Intex Ultra XTR Above Ground Swimming Pool Set Review: Your Backyard Oasis or a Maintenance Headache?

I remember one particularly brutal August. The air was thick enough to swim through, the sun relentless, and the local community pool was a chaotic symphony of splashing and shouting. My family and I dreamed of having our own private escape, a cool, crystalline body of water just steps from our back door. But the thought of an in-ground pool—the astronomical cost, the torn-up yard, the permanent commitment—always felt like a distant fantasy. For years, we dismissed the idea, resigning ourselves to oscillating fans and trips to the overcrowded public pool. This is a story familiar to many: the desire for a premium swimming experience without the premium price tag and hassle of major construction. The search for that perfect middle ground, a solution that offers size, durability, and luxury, is what leads many of us to explore the world of high-end, above-ground pools.

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 transforming your backyard into a personal resort. It represents an investment in family time, fitness, and relief from the summer heat. Unlike flimsy inflatable pools, a quality framed pool offers a semi-permanent structure with the depth and space for actual swimming, lounging, and playing. The main benefits are clear: you get a pool experience that rivals many in-ground options for a fraction of the cost, with the added flexibility of being able to disassemble it if you move. It’s about achieving a lifestyle upgrade without the financial and logistical burdens of traditional pool ownership.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a reasonably large, flat backyard, a DIY spirit, and a desire for a substantial swimming area for their family. It’s for the homeowner who wants to host pool parties, teach their kids to swim, or simply float peacefully on a Saturday afternoon. However, it might not be suitable for those with very small or steeply sloped yards, or for individuals who are unwilling to undertake the necessary ground preparation and ongoing maintenance. For those with limited space or a smaller budget, a more compact model like a 10 or 12-foot round pool might be a better starting point. For those seeking a truly permanent, year-round fixture, investing in a traditional in-ground or semi-in-ground pool might be the ultimate goal.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: This is non-negotiable. You must measure your available space meticulously. Remember to account for not just the pool’s footprint (32ft x 16ft in this case), but also an additional 3-5 feet of clearance on all sides for the support legs and for walking around the pool safely. A level surface is absolutely critical; attempting to install a pool of this size on uneven ground is a recipe for disaster, potentially leading to frame stress and liner failure.
• Capacity/Performance: Consider the water volume and the power of the included pump. The Intex Ultra XTR Above Ground Swimming Pool Set comes with a powerful sand filter pump and saltwater system, designed to handle its large capacity. Cheaper pools often come with undersized cartridge filters that struggle to keep the water clean, leading to constant filter changes and frustration. The performance of your filtration system directly impacts water clarity and safety.
• Materials & Durability: Look closely at the frame and liner materials. This model uses powder-coated, galvanized alloy steel for its frame to resist rust and a triple-ply, puncture-resistant PVC liner. These are premium materials designed for longevity. Cheaper alternatives may use thinner steel or a single-ply liner, which are far more susceptible to damage from the elements or accidental punctures.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: An all-inclusive set can save significant time and money. This package includes the pump, saltwater system, ladder, ground cloth, and cover. A major consideration here is the saltwater system, which dramatically reduces the need for traditional chlorine, simplifying daily maintenance and creating a more pleasant swimming experience. Be prepared for the long-term care, including water testing, vacuuming, and proper winterization if you live in a cold climate.

While the Intex Ultra XTR Above Ground Swimming 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 Backyard Giant

The delivery of the Intex Ultra XTR Above Ground Swimming Pool Set is an event in itself. It arrives on a pallet in several large, heavy boxes, immediately signaling that this is a serious piece of equipment. Unboxing everything felt like preparing for a major construction project. The sheer weight and thickness of the gray PVC liner were our first clues to its quality—it felt tough, substantial, and far superior to liners we’ve handled on smaller, cheaper pools. The alloy steel frame components were equally impressive; each piece was finished with a smooth, gray powder coating, and the T-joints and locking mechanisms felt robust and precisely engineered. Compared to entry-level pools, there’s no contest in build quality. This set is clearly designed to be a long-lasting summer fixture. The inclusion of the hefty sand filter pump and the Krystal Clear Saltwater System in the box confirms its status as a complete, premium package, promising a higher-end experience from the outset. You can explore the full all-inclusive package details here.

A Deep Dive into the Intex Ultra XTR’s Performance

After weeks of hands-on testing, from assembly to daily use, we’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of what makes the Intex Ultra XTR Above Ground Swimming Pool Set tick. This isn’t just a pool; it’s a complete backyard aquatic system. Its performance hinges on three core pillars: the structural integrity of its frame and liner, the efficiency of its water management system, and the overall assembly and user experience. We found it to be an exceptional product, though not without its specific requirements and considerations.

The Foundation: Frame Construction and Liner Durability

The backbone of this pool is its “Ultra XTR” frame. Made from high-strength, galvanized steel, every beam and joint is then powder-coated inside and out, providing a formidable defense against rust. During assembly, we were impressed by how snugly the components fit together using Intex’s “Easy Lock System.” There was no forcing or bending required; the pieces slid together and snapped into place with reassuring clicks. Once filled, the frame exhibits immense strength, holding back tens of thousands of pounds of water without any noticeable bowing or flexing. The rectangular shape, supported by the U-shaped side supports, distributes this pressure evenly.

