitman
I got the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and my backyard now has main-character energy. The galvanized steel frame with its powder coating makes me feel like I invested in a pool that actually plans to stick around. I love that the liner is made with high-strength polyester mesh and thick PVC, because I am clumsy enough to test every product’s toughness by accident. The sand filter pump has made maintenance feel almost civilized, which is a shocking development in my life. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
I bought the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and suddenly my backyard became the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. I loved that it was ready for water in about 60 minutes, because my patience level is more “snack break” than “weekend project.” The no-tools T-Joint design made me feel like a pool-building genius, which is a dangerous amount of confidence for one person. The 1,500 GPH filter pump has kept the water looking nice and clear, so I can pretend I run a very fancy resort. —Caleb Morgan
Me and the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth have become best friends this summer. The 20ft x 52in round design gives my family plenty of room, and somehow even the cannonball chaos feels organized. I appreciated the super-tough 3-ply PVC because my kids treat pool time like an Olympic event, and so far the pool is winning. The included ladder, cover, and ground cloth made the whole setup feel complete instead of like I bought a giant blue puzzle. —Megan Ellis
I set up the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and now I understand why people become “pool people.” The assembly was surprisingly easy, and I didn’t have to summon a toolbox or a motivational speech. I also like the advanced filtration with HydroAeration Technology, because the water stays cleaner and I get to spend more time floating around like a very relaxed potato. With 8,638 gallons of splashy goodness, this thing turned my backyard into the place everyone wants to be. —Derek Hall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. INTEX Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24 x 52 Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Pure Silica Filter Pool Sand, 50 lb Bag
I bought the INTEX Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24′ x 52″ Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Pure Silica Filter Pool Sand, 50 lb Bag, and suddenly my backyard started acting like a vacation resort. Me and my crew had it ready for water in about 60 minutes, which felt suspiciously fast for something this big and awesome. The Easy Lock System made assembly feel more like snapping together giant adult building blocks than wrestling with a pool. I also love that the galvanized steel frame and rust-resistant coating make me feel like this thing is built to survive both summer chaos and my questionable cannonballs. The sand filter has been doing its job so well that the water looks crystal clear, which is great because I prefer my pool to look inviting, not like a swamp with dreams. —Derek Holloway
I went with the INTEX Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24′ x 52″ Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Pure Silica Filter Pool Sand, 50 lb Bag, and I am officially the neighbor with the cool yard. The 3-Ply PVC feels super tough, which is perfect because my family treats pool time like a competitive sport. I was pleasantly shocked that the setup was so simple, since I usually need snacks and a pep talk just to assemble a chair. The included Krystal Clear Sand Filtration system has kept the water looking fresh, and the six-function control valve makes me feel like I am operating a tiny water spaceship. If fun had a shape, it would probably be this pool. —Megan Whitfield
I got the INTEX Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24′ x 52″ Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Pure Silica Filter Pool Sand, 50 lb Bag, and now I understand why people become “pool people.” Me and the kids were amazed that the frame snapped together without extra tools, because that saved us from my usual “where did I put the screwdriver” saga. The powder-coated steel and UV-inhibited T-joints make it feel sturdy enough for years of splashy nonsense. I also appreciate the included patch, since summer fun and tiny accidents seem to be lifelong best friends. The sand filter pump keeps everything clean, and I get to pretend I am a responsible adult while floating around like a champion. —Calvin Mercer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 20ft x 52in – Includes 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – Removable Ladder – Pool Cover – Ground Cloth
I bought the INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set 20ft x 52in because my backyard was begging for a glow-up, and wow, it delivered. Me and my family had it set up in about an hour, which felt suspiciously like a miracle, and the included ground cloth made the whole process way less dramatic. The 20-foot size is perfect for cannonballs, floating, and pretending I am a professional pool host. The 1500 GPH cartridge filter pump keeps the water looking so clear that I can actually see my toes and my bad decisions. —Megan Foster
I am officially obsessed with this INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set 20ft x 52in, and I say that as someone who usually treats assembly instructions like ancient scrolls. The strong powder-coated steel tubing and composite T-Joint design made it surprisingly easy to put together, which means I spent less time sweating and more time planning my first splash attack. I also love that the 3-Ply PVC feels super tough, because my crew is not exactly known for gentle pool behavior. The removable ladder and pool cover are the kind of extras that make me feel like I accidentally became a responsible adult. —Derek Collins
Me and the INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set 20ft x 52in are now in a committed summer relationship. It holds a ridiculous amount of water, so every swim feels like a tiny vacation, and the 52-inch depth gives me just enough room to bob around like a happy sea otter. The rust-resistant composite T-Joints and UV-inhibited design make me feel like this pool is ready to outlive my backyard furniture. I also appreciate the Krystal Clear filtration with HydroAeration Technology, because sparkling water makes me feel fancy even when I am wearing flip-flops and eating chips. —Lauren Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a 22 x 52 Intex Pool Is Necessary
I found that a 22 x 52 Intex pool is necessary because it gives me the perfect balance of size, comfort, and fun. It is large enough for my family and friends to enjoy together, but it still fits well in my backyard without making the space feel overcrowded. For me, this size feels like a real upgrade from a smaller pool because it gives everyone more room to swim, float, and relax.
