Funsicle Oasis 18′ Rectangular Pool Set Review: Your Backyard Oasis or a Watery Woe?

There’s a universal dream that kicks in the moment the mercury starts to rise: the vision of a sparkling blue oasis right in your own backyard. It’s a vision of kids splashing joyfully, of lazy afternoons spent floating under the sun, and of escaping the oppressive summer heat without packing up the car. For years, this dream felt out of reach for many, relegated to the realm of expensive, landscape-altering in-ground installations. The logistical headaches and staggering costs were a barrier too high for most. We’ve been there, staring out at a perfectly good patch of grass, wishing it could be transformed into a hub of family fun. This is precisely the problem the Funsicle Oasis 18′ Rectangular Pool Set aims to solve, offering a grand-scale swimming experience without the permanent commitment and five-figure price tag. It promises to turn that patch of grass into the heart of your summer, a place for exercise, relaxation, and creating memories.

Key Considerations Before You Dive into an Above-Ground Pool Purchase

A framed swimming pool is more than just a seasonal toy; it’s a key solution for families seeking affordable and accessible aquatic fun. It bridges the gap between a small inflatable paddling pool and a permanent in-ground structure, providing a legitimate swimming experience for both adults and children. These pools are designed for homeowners who have the space but not necessarily the budget or desire for major construction. They offer the flexibility of being a semi-permanent summer feature that can be disassembled and stored in the off-season, preserving your yard’s versatility.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a long, hot summer with a family to entertain. It’s for the homeowner with a reasonably flat and spacious yard who is ready for a rewarding DIY project. If you’re looking for a pool large enough for actual swimming and hosting friends, this category is for you. However, it might not be suitable for those with severely sloped yards, limited space, or for renters with restrictions. Those seeking a simple, low-effort solution for toddlers might be better served by a smaller, non-framed inflatable pool, while those with an unlimited budget and a desire for a permanent landscape feature should still explore in-ground options.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The most critical factor is not just the pool’s footprint (18′ x 9′), but the total area required. You need several feet of clearance on all sides for the support legs and for safe access. Most importantly, the ground must be perfectly level. An unlevel foundation puts immense, uneven pressure on the frame and liner, which can lead to catastrophic failure.
• Capacity/Performance: This pool holds thousands of gallons of water and is rated for up to nine people. The 52-inch height provides a generous water depth, suitable for adults to cool off and kids to swim freely. The performance, however, is heavily dependent on the filtration system’s ability to circulate and clean this massive volume of water, a key point we’ll dissect later.
• Materials & Durability: Look for robust liner material and a sturdy frame. The Funsicle Oasis 18′ Rectangular Pool Set uses a 3-ply Toughmesh liner designed to resist punctures and a frame made of strong, oval-shaped metal poles. A quality finish on the metal is also essential to prevent rust and corrosion over multiple seasons.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: While setup is a one-time project, ongoing maintenance is a daily and weekly commitment. Consider the included filter pump’s effectiveness, the ease of changing filter cartridges, and the daily tasks of skimming debris and testing water chemistry. A complete set like this one gives you a head start, but understanding the long-term care requirements is vital for a clear and healthy pool.

While the Funsicle Oasis 18′ Rectangular 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:

Unboxing the Oasis: First Look and Assembly Experience

The arrival of the Funsicle Oasis 18′ Rectangular Pool Set is an event in itself. It comes delivered on a pallet, a testament to its size and substance. Unboxing it, we were immediately impressed by the feel of the components. The liner, featuring a stylish Dark Herringbone gray print, felt thick and substantial, a far cry from flimsy inflatable materials. The oval-shaped frame poles had a reassuring weight and a smooth, matte finish that Funsicle claims helps prevent scratches and corrosion. Everything was packed logically, and the instruction manual was surprisingly clear and easy to follow. We laid out all the parts on our pre-leveled ground cloth, and the sheer scale of the project became apparent—this is a serious pool. As confirmed by numerous user experiences, assembly is not a one-person job, nor is it a 30-minute task. With two of us working at a steady pace, we had the frame fully constructed and ready for the liner in just under three hours. The process is straightforward, involving snapping poles together and feeding them through the liner sleeves, but it requires patience and a bit of muscle. The first impression is that this is a well-thought-out kit that, despite its size, is designed for the competent DIYer. You can see the full list of included components online.

From Frame to Filtration: A Deep Dive into the Funsicle Oasis’s Performance

A pool is more than just its dimensions; it’s an ecosystem that requires a careful balance of structure, filtration, and usability. We spent weeks with the Funsicle Oasis 18′ Rectangular Pool Set, pushing it to its limits and scrutinizing every component. From the grueling setup process to the daily maintenance grind, we evaluated how it performs in the real world, where perfect conditions are rare and user-friendliness is paramount. Here’s our in-depth breakdown of what truly matters.

