Funsicle Oasis Designer Oval Pool Set Review: The Ultimate Backyard Upgrade or a Summer Disappointment?

There’s a specific kind of oppressive heat that settles in during the peak of summer, turning even the most pleasant backyard into a place you’d rather view from an air-conditioned window. For years, my family and I dreamed of a pool, a crystalline oasis to break the monotony of the sweltering heat. The idea of a permanent, in-ground pool was a financial and logistical Everest we weren’t prepared to climb. Yet, the thought of another season spent running through a sprinkler felt like a compromise. We were caught in the middle: craving the full pool experience—lounging, splashing, exercising—without the five-figure price tag and backyard excavation. This annual dilemma is what sends thousands of families like ours on the hunt for the perfect above-ground pool, a quest that often leads to a dizzying array of blue vinyl circles and confusing pump specifications. We needed something that was more than a glorified wading pool but less than a permanent construction project; something stylish, sturdy, and, most importantly, attainable. That’s precisely the niche the Funsicle Oasis Designer Oval Pool Set aims to fill.

What to Know Before You Dive into Buying a Framed Swimming Pool

A framed swimming pool is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking your backyard’s potential during the warmer months. It represents a significant upgrade from inflatable options, offering superior durability, greater depth, and a much more authentic swimming experience. For a fraction of the cost of an in-ground installation, these pools provide a hub for family gatherings, a peaceful spot for solo relaxation, and a fun way for kids and adults alike to stay active. The primary benefit is accessibility—transforming a standard lawn into a summer getaway in a matter of hours, not weeks. They are semi-permanent structures that offer the best of both worlds: robust enough for a full season of fun, yet easily disassembled and stored when the weather turns.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the classic summer heat dilemma: families with children who have outgrown kiddie pools, couples seeking a private spot to cool off, or even individuals like seniors who want a manageable option for light exercise and relaxation. You need a reasonably level patch of ground and the willingness to perform basic weekly maintenance. On the other hand, a framed pool might not be suitable for those with severely sloped or small, restrictive yards. If you’re looking for a completely maintenance-free solution or a permanent, year-round water feature that adds to your property value, you might consider alternatives like a professionally installed hard-sided above-ground pool or a permanent in-ground structure, though these come at a substantially higher cost.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: It’s not just the pool’s water area you need to measure. You must account for the entire footprint, including the external support legs, which can add a foot or more on each side. The Funsicle Oasis Designer Oval Pool Set measures 13 feet long, but its full assembly requires a clear, level area of roughly 15 by 10 feet. Ensuring your ground is perfectly level is the single most important step for the longevity and safety of any framed pool.
• Capacity/Performance: The manufacturer’s “6 to 7 people” rating is optimistic. In our experience, this size is perfect for 3-4 adults to lounge comfortably or for a group of 4-5 children to splash and play without constantly bumping into each other. The 39.5-inch height provides a water depth of around 33-34 inches, which is ideal for cooling off and for older children to play safely, but not deep enough for diving.
• Materials & Durability: Look for multi-ply liners and coated steel frames. Funsicle uses a 3-ply Toughmesh material, a PVC and polyester blend designed to resist punctures. The frame poles are powder-coated with a matte finish, which not only looks sleek but is crucial for preventing the rust and corrosion that can plague lesser models, especially in humid or rainy climates.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: An all-in-one set like this is appealing because it includes the pump and ladder. However, you must consider the long-term commitment. This involves regular water testing, adding chemicals like chlorine, and cleaning or replacing the filter cartridge. While the initial setup is straightforward, ongoing maintenance is the key to clear, safe water all summer long.

While the Funsicle Oasis Designer Oval 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 and First Impressions: Style Meets Simplicity

The arrival of the Funsicle Oasis Designer Oval Pool Set was an event in itself. The single, large box is dense and heavy, a two-person lift, immediately suggesting that the components inside are substantial. Upon opening it, we were greeted with neatly organized parts—a pleasant surprise compared to the chaotic jumble we’ve seen with other pool sets. The star of the show, even when folded, is the liner. The Dark Herringbone print is genuinely striking. In a market saturated with uniform royal blue, this chic gray pattern feels modern and sophisticated, elevating the look of the entire backyard. As one user noted, it simply “looks better than any of the blue or light gray colors of other brands.” We have to agree; it blends beautifully with contemporary patio furniture and landscaping.

