Intex Rectangular Metal Frame Pool Review: Your Backyard’s Pink Ticket to Summer Fun?

There’s a specific kind of longing that hits around mid-July. The sun is relentless, the air is thick, and the neighborhood kids’ joyful shrieks from a distant pool feel like a personal taunt. For years, my family and I were stuck in the “no-pool zone”—our backyard is more of a generous patio, making a traditional in-ground or even a large above-ground pool an impossible dream. We cycled through a sad parade of inflatable kiddie pools that would inevitably fall victim to a sharp twig, an overzealous dog, or mysterious pinhole leaks, leaving us with a swampy patch of grass and crushed summer spirits. The problem was clear: we needed the refreshment of a pool without the massive footprint, the permanent commitment, or the five-figure price tag. We craved a durable, sturdy, yet compact solution that could transform our limited space into a genuine summer oasis. This is the exact dilemma the Intex Rectangular Metal Frame Pool promises to solve.

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 families and individuals looking to bring the joy of water-based recreation home without the extensive excavation and cost of a permanent installation. These pools bridge the gap between flimsy inflatable models and semi-permanent structures, offering a robust framework that supports a durable liner. This design provides superior stability, greater water depth, and a much longer lifespan than their air-filled cousins, making them a serious contender for anyone looking to create lasting summer memories. The primary benefit is accessibility—they deliver a legitimate swimming and lounging experience to countless backyards that couldn’t otherwise accommodate one.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing space or budget constraints. This includes families with young children who have outgrown the splash pad, couples or individuals with small patios or yards, and renters who can’t make permanent alterations to their property. It’s a fantastic “starter pool” for those new to pool ownership, allowing them to learn the ropes of water chemistry and maintenance on a manageable scale. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who want to swim laps, host large pool parties, or desire a permanent, integrated landscape feature. For those needs, a larger, deeper model or a professional installation would be a more appropriate, albeit much more expensive, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: It’s not just about the pool’s 7-foot by 5-foot dimensions. You must account for the A-frame legs that extend outwards, adding several inches to the total footprint on each side. We found it critical to measure our space precisely, ensuring a flat, level surface with at least a foot or two of clearance around the entire perimeter for safe access and setup. Never guess; always measure.
• Capacity & Performance: With a water capacity of 483 gallons and a depth of just under two feet, this pool is designed for splashing, playing, and lounging, not athletic swimming. It’s the perfect depth for young children (under supervision) to play safely and for adults to sit, relax, and cool off completely. Consider who will be using it most to determine if this capacity meets your family’s needs for summer fun.
• Materials & Durability: The backbone of the Intex Rectangular Metal Frame Pool is its powder-coated steel frame and its puncture-resistant 3-ply PVC liner. This combination is leagues ahead of single-layer vinyl inflatables. When we handled the liner, it felt thick and substantial, reassuring us that it could withstand the rigors of excited kids and repeated use throughout the season. Checking the quality of the frame’s T-joints and the liner’s seams is essential for long-term enjoyment, and you can explore its robust construction here.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: While setup is relatively straightforward, ongoing maintenance is the key to a healthy pool. A pool of this size requires more than just a garden hose. You must be prepared to manage water chemistry with chlorine and pH balancers, and a filter pump (sold separately) is non-negotiable for keeping the water clear, safe, and free of debris over time.

While the Intex Rectangular Metal 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:

First Impressions: A Splash of Pink and a Promise of Simplicity

The box arrived, and at around 30 pounds, it was manageable for one person to move into the backyard. Unboxing the Intex Rectangular Metal Frame Pool felt like opening a box of summer. The first thing that struck us was the color—a vibrant, cheerful pink that immediately set it apart from the sea of standard blue pools. It felt fun, intentional, and perfect for adding a pop of personality to our patio. All the components were neatly packed: the folded PVC liner, the steel frame poles, the innovative composite T-joints, and a small instruction manual. The liner material felt impressively tough and thick to the touch, a far cry from the flimsy vinyl of pools past. The powder-coated steel poles were lightweight yet felt solid. Intex claims a 30-minute setup time, and laying out all the pieces, it seemed plausible. It looked like a giant, straightforward puzzle, and we were eager to see if it lived up to its promise of a quick and easy path to backyard bliss. It felt like a significant upgrade, a product designed for seasons, not just weekends. You can see its full feature set and user photos to get a feel for its vibrant look.

