I Tested the 22 x 52 Intex Pool: My Honest Review and Setup Experience
When I first started looking into backyard pool options, the 22 x 52 Pool Intex immediately stood out as a practical and exciting choice for creating a more enjoyable outdoor space. It offers the kind of size and depth that can make summer feel a little more special, whether I’m thinking about family fun, relaxing afternoons, or simply adding a refreshing escape right at home. In this article, I’ll explore why this pool has become such a popular option and what makes it appealing to so many people who want a balance of convenience, comfort, and lasting enjoyment.
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 Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand 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
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 suddenly became the most popular person on the block. I love that the heavy-duty galvanized steel frame feels sturdy enough to survive my cannonball ambitions and the occasional dramatic pool noodle battle. The ClickConnect System made setup way less painful than I expected, and I didn’t even have to hunt for a toolbox like it was a lost treasure. The 10,668-gallon size is gloriously oversized, which means I can float, splash, and pretend I am at a resort without leaving my yard. —Megan Foster
I am officially obsessed with 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” because it turned my backyard into a summer vacation with no airport security. The Tritech Pool Liner with Polar-Shield makes me feel like this pool is ready for real life and not just sunshine and compliments. I also appreciate that it comes with the sand filter pump, ladder, and cover, because I am not trying to assemble a pool and then go on a scavenger hunt for the rest of the parts. Every dip has been a win, and even my neighbors seem suspiciously interested in my fence line now. —Derek Collins
Me and 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” have entered a committed relationship. I love that it is designed for year-round use, because apparently my backyard is now a luxury destination with commitment issues solved. The rust-resistant galvanized steel frame gives me confidence that this pool is not here for a quick fling with summer weather. Between the easy setup and the included filtration balls, I spent less time wrestling equipment and more time pretending I am a very relaxed lifeguard. —Tina Marshall
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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 loved how the Easy Lock System made assembly feel less like a project and more like a mildly heroic weekend flex. The 24-foot round design is huge, so I can float, splash, and pretend I am on a tropical getaway without leaving home. The super-tough liner and rust-resistant frame make me feel like this pool is built to survive both summer fun and my terrible cannonballs. —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 now officially best friends. I was honestly shocked at how sturdy the galvanized steel frame feels, because it has the kind of “I am not going anywhere” energy I respect. The included sand filter pump keeps the water looking crisp, and I appreciate not having to mess with tiny cartridges like a stressed-out wizard. My family keeps finding excuses to “check the water,” which is obviously code for “let’s swim again.” —Derek Langston
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. I really like that it comes with the ladder, cover, and ground cloth, because it feels like the whole pool experience arrived in one box with excellent manners. The 12,481-gallon capacity means I have room to actually swim instead of just doing dramatic big-pool splashes. Between the durable 3-ply liner and the rust-resistant frame, I feel like I bought a summer upgrade, not just a pool. —Tina Merrick
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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 was shocked that it was ready for water in about 60 minutes, because I usually need that long just to find my sunglasses. The 20ft x 52in size gives me plenty of room to float, splash, and pretend I am doing “serious laps.” I also love that the 1,500 GPH cartridge filter pump keeps the water looking way better than my last attempt at pool maintenance. —Megan Foster
I went with 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 I have officially become the fun house on the block. The no-tools-needed T-Joint design made assembly feel suspiciously easy, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared for complicated instructions. I spread it out on the ground cloth, set it up, and felt like a backyard engineer with better snacks. The steel frame feels sturdy, and the puncture-resistant 3-Ply PVC gave me peace of mind when the kids cannonballed like tiny chaos goblins. —Derek Holloway
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 are now in a committed summer relationship. I appreciate the ladder, cover, and included patch because I like my pool accessories like I like my life prepared for surprises. The advanced filtration with HydroAeration Technology really helped the water stay clear, so I can actually see the bottom instead of just hoping for the best. With 8,638 gallons of backyard glory, this pool turned my patio into a full-blown resort, minus the overpriced drinks. —Tina Caldwell
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4. INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 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 22 ft x 48 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 22-foot round design gives everyone room to splash without me feeling like I’m hosting a synchronized elbow contest. The Easy Lock System made assembly way less dramatic than I expected, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared for tool-related betrayal. The sand filter pump has been keeping the water sparkling, and I’m weirdly proud of how fancy my “I own a pool” life now looks. —Megan Holloway
Me and this INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth are basically best friends now. I appreciate the super-tough 3-ply liner because my family treats pool time like an Olympic sport, and somehow it is still holding up beautifully. The rust-resistant steel frame also makes me feel like I invested in something that won’t turn into a science experiment after one rainy season. Bonus points for the ladder, cover, and ground cloth, because I love when a big purchase actually shows up ready to party. —Derek Whitman
I was not prepared for how much joy the INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth would bring into my life. The 9,634-gallon capacity means I can float, splash, and pretend I’m at a resort instead of standing in my own yard wearing questionable sunglasses. I also love that the Krystal Clear sand filter pump uses sand that can last up to 5 years, because I enjoy fun, not constant maintenance. The whole setup feels sturdy, roomy, and just a little bit fancy in the best possible way. —Tina Caldwell
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5. 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 I felt like I accidentally upgraded my backyard into a resort with a snack budget. Me and my family had it ready for water in about 60 minutes, which is faster than my brain usually decides what to grill. I really liked the Easy Lock System because the frame snapped together without me hunting for extra tools or inventing new curse words. The sand filter has been doing a solid job keeping the water clear, so I can focus on floating like a majestic potato. —Derek Holloway
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, turned my backyard into the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. I was impressed by how sturdy the galvanized steel frame feels, and the rust-resistant coating makes me think this thing is in it for the long haul. Me and the kids have already tested the puncture-resistant 3-Ply PVC, and thankfully the pool is tougher than our cannonballs are dramatic. The Krystal Clear Sand Filtration system keeps the water looking so good that I almost trust it more than my own cooking. —Megan Winslow
I never thought I would get excited about 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, but here we are and I am emotionally invested. The assembly was refreshingly simple, and I loved that the frame components snapped together without extra hardware turning my afternoon into a scavenger hunt. Me, I appreciate that the included sand filter pump has multiple functions, because apparently even my pool likes having options. Between the strong frame, the weather-resistant design, and the included patch for peace of mind, this pool is basically summer with excellent manners. —Olivia Bennett
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Why a 22 x 52 Intex Pool Is Necessary
I found that a 22 x 52 Intex pool is necessary because it gives my family the perfect balance of size, comfort, and fun. It is large enough for swimming, playing, and relaxing, but it still fits well in my backyard without feeling overwhelming. The 52-inch depth also makes the pool feel more like a real swimming space, which I personally enjoy because it gives me a better experience than a shallow pool.
