Funsicle 14′ x 42″ Oasis Round Frame Pool Set Review: The Ultimate Backyard Upgrade or a Summer Disappointment?

There’s a specific moment every summer when the heat shifts from a pleasant warmth to a relentless, oppressive force. The air gets thick, the kids get restless, and every trip outdoors feels like a mission into the Sahara. We’ve all been there, dreaming of a quick, refreshing dip without the hassle and expense of a permanent, in-ground pool. For years, our family’s solution was a cycle of inflatable kiddie pools that would inevitably succumb to a mysterious leak or a lawnmower incident. The search for a better way—a sturdy, reliable, yet affordable solution that could transform our backyard into a genuine escape—led us down the rabbit hole of above-ground pools. It’s a crowded market filled with promises of easy setups and endless fun, but also pitfalls of flimsy materials and frustrating maintenance. We needed something that struck the perfect balance: durable enough to last, large enough for the whole family, and complete enough that we wouldn’t be making a dozen extra trips to the pool supply store.

What to Consider Before Buying a Framed Swimming Pool

A framed swimming pool is more than just a seasonal toy; it’s a key solution for creating a central hub for family fun, relaxation, and beating the summer heat right in your own backyard. It bridges the gap between temporary, inflatable options and the permanent commitment of an in-ground installation. The main benefits are clear: you get a substantial, durable swimming area for a fraction of the cost, with the flexibility of seasonal setup and takedown. It turns a simple yard into a destination for kids’ parties, lazy weekend afternoons, and cool evening dips.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a family or individual with a reasonably level patch of yard, looking for a significant upgrade from smaller splash pools. They value the all-in-one-box convenience and are prepared for the basic, ongoing maintenance of water chemistry and cleaning. Conversely, this might not be suitable for those with severely sloped or small yards, or for individuals who want a completely maintenance-free, permanent landscape feature. For them, a professional in-ground installation or simply visiting a community pool might be a better path. For those looking for a quick and simple solution for very young children, a smaller inflatable pool might suffice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: It sounds obvious, but you must measure your space meticulously. A 14-foot diameter pool requires not just 14 feet, but an additional 2-3 feet of clearance on all sides for the support legs and for safe walking access. Ensure the ground is as level as possible; an unlevel setup puts uneven stress on the frame and liner, drastically shortening the pool’s lifespan.
• Capacity/Performance: Consider the water capacity—in this case, 3,357 gallons. This volume dictates the amount of chemicals you’ll need and the time it takes to heat naturally. The included pump’s performance, measured in gallons per hour (GPH), is critical. An underpowered pump will struggle to keep the water clean, leading to more work and chemical usage for you.
• Materials & Durability: Look for multi-ply liners, like the 3-ply ToughMesh on this Funsicle model. This provides crucial puncture resistance. The frame material is equally important. Powder-coated or galvanized steel poles, especially with a protective matte finish, offer the best defense against rust and corrosion, which is a constant threat with outdoor water products.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: An all-in-one kit is a huge advantage, but evaluate the quality of the included accessories. A good ladder, a functional pump, and a decent cover are essential. Understand that pool ownership involves regular tasks: testing water, adding chemicals, cleaning the filter, and skimming debris. A well-designed pool and pump system can make this a simple routine rather than a dreaded chore.

Making the right choice upfront ensures your backyard pool is a source of joy, not a constant headache. We found the features offered in the Funsicle 14′ x 42″ Oasis Round Frame Pool Set checked most of these boxes, prompting our deeper investigation.

While the Funsicle 14′ x 42″ Oasis Round Frame Pool Set 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:

First Impressions: Unboxing and Assembling the Funsicle Oasis

The arrival of the Funsicle 14′ x 42″ Oasis Round Frame Pool Set was an event in itself. The single, large box is hefty, a clear indicator of the substantial components inside. Upon opening, we were pleased to find everything neatly organized and accounted for—the cool gray liner, the collection of oval-shaped poles, the SkimmerPlus pump, ladder components, cover, ground cloth, and a maintenance kit. The first thing that stood out was the liner’s aesthetic. The gray exterior is modern and sophisticated, a welcome departure from the standard bright blue of many competitors. The interior honeycomb print adds a touch of designer flair that makes the water look inviting. The frame poles, featuring Funsicle’s “SmartConnect” design, felt robust with a smooth, matte finish designed to resist rust. Compared to older pool models we’ve wrestled with, the snap-together concept seemed promisingly straightforward. The sheer completeness of the kit was a major plus; having everything from the pump to the ground cloth included in one package makes the initial setup feel far less daunting. It immediately gave the impression of a well-thought-out product designed for user convenience, which you can see in its full feature set and user reviews.

