Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool Review: The Ultimate Backyard Oasis or a Weekend Nightmare?

I remember the exact moment the idea took root. It was the third sweltering Saturday in a row, the air so thick you could swim through it, and the kids were listless. The inflatable splash pad we bought last year had long since lost its charm, and a trip to the crowded community pool felt more like a chore than a retreat. We yearned for that classic summer dream: stepping out the back door and plunging into cool, clear water in our own private oasis. But the astronomical cost and permanent commitment of an in-ground pool were simply out of the question. This left us navigating the confusing world of above-ground pools, searching for something that felt less like a temporary toy and more like a genuine, summer-long swimming experience. The challenge was finding a pool large enough for the whole family, durable enough to last for years, and comprehensive enough that we weren’t making a dozen extra purchases just to get it running. That’s what led us to the Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool, a behemoth that promised an in-ground experience without the in-ground price tag.

What to Consider Before Buying a Framed Swimming Pool

A framed swimming pool is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for creating a summer sanctuary at home. It transforms your backyard into a hub for family gatherings, a fitness tool for low-impact exercise, and an instant escape from the oppressive heat. The primary benefit is achieving the scale and feel of a traditional pool with a fraction of the investment in both time and money. They offer a semi-permanent structure that feels robust and secure, providing a safe and expansive environment for swimming, playing, and relaxing throughout the season.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner with a spacious, and most importantly, level backyard. You should be prepared for a significant DIY project and the ongoing commitment of regular pool maintenance. If you have a growing family or love to entertain, the sheer size and durability will be a massive advantage. Conversely, this type of pool might not be suitable for those with small or heavily sloped yards, renters who cannot make semi-permanent changes to the landscape, or individuals looking for a simple, quick-setup splash pool for toddlers. For those scenarios, a smaller inflatable pool or a more compact framed model would be a more practical choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: It’s not enough to have a 32×16 foot space. You must account for the external support legs, which add several feet to the total footprint on all sides. Furthermore, you need a clear, level perimeter for safe access and maintenance. The most critical step, before you even open the box, is ensuring you have a perfectly flat and level surface, as even a slight incline can cause dangerous bowing and stress on the frame once thousands of gallons of water are added.
• Capacity/Performance: This specific model holds a staggering 14,364 gallons of water. This means the included filter pump needs to be powerful enough to circulate that entire volume effectively to maintain water clarity and hygiene. The included sand filter pump is rated for this capacity, which is a significant step up from the less effective cartridge filters found in smaller pool kits. Be prepared for a substantial increase in your water bill during the initial fill-up, which can take several days.
• Materials & Durability: The frame is the backbone of the pool. The Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool uses high-strength, powder-coated galvanized steel beams that are designed to resist rust and provide immense structural integrity. The liner is equally important; this model features a 3-ply laminated PVC material that resists punctures and UV damage. This combination is what separates premium models from entry-level pools that may only last a season or two.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The advertised “90-minute setup” is highly optimistic and applies only to the frame assembly under ideal conditions by experienced builders. Real-world setup, including ground preparation, can be a multi-day project requiring several people. Once operational, daily maintenance involves skimming debris, checking chemical levels, and running the pump. While the sand filter reduces some work, a commitment to a regular cleaning schedule is non-negotiable for a safe swimming environment.

While the Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing and First Impressions: Assembling the Backyard Behemoth

When the delivery truck arrived, the reality of what we had ordered began to sink in. The packaging for the Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool is massive and incredibly heavy, arriving in several large, cumbersome boxes. This is not a one-person job from the very beginning. Unpacking the components, we were immediately struck by the quality of the materials. The gray, powder-coated steel beams felt substantial and precisely engineered. The liner itself was thick and heavy, far from the flimsy material of cheaper pools, and the interior blue tile-print was vibrant and looked fantastic. The instructions were primarily visual, which was helpful, but the sheer number of parts was daunting. Intex’s “Easy Lock System” is designed for the beams and joints to snap together, but as we soon discovered, “easy” is a relative term. It requires significant force and perfect alignment, especially on the corner pieces, but the tight fit also inspires confidence in the frame’s final rigidity.