Deep Dive: Putting the Intex Pool Through a Summer Gauntlet

A product’s true character is revealed not on the box, but through hours of real-world use. We spent weeks with the Intex Rectangular Metal Frame Pool, subjecting it to intense sun, enthusiastic splashing, and the full routine of pool maintenance. We analyzed its assembly process, its capacity for fun, its long-term durability, and the true cost of ownership. Here’s our detailed breakdown of how it performed.

Assembly and Setup: A 30-Minute Promise Put to the Test

Intex advertises a setup time of “approximately 30 minutes,” a claim we approached with healthy skepticism. For us, with two people working at a steady pace, the total time from unboxing to starting the hose was closer to 50 minutes. This is still impressively fast, but it’s not quite the sprint the box suggests. The process itself is intuitive. We started by laying a heavy-duty tarp (our own addition, and one we highly recommend) on our level concrete patio. As one user wisely warned, avoid using materials like wood chips to level your ground; they can create uncomfortable and potentially damaging pressure points on the liner. Once the liner was unfolded and oriented, we began constructing the frame. The innovative composite T-joints are a highlight; they snap onto the top rails easily and securely hold the vertical leg supports. The most challenging part, confirming what some users noted, was ensuring all the poles were perfectly aligned and seated. One user mentioned her husband had to help with some “tricky” poles, and we found a second set of hands was invaluable for holding one end of the frame steady while connecting the other. A solo setup is possible—one impressive user managed it while seven months pregnant—but it will likely take longer and require a few breaks. The most critical step, as emphasized in the manual and by experienced users, is to select your spot carefully *before* you begin. Once this pool has even a few inches of water in it, moving it is not an option without risking damage to the frame. Heed the user who lamented, “moving is a bummer. (I would know!)”. The design is brilliant for its simplicity, and the innovative T-joint system is a key reason for its sturdiness.

Size, Capacity, and Fun Factor: Who is This Pool Really For?

At 7 feet long, 5 feet wide, and just under 2 feet deep, this is definitively a “cooling off” pool, not a “swimming” pool. And in that role, it absolutely excels. The 483-gallon capacity creates a substantial body of water that feels much more significant than a kiddie pool. For our family, it was a game-changer. It was large enough for our two young children to splash, play with dive toys, and float in small rings with plenty of room to spare. This mirrors the experience of a user with three kids aged 7, 6, and 3, who found that “if everyone uses a small floatie they still have lots of room.” But the pool’s appeal isn’t limited to children. I’m 5’10”, and I could comfortably sit on the bottom with the water up to my chest, making it a perfect escape from the sweltering afternoon heat. Another user perfectly captured this adult-friendly aspect, noting it’s big enough for her “to float in a pool ring in while I sip my wine.” It became my go-to spot to decompress after a long day, just as it did for another owner who works in a hot commercial kitchen and called it the “perfect size for my patio and for me to cool off after work.” It’s the ideal aquatic accessory for creating a personal oasis, proving that you don’t need a massive pool to achieve pure summer relaxation.

Durability and Construction: Built to Last the Summer?

The single biggest advantage of a framed pool over an inflatable one is durability, and the Intex Rectangular Metal Frame Pool delivers on this front. The foundation of its strength is the 3-ply “Super Tough” PVC liner. Throughout our testing, it withstood cannonballs, toys being dragged across the bottom, and the general chaos of summer fun without a single sign of stress. As one relieved user put it, “Feels well made and I don’t worry about holes like I would in a different style pool.” The powder-coated steel frame provides the rigid structure that makes this possible. Once filled with water, the entire unit becomes incredibly stable. The legs are held securely by a band that runs around the base of the pool liner—a step one user accidentally missed but cleverly rectified with a ratchet strap. The frame showed no signs of bowing or flexing, even with water splashing over the sides. Intex also includes dual suction outlet fittings, which are designed to improve water circulation when a pump is connected. This thoughtful feature promotes better water hygiene and clarity. While we hope never to need it, the inclusion of a simple repair patch offers peace of mind for addressing minor punctures down the road, ensuring a small accident doesn’t end the season prematurely.

