Intex Ultra XTR 24ft x 12ft x 52in Pool Set Review: Your Backyard Oasis Examined

There’s a moment every summer, usually in the thick humidity of a July afternoon, when the dream of a backyard pool feels less like a luxury and more like a necessity. We’ve all been there: the kids are restless, the air conditioner is working overtime, and the local public pool feels more like a crowded human soup than a refreshing escape. The fantasy of stepping out your back door and plunging into cool, clear water is powerful. But for most of us, the staggering cost and permanent commitment of an in-ground pool is an immediate deal-breaker. This is the exact predicament that leads countless families, including ourselves, down the path of researching above-ground pools. The challenge isn’t just finding a pool; it’s finding one that is large enough for the whole family, durable enough to last for years, and includes a filtration system that won’t become a constant, costly headache. It’s a search for a true backyard oasis, not a flimsy, temporary puddle.

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 season-long hub of family fun, relaxation, and exercise right in your own backyard. It bridges the gap between inflatable splash pads and permanent in-ground installations, offering a substantial and durable swimming experience without the massive excavation and expense. The main benefits are clear: you get a large body of water for a fraction of the cost, the installation is a non-permanent project you can tackle yourself, and modern designs offer surprising longevity and stability. When you invest in a quality set like the Intex Ultra XTR 24ft x 12ft x 52in Pool Set, you’re not just buying a pool; you’re investing in countless memories, a way to beat the heat, and a legitimate reason for your kids and their friends to want to hang out at home.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner with a reasonably flat, spacious backyard who is ready to commit to a summer-long feature. This is for the family that has outgrown smaller inflatable pools and wants a genuine swimming experience for multiple people at once. It’s for someone who is willing to undertake a significant, but manageable, DIY project and perform regular maintenance to keep the water sparkling. Conversely, this might not be suitable for those with very small, sloped, or uneven yards where proper ground preparation is impossible. It’s also not for renters or individuals looking for a setup they can put up and take down in a single afternoon. For those with limited space or a smaller budget, a more compact option like a 10-foot round pool might be a better starting point.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A 24ft by 12ft pool is a significant footprint. You must measure your yard not just for the pool itself, but for the external frame supports which extend out several feet on all sides. You also need clear, level ground with at least 3-5 feet of walking and access space around the entire perimeter for safety and maintenance. The single most important step for a successful installation is ensuring the ground is perfectly level before you begin.
• Capacity/Performance: This pool holds over 8,400 gallons of water. This large volume provides a fantastic swimming experience but also requires a powerful filter to keep it clean. The included Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump is a major performance advantage, as it’s more effective and lower maintenance than the cartridge filters often included with smaller pools. Be prepared for a long initial fill time; as one user noted, filling from a standard garden hose can easily take overnight or longer.
• Materials & Durability: Look for high-quality, rust-resistant materials. The Intex Ultra XTR 24ft x 12ft x 52in Pool Set uses galvanized steel with a powder-coated finish for its frame, which is essential for longevity. The liner should be a multi-ply, puncture-resistant PVC. The strength of the T-Joints and the locking mechanism are what provide the pool’s structural integrity, so a robust, precision-engineered system is non-negotiable for a pool of this size.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: No pool of this size is “easy” to set up, but systems that snap together without extra tools are a significant plus. For maintenance, a sand filter simplifies things greatly. Instead of constantly buying and replacing paper cartridges, you’ll simply backwash the filter every week or two—a process that reverses the water flow to clean the sand—and the sand itself only needs to be replaced every 3-5 years.

While the Intex Ultra XTR 24ft x 12ft x 52in 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 a Summer of Fun

The arrival of the Intex Ultra XTR 24ft x 12ft x 52in Pool Set is an event in itself. It arrives in several large, very heavy boxes that immediately convey the substantial nature of the product. This is not a toy. Unboxing it reveals a neatly organized collection of gray, powder-coated steel poles, a massive, folded-up PVC liner, and the formidable Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump. Our initial feeling was one of slight intimidation mixed with excitement. The sheer quantity of parts can seem daunting, but laying them all out on the lawn reveals a logical system. The steel beams feel incredibly sturdy and the liner is thick and heavy, inspiring confidence in its durability. It’s immediately clear that this is a serious piece of equipment designed to last. The inclusion of not just the essentials like the ladder and ground cloth, but also bonus items like two floating recliners and a beverage cooler, was a fantastic touch. It makes the package feel complete, like a true all-in-one solution for immediate backyard enjoyment.