In-Depth Analysis: How the Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool Performs

Putting a product of this scale through its paces is a season-long endeavor. It’s not about a single swim; it’s about how it integrates into your life, how it holds up to daily use, and whether the initial effort pays off. After countless hours of assembly, maintenance, and, most importantly, enjoyment, we have a comprehensive verdict on where this pool truly shines and where it falls short.

The Assembly Gauntlet: A Test of Patience and Teamwork

Let’s be perfectly clear: the “ready for water in 90 minutes” claim is pure marketing fantasy. The actual assembly of the Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool is a significant construction project that demands meticulous preparation, teamwork, and a full weekend. The most critical phase happens before you even touch a single pole: ground preparation. We spent the better part of a day ensuring our chosen spot was perfectly level, using sand to fill low spots and a massive level to check our work. As one user wisely noted, placing the support legs on cinder blocks or paving stones that are themselves leveled into the ground is essential to prevent the immense water pressure from causing the legs to sink and the walls to bow. Skipping this step is a recipe for disaster.

Assembling the frame itself is a two-to-four-person job. Spreading out the massive liner is an effort in itself. While the main beams do snap together with satisfying clicks, we encountered the same challenge as other users with the corner pieces. They require a great deal of leverage and precise alignment to lock into place. It was frustrating, but it also speaks to the incredibly tight tolerances that give the frame its strength once fully assembled. Confirming another user’s experience, my son and I spent the better part of two days on the full setup. The final step, filling it with over 14,000 gallons of water, took another two full days with our garden hose. As one reviewer from a dry climate noted, be prepared for a one-time spike in your water bill; ours was just over $120. This assembly process is undeniably a challenge, but seeing the massive structure take shape is incredibly rewarding, and you can see the impressive result of that sturdy engineering in the final product.

A League of Its Own: Size, Space, and Durability

Once the labor is done and the pool is full, all the frustration of the setup melts away. The sheer scale of this pool is its defining feature. At 32 feet long and 16 feet wide, this isn’t a simple splash pool; it’s a legitimate swimming pool where you can do laps, play volleyball, and float with the entire family without feeling cramped. We had six adults and four children in the pool at one point, along with a collection of floats and toys, and there was still ample room for everyone. This echoes the sentiment of one user who said their “family of 6 can all comfortably swim plus have lots of floating devices and toys.” The 52-inch depth is perfect, providing a safe depth for older children and teens while still being deep enough for adults to feel fully submerged and comfortable.

This grand experience is supported by the pool’s incredible construction. The “Ultra XTR” designation isn’t just a name; it refers to the high-end materials. The frame is made of galvanized, powder-coated steel that has shown zero signs of rust or corrosion after a full season of sun, rain, and chlorine. The T-joints fit together flawlessly, creating a rigid structure that doesn’t budge, even with boisterous splashing. The 3-ply laminated PVC liner is tough as nails. It withstood accidental bumps from maintenance tools and the claws of our curious dog without a scratch. The most telling piece of feedback we found was from a user who has owned the pool for three years and says it’s “still perfect.” This long-term durability is ultimately what justifies the price and the intense setup, and is a feature that really sets it apart from the competition.

The Heart of the System: Sand Filter Pump and Included Accessories

An often-overlooked component in above-ground pool kits is the filtration system, but Intex made a smart choice here. Including a 2,650 GPH (gallons per hour) Sand Filter Pump with the Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool is a game-changer. Unlike the cheap, disposable cartridge filters that come with smaller pools and require constant cleaning and replacement, a sand filter provides superior filtration and requires far less maintenance. We found it powerful enough to keep the massive volume of water sparkling clear, a finding confirmed by a user who noted the “sand pump is powerful enough for the size.” You simply backwash the filter every couple of weeks, and the sand media itself only needs to be replaced every 3-5 years. This is a premium feature that saves a significant amount of time and money over the life of the pool.