Assembly and Ground Preparation: The Foundation of Fun

Let us be unequivocally clear: the success or failure of your entire pool experience hinges on ground preparation. The instructions state this, users scream it in their reviews, and we are here to echo it with the force of a cannonball splash. The site for the Funsicle Oasis 18′ Rectangular Pool Set must be flawlessly level. We spent the better part of a day using a transit level, sand, and tampers to create a perfect pad, and we urge you to do the same. Being off by even half an inch, as one user noted, can cause the pool to lean, putting terrifying strain on the frame and liner. One of the most concerning user reports we found involved the side supports sinking into unprepared ground, causing the entire structure to become unlevel. To prevent this, we placed concrete pavers under each of the vertical supports to distribute the weight evenly.

Once the ground was prepped, the actual assembly was refreshingly logical. It took three of us just over two hours to snap together the frame and hang the liner. The poles connect with push-button locking pins, which feel secure along the straightaways. However, we did share the concern of one user who noted the corners don’t have the same locking mechanism and can feel like a potential weak point. As the pool fills, you’ll see the long 18-foot sides bow outwards. This is normal and expected, but it can be unnerving to watch. The bowing lessens as the pool reaches its full depth, but it never becomes perfectly straight. The fill time is a marathon, not a sprint. On our standard garden hose, it took just over 17 hours to fill, so plan accordingly. Overall, the assembly is achievable, but it’s a serious project that rewards meticulous preparation. Checking the setup requirements before purchase is highly recommended.

Durability and Design: Built to Last the Summer?

For an investment of this size, durability is paramount. Our hands-on experience with the materials of the Funsicle Oasis 18′ Rectangular Pool Set was largely positive. The 3-ply Toughmesh liner feels robust and capable of withstanding the bumps and scrapes of active family use. The Dark Herringbone print is a standout feature, lending an air of sophistication that elevates it far beyond the typical solid blue above-ground pool. It genuinely enhances the aesthetic of the backyard. The powder-coated, oval-shaped steel frame components fit together snugly and feel substantial. During our testing, with multiple adults and kids in the pool, the frame felt stable and secure, provided it’s on that all-important level ground.

However, the online user consensus reveals a more mixed picture that warrants caution. We encountered several distressing reports of liners developing micro-holes or leaks at the seams right out of the box. This suggests potential quality control inconsistencies. While our test unit was flawless, the sheer frustration of setting up a pool of this magnitude only to discover a leak would be immense. Another recurring concern is the bowing of the long sides. While some bowing is normal for this design, some users reported excessive bowing that made them nervous about the pool’s structural integrity. This again highlights the non-negotiable importance of a level base, as any unevenness will exacerbate this issue. The 1-year warranty on the pool, pump, and ladder provides some peace of mind, but the hassle of a warranty claim mid-summer is something everyone wants to avoid.

The Achilles’ Heel: The SFX1500 SkimmerPlus Pump & Aeration System

Here we arrive at the single most significant issue with the Funsicle Oasis 18′ Rectangular Pool Set. While including a pump in the box is a huge plus for convenience, the provided SFX1500 SkimmerPlus unit is, to put it bluntly, inadequate for a pool holding this much water (approximately 6,900 gallons). This sentiment was not just our finding; it was the most consistent piece of feedback from nearly every user. The pump struggles to create enough circulation to keep the entire 18-foot length of the pool clean. Debris tends to collect at the far end, away from the skimmer, requiring constant manual netting.

The 2-in-1 system combines a skimmer with a cartridge filter. The skimmer function is decent, but the pump’s flow rate is simply too low. To maintain water clarity, we had to run the pump for extended periods and clean the Type C cartridge filter almost daily, which is far more maintenance than should be required. The JetMaxx Aeration feature, which shoots a stream of water into the pool to introduce air, is a nice touch for improving water quality, but it’s a supplementary feature that cannot make up for a weak primary filter. We found ourselves, like many other owners, quickly researching upgrades. The overwhelming consensus is to switch to a sand filter pump, which offers vastly superior filtration power and lower maintenance. If you purchase this pool, we strongly advise factoring the cost of a new pump (typically $150-$250) into your total budget. It transforms the pool from a high-maintenance headache into a genuinely enjoyable oasis. The included pump is a starting point, but not a long-term solution.

The Full Package: Evaluating the Included Accessories

One of the main draws of a “set” is getting everything you need in one box, and the Funsicle Oasis 18′ Rectangular Pool Set delivers on that promise, albeit with varying degrees of quality. The included ground cloth is thin but serves its basic purpose of protecting the liner’s underside. The SureStep ladder is functional and gets the job done, but we agree with users who found it a bit wobbly, especially for larger adults. For families with small children or those placing the pool next to a deck, investing in a more solid set of stairs is a wise safety upgrade.

