Intex Easy Set Pool Review

The defining characteristic of the Intex Easy range of pool sets is that they require no skill or tools and hardly any time to set up.

The most time-consuming part of the assembly is waiting for the pool to fill from your garden hose, plus inflating it with pure lung power and determination if you don’t own an air pump or air compressor.

Even the smallest size pool will take about an hour to fill using an average garden hose, so the manufacturer’s claim of being ready for a dip in ten to thirty minutes seems a little optimistic.

Still, the name for this product couldn’t be more accurate, as it is indeed very easy to set up.

Site Preparation and Pool Assembly

Putting up this pool consists only of blowing up the inflatable rim – the bottom is just a big bag of water and doesn’t require air.

A handy DVD explains how to set it up in more detail, as well as a couple of the finer points on keeping your water clear and your pool in good shape. You’ll also need to top off the air in the top doughnut every week or so to make sure the pool stays upright.

One step you may be tempted to skip, but shouldn’t, is smoothing out the wrinkles at the bottom while the pool is filling. These folds are slightly unpleasant to step on; more importantly, each creates a weak spot in the liner. You’ll still have a couple once you’re finished, so just try to do your best. Using a plunger to grip the smooth plastic works well.

That’s really all there is to it, but for more information – this video will give you a better idea about installation:

The Easy Set Pool Needs a Good Foundation

The tradeoff for this no-frills construction is that this kind of pool is intended only for use on firm, smooth, flat surfaces. Loose, soggy soil, for instance, can cause the bottom to become indented in places, putting excessive pressure on parts of the base.

You will also want to ensure that the spot you’re turning into your own pint-sized water park is absolutely flat and level, something the manufacturer definitely recommends. The reasoning behind this is that this kind of pool keeps its shape primarily due to the pressure of the water inside. If this isn’t equally balanced, there is extra strain on PVC fabric on the downhill side. Even an incline of a few inches can distort your pool and make it more likely to fail, so eyeballing the slope of your lawn isn’t sufficient: use a homemade water level instead.

Gravel or rough concrete is also definitely a no-no. You may want to terrace an incline using some sand, place a tarp over that (if your size pool doesn’t come with a ground cloth), optionally line that with a cushioning pad, and place this soft-sided pool onto that base.

Maintaining an Intex Easy Pool

Figuring out the filter and pump assembly may take some time, and the included instructions could be clearer. Even so, you should be able to manage even if you’re not the handiest person who ever lived.

The filter pump is resistant to the odd splash but will still ideally be located some distance from the pool itself, as well as close to an electrical outlet. Using an extension cord is not recommended, but this will be hard to avoid in many situations. If you have to use one, at least make sure you’re using a high-quality cord.

The pump, as is common with above-ground pools, uses two suction ports for better water circulation.

The technology encourages particles suspended in the water to stick to one another, making them easier to remove. It also helps to eliminate metals dissolved in the water and produces that fresh watery smell you can often sense near waterfalls.

Which type of filter cartridge you need to buy depends on the size of pool you order. Bear in mind that you will need to budget extra for a couple of cartridges; it’s recommended that you swap out the filter every two weeks.

In addition to changing the cartridge, you can also clean it yourself using a pressure washer or garden hose.

Intex Easy Set Usage

The fact that this type of pool has no rigid structure makes it very easy to put up and take down, but it does lead to some drawbacks. For one thing, the inward slant on the walls makes it slightly uncomfortable to sit at the edge facing inwards as there is no support for your back.

You have to be careful not to fill it more than four-fifths of the way to the top. The tubular ring around the rim shouldn’t be underwater, meaning that a 30-inch pool will actually only be 23 inches deep, or 41 inches if you order one of the 48″ versions. As the walls slant inwards, the actual surface of the water is also smaller than the pool’s base.

On the other hand, the pool is still plenty deep enough for a small child to learn how to swim while being able to stand upright if the doggy paddle doesn’t work out for them.

The soft rim makes getting in and out of it more comfortable than pools with a frame. The 48-inch-deep versions, available in 15- and 18-foot diameter sizes, include a small stepladder to help you scale the four-foot-high walls. On the lower versions, a careless knee touching the side shouldn’t cause any problems, but actually kneeling on the rim may cause a miniature flood.

Intex Easy pools are fairly easy to store when not in use. When you want to retire your pool for winter, simply plug an ordinary garden hose into the drain hole to empty it out onto a convenient storm drain or patch of ground, and avoid soaking your lawn with chlorine-laced water.

But Will It Last?

The sidewalls are actually constructed of a composite material: multiple layers that make it resistant to tearing, abrasion and punctures while still being comfortable to touch. With careful use, it should last at least a few summers, but you probably don’t want to let your Great Dane splash around in it. The liner is not especially resistant to UV radiation, so it’s best to place it out of direct sunlight.

As for the pump and filter, these are adequately powerful but no more than that, especially on smaller models. In addition, you’re not supposed to run the pump while someone is in the pool, as the suction action on the drain side is fairly powerful and potentially dangerous. You may want to get a timer to let the water circulate automatically for about an hour each day – running it continuously is possible and won’t wreck your electricity bill, but may reduce the lifespan of your pump and filter.

Getting a pool cover (which is included with the 15′ by 48″ and 18′ by 48″ versions) and manually skimming floating debris from the surface once a day is probably the better option for keeping your water clean.

A Long Story Short

This type of pool is a good choice if you don’t have much money to spend but would like to get something to entertain visiting grandchildren, soothe the discomfort of pregnancy, or ride out a heatwave. It should last you more than one summer as long as you’re careful in using and storing it.

Don’t, however, expect stellar quality. If you need a pool that can be used year after year, you should be looking at the Prism Frame range from the same manufacturer, or perhaps the Steel Pro Max options offered by Bestway.