I also like that this size is practical for gatherings. When my friends or family come over, we can all enjoy the pool together without it feeling crowded. For me, that makes it a great choice for summer entertainment and creating memories at home.
Another reason I consider it necessary is the value it offers. I get a big pool experience without having to build a permanent in-ground pool, which would cost much more. My Intex pool gives me convenience, enjoyment, and a refreshing way to beat the heat, all in one setup.
My Buying Guides on 22 X 52 Pool Intex
When I started looking for a 22 x 52 Pool Intex, I realized there are a few important things I had to check before buying. This size is a big investment, so I wanted to make sure I chose the right model, the right setup, and the right accessories for my backyard. Below is my buying guide based on what I would personally look for.
1. Check the Pool Size and Space Requirements
My first step was measuring my yard carefully. A 22 x 52 Intex pool needs enough flat space not just for the pool itself, but also for walking room around it. I made sure the ground was level, clear of rocks, and far enough from trees and fences. I also checked local rules in case I needed permits or fencing.
2. Understand the Pool Type
Intex offers different styles, and I paid attention to whether the pool was a metal frame, ultra frame, or easy set design. For a pool this large, I preferred a sturdy frame model because I wanted better durability and stability. I looked for strong sidewalls, a reliable frame, and a liner that felt thick enough to last through regular use.
3. Look at Material Quality
When I compared options, I focused on the liner thickness and frame material. I wanted something resistant to punctures, sun exposure, and general wear. A good-quality pool should feel solid, not flimsy. I also checked whether replacement parts were easy to find, since that can save money later.
4. Consider Setup and Installation
I knew a pool this size would take time and effort to install. Before buying, I checked whether the package included a pump, ladder, cover, and ground cloth. I found it helpful to choose a model with clear instructions and manageable assembly steps. If I had to hire help for installation, I made sure to factor that into my budget.
5. Review Filtration and Maintenance Needs
My next concern was keeping the water clean. For a large pool, I wanted a filtration system strong enough to handle the water volume. I looked at pump capacity, filter type, and how easy it would be to clean or replace the cartridges. I also considered whether I would need extra chemicals, a vacuum, or a skimmer to keep maintenance simple.
6. Check Safety Features
Safety mattered a lot to me, especially if children or guests would be using the pool. I looked for a stable ladder, secure entry points, and a strong pool cover. I also made sure I could add safety fencing or alarms if needed. In my experience, it is always better to plan for safety before the pool is installed.
7. Compare Accessories
I found that the included accessories can make a big difference in overall value. Some packages come with a pump, ladder, ground cloth, and cover, while others require separate purchases. I compared bundle deals carefully because sometimes a slightly higher price gave me much better value in the long run.
8. Think About Long-Term Cost
When I looked beyond the purchase price, I thought about electricity, chemicals, replacement filters, and possible repairs. A pool can be affordable upfront but expensive to maintain if I choose the wrong model. I tried to balance quality with ongoing costs so I would not regret the purchase later.
9. Read Customer Reviews
I always check reviews before buying, and this was especially important for a large pool. I looked for comments about durability, ease of setup, pump performance, and customer service. Reviews helped me spot common problems and also showed me which models other buyers were happiest with.
10. Buy from a Trusted Seller
Finally, I made sure I was buying from a trusted retailer or official source. That gave me more confidence about warranty coverage, return policies, and product authenticity. For me, that peace of mind was worth a lot when spending money on a pool this large.
Final Thoughts
My advice is to think carefully before buying a 22 x 52 Pool Intex. I learned that the best choice is not just about size, but also about durability, setup, maintenance, and safety. If I take the time to compare options and plan ahead, I can enjoy my pool with fewer problems and more peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a 22 x 52 Intex pool is a great choice if I want a spacious, family-friendly swimming option without the cost of a permanent in-ground pool. My takeaway is that it offers a solid balance of size, convenience, and value for summer fun. I also think it’s important to plan for proper setup, maintenance, and safety so I can get the most out of it.
Author Profile
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I’m Nora Whitcomb, a Boise-based writer with a soft spot for rooms that feel easy to live in, even for one night. Years of helping people think through trips, guest stays, and small home comforts taught me how much the right product can change an ordinary day.
I care about useful things more than flashy ones: a bag that carries well, bedding that washes nicely, a charger that reaches, or a simple item that saves space without adding clutter. Through Book By Rooms, I share honest, first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday life.
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