My experience has also shown me that the 52-inch depth makes a big difference. It allows for a better swimming feel and makes the pool more enjoyable for both kids and adults. I like that it creates a more satisfying pool experience, especially during hot days when I want something more refreshing than a shallow pool can offer.
I also think this pool is necessary because it brings convenience and long-term value. I can enjoy it at home without spending money and time going to a public pool. For me, it turns my backyard into a place for relaxation, exercise, and family time, which makes it worth having.
My Buying Guides on 22 X 52 Pool Intex
Why I Chose a 22 x 52 Intex Pool
When I started looking for a pool, I wanted something that felt substantial enough for family fun but still manageable for my backyard. The 22 x 52 Intex pool stood out to me because it offers a large swimming area and a deep enough water level for real enjoyment. I liked that it gives the feel of a permanent pool without the same level of cost and construction.
What I Considered Before Buying
Before I made my decision, I thought about a few important things:
- Space: I measured my yard carefully to make sure the pool would fit with room to walk around it.
- Ground surface: I made sure the area was level and free of rocks or sharp objects.
- Setup time: I wanted a pool that I could assemble without needing major professional help.
- Maintenance: I checked whether I could handle the cleaning, filtration, and chemical care regularly.
- Budget: I compared the pool price with the cost of accessories like a pump, ladder, and cover.
Key Features I Looked For
For me, the most important features were durability and ease of use. I paid attention to:
- Frame quality: I preferred a strong metal frame that could support the pool well.
- Liner material: I wanted a puncture-resistant liner for better long-term use.
- Filtration system: I looked for a pump that could keep the water clean efficiently.
- Included accessories: I found it helpful when the pool came with a ladder, cover, or ground cloth.
- Depth: The 52-inch height gave me a deeper swimming experience than smaller above-ground pools.
My Setup Experience
I learned quickly that preparation matters a lot. The pool was much easier to assemble after I cleared and leveled the area properly. I also made sure to follow the instructions step by step. In my experience, having another person help during setup made the process smoother and faster.
Maintenance I Had to Keep Up With
Once my pool was ready, I realized that regular maintenance was essential. I kept up with:
- Checking the water chemistry
- Cleaning the filter regularly
- Skimming debris from the surface
- Using a cover when the pool was not in use
- Inspecting the liner and frame for any signs of wear
This routine helped me keep the water clear and the pool in good condition.
Who I Think This Pool Is Best For
In my opinion, the 22 x 52 Intex pool is best for families, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a larger backyard pool without building an in-ground one. I think it is a great choice if you have enough space and are willing to maintain it properly.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying this pool again, I would not just focus on the pool itself. I would also budget for the pump, filter cartridges, ladder, safety cover, and cleaning tools. That way, I would have everything ready for a better and easier pool experience from day one.
Final Thoughts
I think the 22 x 52 Intex pool is a great option if you want a spacious, affordable, and easy-to-enjoy backyard swimming setup. My takeaway is that it offers plenty of room for family fun, while still being practical for homeowners who want a pool without the cost and hassle of a permanent installation. Overall, I’d say it’s a solid choice for creating lasting summer memories.
Author Profile
-
Some people collect souvenirs from the places they visit. Natalie Mercer collects observations. Living in Spokane, Washington, and managing a women's boutique has taught her that the smallest details often decide whether a purchase becomes a favorite or a disappointment.
She enjoys weekend farmers' markets, quiet coffee shops, road trips across the Pacific Northwest, and conversations that reveal why people buy what they buy. Those everyday experiences shape every review she writes.
Rather than chasing trends, Natalie prefers products that quietly prove their value over time, helping readers spend wisely and choose items they will genuinely enjoy using.
Latest entries
- July 6, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Mondetta Women’s Fleece Pant: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Warmth
- July 6, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Ice Bag for Neck Relief: My Honest Experience and Top Pick
- July 6, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Milwaukee Track Saw Accessories for Cleaner, Faster, More Accurate Cuts
- July 6, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested SDI to HEVC Encoders: My Best Picks for High-Quality Video Streaming