The most disappointing accessory was the pool cover. As one user from California vividly described, the thin material seemed to shrink and tear after just a day in the hot sun. Our experience was similar; it’s a flimsy cover that is difficult to secure and feels like an afterthought. A good-quality solar cover is a much better investment, as it will help heat the water and reduce evaporation while being far more durable. The deluxe maintenance kit, which includes a basic vacuum head (that connects to the filter pump) and a skimmer net, is a nice inclusion. It’s sufficient for light daily cleaning, but given the pump’s weakness, its vacuuming power is limited. Many owners, ourselves included, found that pairing the pool with a separate robotic pool cleaner was the ultimate solution for keeping the floor pristine.

What Other Users Are Saying

After compiling our own extensive testing notes, we turned to a wide range of user reviews to see how our experience compared to the broader public. The feedback is quite polarized, but clear patterns emerge. On the positive side, many users are thrilled with the sheer size and value. One owner was delighted that at 18 feet long, she could “actually do 6 breast strokes,” a feat impossible in most round above-ground pools. Others praised the straightforward instructions and the aesthetic appeal, calling it “beautiful” and “sturdy” once set up correctly. The sentiment that it’s a worthwhile investment for giving kids an outlet for their energy was a common theme.

However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and focuses on two key areas. First, as we discovered, the included pump is a universal point of contention. Phrases like “hot mess,” “too small,” and “a lot more maintenance required” are rampant. Nearly every satisfied long-term owner mentions upgrading the pump as a necessary step. The second major area of concern is quality control regarding the liner. We saw multiple heartbreaking stories of users who spent hours on leveling and assembly only to find their pool leaking from the seams on the very first fill. This, combined with reports of unsafe ladders and flimsy covers, paints a picture of a product with a fantastic core design that is let down by its supporting components.

How the Funsicle Oasis Stacks Up Against the Competition

The Funsicle Oasis 18′ Rectangular Pool Set doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The above-ground pool market is crowded, with several key players offering different sizes and shapes. To understand its place, we compared it to three popular alternatives.

1. Intex 7′ x 5′ x 23-5/8″ Rectangular Metal Frame Pool

Comparing this Intex pool to the Funsicle Oasis is like comparing a scooter to a family sedan. The Intex model is a fraction of the size, holding only 439 gallons of water. It’s an excellent choice for those with very limited space or for families who only need a small splash pool for toddlers. Its setup is incredibly simple, and its price is much lower. However, it offers no real swimming space for adults or older children. The Funsicle Oasis is in a completely different league, designed for full-family use and light athletic swimming. This Intex is a starter pool; the Funsicle is a backyard centerpiece.

2. Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15′ x 48″ Above Ground Pool

The Bestway Steel Pro MAX presents a more direct comparison in terms of capacity and target audience, but with one key difference: shape. This is a 15-foot round pool, which some people prefer for social gatherings as it lacks corners. However, for anyone interested in swimming laps or playing length-wise games like volleyball, the rectangular shape of the Funsicle Oasis is vastly superior. Another crucial distinction is that this specific Bestway model is sold as “Pool ONLY.” You would need to purchase a pump, ladder, cover, and ground cloth separately, which can significantly increase the total cost and complexity. The Funsicle’s all-in-one package offers better initial value and convenience.

3. Bestway Steel Pro 9′ 10″ x 6′ 7″ x 26″ Rectangular Above Ground Pool Set

This smaller Bestway set is perhaps the Funsicle’s most direct competitor, just scaled down. It offers the same benefits of a rectangular shape and an all-inclusive set with a filter pump. It’s an ideal choice for a family that wants the lap-swimming advantage of a rectangle but doesn’t have the 20+ feet of yard space that the Funsicle demands. Its 26-inch depth is also much shallower, making it more suited to younger children. If the Funsicle Oasis feels too massive or expensive for your needs, this Bestway Steel Pro model is a fantastic, more compact alternative that still delivers a complete pool experience.

The Final Splash: Is the Funsicle Oasis 18′ Rectangular Pool Set the Right Choice for You?

After weeks of testing, assembly, maintenance, and fun, our verdict on the Funsicle Oasis 18′ Rectangular Pool Set is one of qualified recommendation. The pool’s core—its generous size, sturdy frame, and attractive liner—is excellent. It delivers on the promise of a large, versatile backyard oasis that is perfect for swimming, playing, and relaxing with a large group of people. The rectangular shape is a genuine game-changer compared to the more common round pools in this category, offering a much more functional space for activity.

However, this recommendation comes with a significant caveat: you must be prepared to address the shortcomings of its accessories. The included SFX1500 SkimmerPlus pump is the pool’s Achilles’ heel and is simply not powerful enough for long-term, low-hassle maintenance. We believe an upgraded sand filter pump is not just a suggestion but a necessity for a truly positive ownership experience. Likewise, a more durable solar cover is a worthy immediate upgrade. If you are a handy individual, understand the critical importance of a level foundation, and are willing to budget for a better pump, then this pool represents outstanding value. It provides a near in-ground experience for a fraction of the cost. For those seeking a perfect, flawless system right out of the box, the required tweaks might lead to frustration. If you’re ready for a rewarding project and a summer full of fun, check the latest price and secure your Funsicle Oasis today.