A Deep Dive into the Intex Ultra XTR Experience

After spending considerable time with this pool, from the initial setup to daily use and maintenance, we can say with confidence that it represents the peak of the framed, above-ground pool market. It successfully blurs the line between a temporary summer fixture and a semi-permanent backyard centerpiece. Its performance isn’t just about holding water; it’s about the quality of the entire experience, from the structural integrity to the clarity of the water. Let’s break down the core components that make this pool a standout choice.

The Foundation: Frame Strength and Liner Durability

The “Ultra XTR” in the name isn’t just marketing jargon; it signifies Intex’s highest-tier construction. The foundation of the Intex Ultra XTR 24ft x 12ft x 52in Pool Set is its uniquely designed frame, and we found it to be exceptionally robust. The high-quality galvanized steel beams are powder-coated inside and out, providing excellent rust resistance—a critical feature for an item that lives outdoors and holds chemically treated water. What truly impressed us was the precision-engineered locking system. Each piece snaps together with a satisfying and secure click, eliminating the need for fumbling with locking pins or extra tools. This creates an incredibly rigid structure. The T-Joints, which bear a significant amount of stress, are engineered for high strength and infused with a UV inhibitor, preventing them from becoming brittle in the sun over time. This is a level of detail that speaks to the product’s intended longevity.

Once filled with 8,403 gallons of water, the immense pressure is distributed evenly across this frame, and the pool feels rock-solid. There’s no unnerving bowing or wobbling. Complementing the frame is the Super-Tough, 3-ply PVC liner. It feels noticeably thicker and more substantial than liners from entry-level pools. The material is designed to resist punctures from everyday use, though caution should still be exercised. The inner layers provide strength and the outer layers resist sun and chemical damage. The peace of mind that comes from knowing this core structure is built to last for many seasons is perhaps the single greatest benefit of investing in the XTR line.

The Heart of the System: The Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump

If the frame is the foundation, the pump is the heart, and the included Krystal Clear Sand Filter is a powerful one. For anyone who has struggled with the undersized, inefficient cartridge filters that come with most above-ground pools, this system is a revelation. A sand filter offers superior filtration, capturing smaller particles and debris to keep the water sparklingly clear. The real-world advantage is immense. We found the water quality far easier to maintain in this large pool than in smaller pools with lesser filters. The pump has a flow rate that is properly matched to the pool’s volume, ensuring all the water is circulated and filtered effectively within a reasonable time frame each day.

The 6-function control valve is another pro-level feature. It allows you to easily switch between filtering, backwashing, rinsing, recirculating, draining, and closing the system. Backwashing, the process of cleaning the filter media, is simple and takes just a few minutes every week or two. This is a massive improvement over the tedious and costly process of removing, hosing down, and frequently replacing paper filter cartridges. The long-term cost savings are significant, as the filter sand only needs to be replaced once every 3-5 years. The power and efficiency of this pump are what elevate the Intex Ultra XTR 24ft x 12ft x 52in Pool Set from just a pool to a complete, low-hassle aquatic system. It’s a feature that really sets it apart and justifies a large part of its price.

The Assembly Experience: A Test of Patience and Teamwork

Let’s be perfectly clear: setting up this pool is a project. The user reviews we consulted, and our own experience, confirm this. One user noted, “Set up sucked took 3 of us almost 6 hours,” while another hired help, stating, “it took 2 people about 3 hours to set it up to the point I could start adding water.” Our experience fell squarely in this range. This is a weekend job, not an afternoon task, and it absolutely requires at least two, preferably three, able-bodied adults. The single most crucial, time-consuming, and non-negotiable step is ground preparation. Your site must be perfectly level. A variance of even an inch from one side to the other will put immense, uneven stress on the frame and liner once filled. We spent several hours leveling our chosen spot before even unboxing the pool.

Once the ground is prepped, the actual assembly is straightforward, albeit physically demanding. You lay out the ground cloth, assemble the bottom frame rails, attach the vertical supports, and then, with a team effort, lift and secure the liner. The snap-together frame design is a blessing here, as it simplifies the connection process. The instructions are primarily visual and generally easy to follow. After the structure is up and the liner is smoothed out, you can begin filling. Watching the pool slowly take its final, impressive shape over many hours is deeply rewarding. While the setup is undeniably a chore, it’s a one-time investment of effort for a full season of enjoyment. The quality of the final product makes the hard work worthwhile.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general consensus among users mirrors our own findings: the Intex Ultra XTR 24ft x 12ft x 52in Pool Set is a high-quality product with a challenging setup. Many, like the user who said it’s a “nice good quality pool” once it’s up, feel the end result justifies the initial labor. The sentiment is that you are getting a durable, robust structure that provides a premium swimming experience.