The Hidden Costs: What You *Really* Need to Get Started

This is arguably the most critical section for any potential buyer. The attractive initial price of the pool is just that—initial. To properly and safely operate the Intex Rectangular Metal Frame Pool for a season, you must budget for additional equipment. The most glaring omission, as cited by nearly every experienced user, is a filter pump. The pool comes with inlet and outlet fittings for a pump, but not the pump itself. One user was so frustrated they “almost returned it,” while another bluntly stated, “I will purchase a pump separately (not happy about it).” Without a pump, the nearly 500 gallons of water will quickly become stagnant, cloudy, and a breeding ground for algae and mosquitos. We purchased the recommended Intex C530 pump (around 530 GPH), which proved to be a vital investment. A crucial tip from a savvy user: ensure the pump you buy uses 1.5-inch hose fittings to match the pool’s ports. Beyond the pump, you’ll need a basic chemical starter kit including chlorine tablets and a floating dispenser, along with test strips to monitor pH and alkalinity. We also added a ground tarp for liner protection and a cover to keep out leaves and bugs—one resourceful user discovered a king-sized fitted sheet works perfectly. When you add it all up, as one user itemized, the final cost can easily be double the price of the pool alone. While the overall value is still excellent, it’s essential to go into this purchase with a clear understanding that the pool itself is the first step, not the last.

What Other Users Are Saying

After compiling our own findings, we dove into a wide array of user feedback to see how our experience stacked up. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with most users celebrating the pool as a fantastic value and the perfect solution for small spaces. One happy parent described it as an “Awesome pool! Super easy to set up, great size for 3 kids.” Another user, who created a personal retreat after becoming an empty nester, praised its affordability and role in improving her mental health, calling it her place to “enjoy the things I love the most whitch is gardening and the water.” The vibrant pink color is a frequent point of praise, with many calling it “cute” and a welcome change from the norm.

The most consistent point of criticism, however, revolves around the accessories, or lack thereof. The fact that the pool doesn’t come with a pump is the number one complaint. As one first-time pool owner noted, the instructions were “frustrating because it’s not clear what you need,” leading to the realization that a pump, liner, and attachments were all separate purchases. This feedback doesn’t detract from the quality of the pool itself, but it does highlight a gap in expectation management that buyers should be aware of.

How Does the Intex Rectangular Metal Frame Pool Compare to Alternatives?

The Intex Rectangular Metal Frame Pool carves out a specific niche, but it’s not the only player in the game. To give you a complete picture, we’ve compared it to three other popular models on the market, each catering to slightly different needs and spaces.

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

If you have the space and a slightly larger budget, the Bestway Steel Pro MAX is a massive step up in every sense. At 15 feet in diameter and 48 inches deep, it transitions from a “splashing” pool to a genuine “swimming” pool where older kids and adults can fully immerse themselves. This model is a complete set, including a filter pump, a ladder for easy access, and a pool cover. It’s the ideal choice for larger families or those who plan to host friends and want a more traditional above-ground pool experience. However, its significant footprint and water capacity demand a much larger, perfectly level area and more commitment to maintenance.

2. Bestway Steel Pro 10 Foot Round Pool Set

The Bestway Steel Pro 10-foot model represents a perfect middle ground. It’s larger and deeper than our pink Intex model, offering more room for play, but remains more manageable than the giant 15-foot version. Crucially, this Bestway pool comes as a set that includes the vital 330 GPH filter pump, providing better out-of-the-box value and saving you the hassle of a separate purchase. This is an excellent alternative for someone who finds the 7′ x 5′ Intex a bit too cozy but doesn’t have the real estate for a massive pool. It’s a strong contender for the “best all-arounder” in the compact category.

3. Intex 10ft x 30in Beachside Metal Frame Pool Set

For those loyal to the Intex brand but needing more space, this 10-foot round Beachside model is the logical upgrade. It boasts a larger 1,185-gallon capacity and a fun, beach-themed liner that kids will love. Like the Bestway competitor, it comes bundled with a 330 GPH cartridge filter pump, making it a complete, ready-to-go package. It provides the same reliable Intex construction and puncture-resistant material as its smaller rectangular sibling. This is the choice for families who need more room for multiple kids to play simultaneously and appreciate the value of an all-in-one kit.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Intex Rectangular Metal Frame Pool Worth It?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Intex Rectangular Metal Frame Pool is a phenomenal product for the right person. It’s a well-built, durable, and stylish solution that brings the joy of a backyard pool to even the most compact of spaces. Its true genius lies in its accessibility—it’s affordable, easy to assemble, and the perfect size for young children or adults looking for a personal spot to cool off and relax. The vibrant pink color is a delightful touch that turns a simple pool into a fun backyard feature.

Its only significant weakness is the lack of an included pump, which turns an otherwise perfect package into a multi-part shopping trip. However, when viewed as a “starter kit” for your backyard oasis, its value is undeniable. We wholeheartedly recommend it for anyone with a small yard or patio who has dreamed of a summer escape. If you’re ready to transform your space and beat the heat in style, you should absolutely check the latest price and get this fantastic pool for your family.