A Deep Dive into the Funsicle Oasis Pool’s Performance and Features

An above-ground pool’s true value is revealed not on the box, but over the course of a long, hot summer. It’s in the daily use, the ease of maintenance, and its ability to withstand cannonballs, weather, and time. We put the Funsicle 14′ x 42″ Oasis Round Frame Pool Set through its paces, analyzing every component from the ground cloth up to see if the initial promise held up to real-world testing.

Assembly and Setup: A Refreshingly Simple Experience

The dreaded setup day for an above-ground pool can often be a test of patience, relationships, and one’s ability to decipher cryptic diagrams. We were, therefore, bracing for the worst but were genuinely surprised by the Funsicle’s SmartConnect technology. The oval-shaped poles are not only stronger than traditional round poles, but they also slide and click together with a satisfying certainty. There was no guesswork, no forcing parts that didn’t quite fit. We laid out the included ground cloth on our leveled patch of lawn, spread the liner, and began assembling the top ring. With two people, as one user also noted, the process was smooth and efficient. From unboxing to having the frame fully erected took us just under an hour. The most time-consuming part, as with any pool, is the filling. As the 3,357 gallons of water slowly rose, we were impressed by the frame’s stability. There was no unnerving bowing or shifting; the structure felt solid and secure. The instructions were clear, and every piece was present and well-made. This streamlined setup is a massive benefit, removing the biggest barrier to entry for many potential pool owners and getting you from box to swimming much faster than expected. The quality of the components makes the entire process feel like you’re building a durable piece of equipment, not a temporary toy, a feeling reinforced by its excellent construction and materials.

Durability and Construction: Built for Summer After Summer?

A pool liner is the heart of the system, and the Funsicle 14′ x 42″ Oasis Round Frame Pool Set uses a 3-ply ToughMesh material that immediately feels thick and substantial to the touch. It’s designed to resist punctures from sharp objects on the ground or enthusiastic play inside the pool. Throughout our testing period, which included plenty of jumping and splashing from kids and adults, the liner held up without any signs of stress. The corrosion-resistant matte finish on the steel poles is another critical feature. We observed how water beaded off the poles rather than sitting on them, a good sign for long-term rust prevention. One user reported experiencing leaks after two seasons of use, which raises a valid point about long-term longevity and warranty support. While our experience was flawless, it serves as a reminder that proper winterization and storage are crucial for extending the life of any above-ground pool. However, based on the initial build quality and material specifications, this pool feels more robust than many competitors in its price range. The sturdy base and solid, non-wobbly SureStep ladder further contribute to an overall sense of safety and durability that gives peace of mind when the family is enjoying the water.

The All-in-One Accessory Package: Hits and Misses

One of the biggest selling points of this package is its completeness, but not all accessories are created equal. Let’s break down the included gear. The star of the show is the SkimmerPlus SFX1000 filter pump. This clever 2-in-1 design integrates a skimmer directly into the filter housing, pulling leaves and floating debris off the surface before they can sink. It worked efficiently, keeping the water surface noticeably cleaner and reducing the need for manual skimming. The pump itself provided adequate circulation for the pool’s volume, keeping the water clear with proper chemical treatment. The included Type C filter cartridge is easy to access and clean. The SureStep ladder is another high point—it’s solid, stable, and feels much safer than the rickety A-frame ladders included with some other pool sets.

However, the package does have a couple of weak links, a sentiment echoed by multiple user reviews. The included pool cover is, to put it mildly, underwhelming. Its drawstring design is simply no match for even a moderate breeze, as one user comically described it, “flying off like it’s trying to escape summer.” We can confirm this; it’s a frustrating component that you’ll likely want to replace with a more secure, better-fitting aftermarket cover. Similarly, the “Deluxe” maintenance kit’s vacuum attachment proved ineffective. It relies on garden hose pressure and lacks any real suction power, making it useless for cleaning anything but the lightest silt. For proper cleaning, investing in a separate, more powerful pool vacuum is almost a necessity. While these accessories don’t spoil the overall value of the Funsicle 14′ x 42″ Oasis Round Frame Pool Set, buyers should budget for these likely upgrades.