A recurring point of constructive criticism, which we also observed, centers on the included ladder. As one reviewer candidly put it, “The ladder that come with it is not that sturdy for me, for kids it is fine, but I am heaver person.” This is a fair assessment. While the ladder is functional and meets safety standards, it can feel a bit wobbly for adults over 200 pounds. Many users, like the one quoted, opt to either buy a sturdier A-frame ladder or build a small deck to create a more stable entry point. This is a relatively minor issue in the grand scheme of the entire package, but it’s a common observation worth noting for potential buyers.

How Does the Intex Ultra XTR 24ft x 12ft x 52in Pool Set Compare to Alternatives?

While we believe this Intex model is a top contender, it’s important to see how it fits within the broader market. Different needs and budgets call for different solutions. Here’s a look at how it compares to three other popular options.

1. Bestway Steel Pro 10 Foot Round Pool Set

This pool from Bestway exists in a completely different category. It’s an excellent choice for those with a very small yard, a tight budget, or who are just dipping their toes into pool ownership for the first time. At 10 feet round and only 30 inches deep, it’s primarily a “splash and cool off” pool for young children and a couple of adults. Its setup is far simpler and quicker. However, it cannot compare to the Intex Ultra XTR 24ft x 12ft x 52in Pool Set in terms of swimming space, depth, durability, or filtration. The Bestway uses a small cartridge filter that requires frequent cleaning and replacement. If you’re looking for a true swimming experience for the whole family, the Intex is the vastly superior choice.

2. Aquarian Phoenix 15′ Steel-Frame Pool Kit w/ Pump & Leaf Skimmer

The Aquarian Phoenix represents a more traditional, semi-permanent above-ground pool. With its steel wall construction, it’s designed to be a fixture in your yard for many years, often staying up through the winter (with proper winterization). Its 15-foot round shape offers a good amount of space, but the rectangular shape of the Intex is often better for swimming laps. The installation of a steel-walled pool is typically more complex and permanent than the Intex’s frame system. The Aquarian is for someone who wants the classic look and permanence of a hard-sided pool, while the Intex Ultra XTR 24ft x 12ft x 52in Pool Set offers greater size and a more approachable, though still involved, seasonal setup.

3. Intex Prism Frame 20ft x 10ft Oval Pool Set

This is a direct competitor from Intex’s own lineup and serves as a good “step-down” option. It’s slightly smaller (20ft x 10ft vs 24ft x 12ft) and shallower (48in vs 52in). The most significant difference is the frame series and the pump. The Prism Frame is a solid, durable system, but the Ultra XTR frame is a tier above in terms of steel gauge and engineering. Crucially, this Prism set comes with a 1500 GPH cartridge filter pump. While a capable unit, it doesn’t offer the same filtration power or low-maintenance benefits as the sand filter included with our review model. The Prism Frame is an excellent pool, but the Intex Ultra XTR 24ft x 12ft x 52in Pool Set is worth the upgrade for its larger size, more robust frame, and far superior filtration system.

The Final Verdict: Is the Intex Ultra XTR 24ft x 12ft x 52in Pool Set Worth It?

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is a resounding yes. The Intex Ultra XTR 24ft x 12ft x 52in Pool Set is a premium product that delivers on its promise of a high-quality, backyard swimming experience. It is a substantial investment, not just in price but in the time and effort required for a proper setup. This is not a purchase to be made lightly. However, for the homeowner with adequate space and a desire for a durable, family-sized pool that will last for many summers, it offers exceptional value. The combination of the incredibly strong Ultra XTR frame, the thick 3-ply liner, and the outstanding Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump creates a package that outperforms nearly everything else in the framed pool category.

We recommend this pool to families who are ready to upgrade from smaller, temporary pools and want a true centerpiece for their summer activities. The initial setup is a hurdle, but the payoff is a season full of refreshment, fun, and lasting memories. If you’re ready to transform your backyard into the ultimate summer destination, we highly encourage you to check the latest price and see its full feature set.