The frame consists of ultra-strong oval poles with a matte finish that feels durable to the touch. The included SFX600 SkimmerPlus filter pump, SureStep ladder, and a Type D filter cartridge complete the all-in-one package. While the ladder felt sturdy enough for its purpose, our initial impression of the pump was that it seemed quite small for a pool holding over 2,000 gallons of water—a thought that would be revisited during our in-depth testing. Overall, the first impression is one of quality and thoughtful design, promising a significant step up from entry-level pools and offering a premium aesthetic at an accessible price point.

Putting the Funsicle Oasis to the Test: A Comprehensive Breakdown

A pool’s worth is measured not just on the day it’s set up, but throughout the long, hot days of the season. We spent weeks with the Funsicle Oasis Designer Oval Pool Set, evaluating everything from the assembly process to the daily maintenance and overall swimming experience. We pushed it, tested it, and lived with it to find out if its performance matches its stylish good looks.

Assembly and Setup: An Afternoon’s Work, Not a Weekend’s Project

The dread of a complicated, multi-day assembly process keeps many from buying a framed pool. Funsicle has clearly worked to mitigate this fear. We found the setup to be remarkably straightforward, a sentiment echoed by many users who describe it as “very simple to set up.” After finding and preparing a perfectly level spot in the yard—a non-negotiable step for safety and stability—the process began. We laid out the liner under the sun for about 20 minutes to make it more pliable, which we highly recommend.

The frame assembly is intuitive. The oval-shaped poles slide together and lock into place with a satisfying click, leaving little room for error. The instructions are primarily visual, which worked well for us, and we had the frame fully constructed in about 30 minutes. Feeding the poles through the sleeves of the liner was the most tedious part, but not difficult. Once the frame was up and the liner was hanging, we began filling it with a few inches of water. This is a critical moment: get inside the pool (with clean, soft shoes or bare feet) and push out every single wrinkle on the floor, working from the center outwards. A wrinkle-free floor is more comfortable and helps ensure the liner wears evenly over time. From unboxing to starting the fill, the entire process took us just over an hour, perfectly aligning with user reports. For anyone who has wrestled with confusing instructions or ill-fitting parts on other products, this pool’s streamlined assembly is a major selling point.

Design, Durability, and Daily Use

Once filled, the Funsicle Oasis Designer Oval Pool Set truly comes into its own. The oval shape is a fantastic compromise between a round pool’s structural simplicity and a rectangular pool’s usability. At 13 feet long, it’s spacious enough for short laps, a feature you don’t get in a 13-foot round pool. It provides distinct “zones”—a shallow play area on the ends and a more open central space. The 39.5-inch wall height results in a water depth of about 34 inches, which is perfect for our testers. It’s deep enough for adults to submerge and cool off completely, yet shallow enough for older children (ages 6 and up, as recommended) to stand and play safely.

The 3-ply Toughmesh liner feels thick and resilient, giving us confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of family use. The steel frame, with its matte gray finish, is rock solid. We pushed on the sides and observed the supports, finding no unnerving flex or wobble. The SureStep ladder included in the kit is functional. It felt stable enough for kids and average-sized adults, though larger individuals might prefer a more substantial A-frame ladder. In daily use, the pool became the backyard’s focal point. Its designer look meant it never felt like an eyesore; instead, it complemented our outdoor space. The size proved to be a sweet spot: large enough for genuine fun and relaxation, but small enough to be manageable in terms of water and chemical costs, confirming the experience of one owner who bought it for herself and praised its easy maintenance.

The Achilles’ Heel: Filtration and Water Clarity

If the Funsicle Oasis Designer Oval Pool Set has one significant flaw, it is, without a doubt, its filtration system. This was a point of concern for us from the moment we unboxed the small SFX600 SkimmerPlus pump, and our testing confirmed our suspicions. The system is a clever idea in theory: a combination skimmer and filter pump that hangs on the side of the pool, pulling in surface debris while circulating water through a small Type D cartridge. The JetMaxx Aeration feature is a nice touch, creating bubbles that are supposed to help with water oxygenation.