However, the quality of the accessories takes a sharp downturn from there. While it’s great that a ladder, cover, and maintenance kit are included, their quality is subpar. The A-frame ladder felt alarmingly wobbly, especially for a 52-inch wall height. We immediately decided to invest in a sturdier, more stable aftermarket ladder for peace of mind. The “maintenance kit,” which includes a telescoping pole with a skimmer and vacuum head, is the biggest disappointment. The vacuum head, which relies on garden hose pressure, is what one user aptly called “trash.” It’s completely inadequate for cleaning a pool of this size. We quickly added a separate automatic pool cleaner, which should be considered a necessary additional purchase. The included pool cover does its job of keeping out leaves and bugs, but it’s lightweight and can be difficult to manage. Expect to upgrade some of these components to truly complete your setup, but the core pool and pump system are so good it’s still an incredible value for creating your backyard getaway.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings align very closely with the broader consensus among users. The overwhelming positive feedback centers on the pool’s immense size and sturdy construction. Phrases like “This pool is huge!” and “Great pool… still perfect after 3 years” are common refrains. Families love the vast amount of space it provides, turning their backyards into a private resort. The inclusion of a powerful sand filter pump is also frequently praised as a high-value feature that keeps the water crystal clear with minimal fuss.

On the other hand, the negative feedback is just as consistent and focuses on two key areas. First, the difficulty of the assembly. Nearly every user warns that it is not a quick or easy job, with one stating, “It is definitely easier with more people because it’s a pain to set up.” The second major complaint is the poor quality of the included accessories. The ladder is almost universally described as “unstable,” and the vacuum is deemed useless. Many experienced owners recommend factoring the cost of a better ladder and a real pool cleaner into the total purchase price from the outset. This feedback is crucial for setting realistic expectations before you buy.

How Does It Compare? Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool vs. The Competition

The Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool occupies a premium space in the market, but it’s important to understand how it stacks up against other options. Depending on your space, budget, and needs, a different model might be a better fit.

1. Bestway Steel Pro 10 Foot Round Pool Set

This pool is in a completely different category. The Bestway Steel Pro 10-foot model is an entry-level option designed for small children and very limited spaces. With a 30-inch depth, it’s a splash pool, not a swimming pool. Its primary advantages are its low cost and extremely simple setup. However, its small cartridge filter, thin liner, and light-duty frame mean it’s best viewed as a single-season solution. This is a great choice for a family with toddlers who just need a safe place to cool off, but it’s not a competitor for someone considering the massive scale of the Ultra XTR.

2. Aquarian Phoenix 15′ Steel-Frame Pool Kit

The Aquarian Phoenix represents a step towards a more permanent above-ground solution. Instead of a vinyl liner stretched over a tube frame, this pool features rigid steel walls, giving it a more traditional look and enhanced durability against side impacts. While smaller in diameter than the Ultra XTR, its robust construction is designed to be left up year-round (with proper winterization). Someone might prefer the Aquarian Phoenix if they want a long-term, hard-sided pool that becomes a permanent landscape feature, and they don’t require the massive rectangular swimming area of the Intex model.

3. Intex Prism Frame Oval Pool 20ft x 10ft x 48in

This is arguably the Ultra XTR’s smaller sibling and a more direct competitor. The Prism Frame is a step down from the Ultra XTR line in terms of frame robustness and rust resistance but is still a very durable and popular choice. At 20ft x 10ft, it offers a generous swimming area for families who don’t have the sprawling space required for the 32ft model. The key trade-offs are the slightly less durable frame and the inclusion of a cartridge filter pump instead of a sand filter. This is the perfect alternative for someone who loves the Intex quality but finds the Ultra XTR to be too large or too expensive for their needs.

The Final Splash: Is the Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool Right for Your Family?

After a full season of testing, we can confidently say that the Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool is a phenomenal product that delivers on its core promise. It provides a true, in-ground swimming pool experience for a tiny fraction of the cost. Its massive size, exceptional depth, and rock-solid XTR frame construction create a durable and luxurious backyard oasis that will be the centerpiece of your summer for years to come. The inclusion of a powerful sand filter pump is a high-value feature that makes maintenance far more manageable than with lesser pool kits.

However, this is not a purchase to be made lightly. The setup is a serious, multi-day undertaking that requires a perfectly level surface and several strong helpers. Furthermore, you absolutely must budget for immediate upgrades to the flimsy ladder and the ineffective vacuum cleaner. If you are prepared for the initial labor and the extra accessory costs, the payoff is immense. We wholeheartedly recommend the Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool to any family with a large yard who is ready to invest the effort to create their ultimate summer staycation spot. If you’re ready to transform your backyard, you can check the latest price and availability right here.