Overall Experience and Capacity: Your Backyard Centerpiece

Once filled and running, this pool truly becomes an oasis. The 14-foot diameter and 42-inch depth create a perfect space for a family to cool off and play. Funsicle states it can accommodate up to 7 people, and we found that to be accurate. It’s large enough for several people to float on inflatables without constantly bumping into each other, offering a “plenty big enough” experience as noted by one happy owner. The 42-inch height is a great middle ground—deep enough for adults to comfortably submerge and swim, yet not so deep as to be overly intimidating for older children who are confident swimmers (with supervision, of course). The cool gray exterior blended beautifully with our backyard landscaping, looking more like a deliberate design choice than a temporary blue blob. The visual appeal combined with the ample space makes it a natural centerpiece for summer gatherings. It delivered on its core promise: to provide a fun, refreshing, and accessible swimming experience for the whole family, day after day.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience with the Funsicle 14′ x 42″ Oasis Round Frame Pool Set is largely mirrored in the feedback from other owners, though some common critiques provide a well-rounded picture. Many users praise the pool for its sturdiness, easy setup, and great value for the price. One reviewer highlighted that it had a “sturdy base,” a “thick and durable” liner, and a “solid” ladder with “no leaking, no pump problems.” This aligns perfectly with our assessment of the core components’ quality.

The most consistent complaints, which we also verified, target the included accessories. The pool cover’s tendency to fly off in the wind was a source of frustration for several people. Another common issue is the vacuum, with one user stating it “does not have any suction whatsoever” and recommending a separate purchase. The most concerning piece of feedback came from a user who experienced liner rips after two summers and had a poor experience with customer service just outside the one-year warranty. While our durability tests were positive, this highlights the importance of diligent maintenance and careful storage to maximize the pool’s lifespan. By looking at a wide range of feedback, it’s clear the pool itself is a winner, but buyers should be prepared to upgrade a couple of the accessories. You can read through more user experiences and check availability before making a final decision.

How Does the Funsicle Oasis Compare to the Alternatives?

While the Funsicle Oasis is a strong contender, the above-ground pool market has several key players. Understanding how it stacks up against popular alternatives can help you determine if it’s the absolute best fit for your specific needs and budget.

1. Bestway Steel Pro 10ft Round Pool with Filter Pump

The Bestway Steel Pro is a solid option for those with smaller yards or smaller budgets. Its 10-foot diameter and 30-inch depth make it significantly more compact than the Funsicle Oasis. This is ideal for toddlers and young children, or for couples who just want a small dipping pool to cool off in. While it also features a corrosion-resistant steel frame and includes a filter pump, its overall capacity and feature set are more limited. If space is your primary constraint or you’re looking for a starter pool for very young kids, the Bestway is a compelling choice. However, for families wanting more room to swim and float, the larger size and more robust build of the Funsicle 14′ x 42″ Oasis Round Frame Pool Set offers a far more versatile and accommodating experience.

2. Aquarian Phoenix 15′ Steel-Frame Pool Kit

The Aquarian Phoenix represents a step up in terms of semi-permanence and durability. It features a robust steel wall construction, which is more durable than a PVC liner-based system and is designed to be left up year-round. At 15 feet, it’s slightly larger than the Funsicle model. This pool is for the buyer who wants a more permanent backyard fixture without the full cost and excavation of an in-ground pool. The trade-off is a significantly more involved and permanent installation process. The Funsicle Oasis holds the advantage for those who prioritize seasonal setup, easier assembly, and the flexibility to reclaim their yard space in the off-season. It offers a comparable swimming experience in a much more user-friendly and less permanent package.

3. Intex Prism Frame 20ft Oval Pool Set

For those with large yards and a need for serious swimming space, the Intex Prism Frame 20ft x 10ft oval pool is a beast. Its oblong shape is perfect for swimming short laps, a feat not possible in a round pool. It also boasts a deeper 48-inch height and a much larger water capacity, supported by a more powerful 1,500 GPH filter pump. This is the choice for large families or those who plan to host frequent pool parties. The downside is the significantly larger footprint and higher cost. The Funsicle 14′ x 42″ Oasis Round Frame Pool Set strikes a fantastic balance, offering generous space for family fun without demanding the massive yard real estate and budget commitment of the larger Intex oval pool.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Funsicle 14′ x 42″ Oasis Round Frame Pool Set Worth It?

After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently recommend the Funsicle 14′ x 42″ Oasis Round Frame Pool Set. It delivers exceptional value by combining a straightforward assembly process, durable core components, and a stylish design that elevates the look of your backyard. The 14-foot size is the sweet spot for most families, providing ample room for splashing, floating, and cooling off without overwhelming the average yard. The liner is tough, the frame is sturdy, and the included SkimmerPlus pump is a genuinely effective and clever piece of engineering. While it’s not perfect—the flimsy cover and weak vacuum are definite drawbacks—these are relatively minor and affordable upgrades. The fundamental elements of the pool itself are excellent and built to provide seasons of reliable fun. If you’re ready to transform your hot, empty backyard into a hub of summer enjoyment for the whole family, this pool set is an outstanding choice that you won’t regret. You can check the latest price and order yours today to start creating those priceless summer memories.