In practice, however, the system is fundamentally underpowered for the pool’s 2,221-gallon capacity. The 600 gallon-per-hour (GPH) flow rate is simply not enough to effectively turn over the water and filter out fine particles. We found ourselves, like one user, battling water that “got a little green at first.” To keep the water clear, we had to run the pump for extended periods (10+ hours a day) and be extremely diligent with chemical treatments and manual skimming. Furthermore, we experienced the exact issue highlighted by another critical reviewer: the skimmer housing, which is supported only by the liner, can be heavy when full of water and prone to leaking. We noticed a slow drip from the seal, and we can easily see how this could become a more significant issue over time. It’s no surprise that experienced pool owners in the user reviews mention upgrading to a sand filter or a more robust aftermarket skimmer. While the included pump will get you started, anyone serious about easy maintenance and consistently crystal-clear water should consider factoring in the cost of a filtration upgrade when purchasing this pool.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, feedback from other owners paints a remarkably consistent picture that aligns with our own findings. The overwhelming majority of positive comments center on the pool’s stunning appearance and its simple setup. Users repeatedly praise the charcoal herringbone design, calling it “attractive” and a welcome departure from standard blue pools. The ease of assembly is another frequently mentioned highlight, with many expressing surprise at being able to go from box to swimming in just a couple of hours.

However, the praise is almost always followed by a significant caveat regarding the filtration system. It’s the most common point of criticism, with users stating it “needs a little improvement” or calling the tiny skimmer “crazy” for the amount of water it’s meant to handle. One detailed review, which we found particularly insightful, documented the user’s decision to replace the stock skimmer with a Hayward model and build a support platform, ultimately solving the leaking and stability issues. This shared experience confirms that while the pool itself is a fantastic structure, the included pump is its weakest link, forcing owners to either become hyper-vigilant with chemical treatments or invest in better equipment.

How Does the Funsicle Oasis Compare to the Competition?

The above-ground pool market is crowded, but the Funsicle Oasis carves out a unique space. To understand its value, it’s essential to see how it stacks up against some of the other popular options available.

1. Bestway Steel Pro 10′ x 30″ Above Ground Pool Set

The Bestway Steel Pro is a solid entry-level option, but it plays in a different league. It’s smaller, shallower, and simpler in every respect. With a 10-foot round diameter and 30-inch height, it’s best suited for very small yards or for younger children. Its pump is even less powerful (330 GPH), but more appropriately matched to its smaller water volume. If your budget is extremely tight, your space is limited, or you’re just dipping your toes into pool ownership for the first time, the Bestway is a logical choice. However, for those seeking more space, depth, and a much more premium look, the Funsicle Oasis is a significant and worthwhile upgrade.

2. Aquarian Phoenix Steel-Frame 15′ Pool Kit

The Aquarian Phoenix represents a step towards a more permanent, heavy-duty setup. This is a traditional steel-walled above-ground pool, offering superior rigidity and longevity compared to any tube-frame pool. At 15 feet round, it’s larger and often deeper. However, the installation is a major project, requiring extensive ground preparation (including sand) and a full day’s work for multiple people. The Aquarian Phoenix is for the homeowner who wants a pool that will last for many seasons and is willing to invest the significant time and effort required for a semi-permanent installation. The Funsicle Oasis, in contrast, is for someone who values seasonal convenience, style, and a setup that can be completed in an afternoon.

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

The Intex Prism Frame Oval is perhaps the most direct competitor to the Funsicle Oasis, essentially being its bigger, more robust sibling. At 20 feet long and 48 inches deep, it offers substantially more swimming space and depth. Crucially, it comes with a much more powerful 1,500 GPH cartridge filter pump, addressing the main weakness of the Funsicle model. It also includes a pool cover and ground cloth, making it a more complete package out of the box. The choice here comes down to space and budget. If you have a larger yard and a higher budget, the Intex is a fantastic option that provides a more expansive experience. If your space or budget is more modest, the Funsicle Oasis delivers a similar premium oval experience in a more compact and affordable package.

The Final Splash: Is the Funsicle Oasis Designer Oval Pool Set Right for You?

After extensive testing, our verdict on the Funsicle Oasis Designer Oval Pool Set is clear: it is a fantastic pool with a flawed accessory. The core product—the liner, the frame, and the overall design—is exceptional for its price point. It’s stylish, durable, and the oval shape provides a surprisingly spacious and versatile swimming experience. The setup is a dream, transforming a patch of grass into a chic backyard resort in about an hour.

However, the underpowered SFX600 SkimmerPlus filter pump cannot be ignored. It holds the product back from being a perfect, unqualified recommendation. For this pool to truly shine and be low-maintenance, it needs a more powerful filter. Our recommendation is therefore conditional. If you are a first-time pool owner who values aesthetics and ease of setup above all else, and you are willing to either be extremely diligent with water chemistry or budget for a pump upgrade in the near future, then this pool is an outstanding choice. It delivers an experience and a look that punches well above its weight class. For those prepared for the one significant caveat, the Funsicle Oasis Designer Oval Pool Set offers an unbeatable combination of style, function, and summer fun.