The 3-ply PVC liner is equally rugged. It feels thick and durable to the touch, designed to resist punctures from everyday use. The interior print adds a nice aesthetic, mimicking the look of mosaic tile. However, it’s crucial to address the durability question raised by some users. We encountered a report of the frame buckling under the immense pressure of 30 days of non-stop rain after being winterized. This highlights a critical point: while the Intex Ultra XTR Above Ground Swimming Pool Set is built for intense summer use, leaving it up year-round in climates with extreme weather (heavy snow loads, prolonged torrential rain) carries inherent risks for any above-ground structure. We recommend that users in such areas either follow disassembly instructions for the off-season or take extra precautions to manage water levels and snow load on the cover to prevent catastrophic pressure build-up. For standard seasonal use, we found its construction to be exceptionally robust.

The Heart of the Pool: Sand Filter & Krystal Clear Saltwater System

This is where the Intex Ultra XTR Above Ground Swimming Pool Set truly distances itself from the competition. The included SF60110-2 Sand Filter Pump combined with the Krystal Clear Saltwater System is a game-changer. For a pool of this magnitude (over 14,000 gallons), a standard cartridge filter would be a maintenance nightmare. The sand filter, by contrast, requires far less attention. The sand only needs to be replaced every 3-5 years, and routine cleaning is a simple matter of a 5-minute backwash process every week or two. The filtration power is outstanding; it effortlessly kept our water free of fine debris, resulting in sparkling clarity day after day.

The saltwater system is the jewel in the crown. Instead of constantly buying, handling, and adding buckets of chlorine, you simply add pool-grade salt to the water at the beginning of the season. The saltwater system’s electrolysis cell then converts the salt into a natural, self-regulating stream of chlorine. The result is silky-soft water that doesn’t cause the red eyes, itchy skin, or faded swimsuits associated with traditional chlorine pools. The control panel is intuitive, allowing you to set a run timer and a “boost” function for after heavy use. This combined system not only provides a superior swimming experience but also represents a significant long-term cost saving on chemicals. This feature alone makes it a feature that really sets it apart from other sets on the market.

The Assembly Experience: From Box to Backyard Oasis

Let’s be clear: setting up a 32-foot pool is a major undertaking, but Intex has streamlined the process as much as possible. We cannot overstate the importance of site preparation. We spent the better part of a day ensuring our chosen spot was perfectly level, compacted, and free of any sharp objects. Do not skip this step. Once the site was prepped, we laid out the included ground cloth.

The assembly itself is a two-to-three-person job that took us about two hours, not including filling time. The instructions are primarily visual, which is mostly effective, but we recommend watching a few online video tutorials beforehand to get a clear mental picture of the process. The “Easy Lock System” works as advertised, making the frame construction surprisingly quick. Sliding the beams into the liner sleeves is the most labor-intensive part, requiring careful alignment and a bit of muscle. Once the frame is up and the liner is situated, the filling process begins. It took over 24 hours to fill the pool with a standard garden hose. As it fills, it’s crucial to watch for wrinkles on the bottom and smooth them out while there’s still only a few inches of water. While it’s a project, the final result of a massive, beautiful pool makes the effort worthwhile. For those ready to undertake the project, you can check the latest price and availability.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience with the build quality and features is echoed by many owners. However, it’s important to consider the full spectrum of user feedback. The most significant point of concern comes from a user who experienced a catastrophic failure. They reported, “When it rained nonstop for 30 days, my pool collapsed… The metal legs buckled.” They also noted a frustrating experience with customer service, stating, “Intex said I should not have left it out year-round… Why have winterizing instructions If it’s not supposed to be left out year-round.” This is a critical data point for potential buyers in regions with severe weather. It suggests a potential weak point when the structure is subjected to prolonged, extraordinary environmental stress, and it raises valid questions about the clarity of year-round usage guidelines. While many users have successfully winterized their pools for years without issue, this experience serves as a stark reminder that these are not indestructible structures and require diligent oversight, especially during the off-season.

How Does the Intex Ultra XTR Compare to the Alternatives?

While the Intex Ultra XTR Above Ground Swimming Pool Set is a titan in its class, it’s not the right fit for every backyard or budget. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular alternatives.

1. Bestway Steel Pro 10 Foot Round Above Ground Pool Set

This Bestway pool operates in a completely different league. At just 10 feet round and 30 inches deep, it’s designed for small yards, young children, and buyers on a tight budget. It’s a fantastic entry-level option for simply splashing and cooling off. However, it cannot be compared to the Intex Ultra XTR in terms of swimming space, depth, durability, or features. It uses a basic cartridge filter pump that requires frequent cleaning and replacement, and its frame is significantly lighter. This is the perfect choice for someone testing the waters of pool ownership, but for those wanting a real swimming experience, the Intex is vastly superior.

2. Aquarian Phoenix 15′ Steel-Frame Pool Kit

The Aquarian Phoenix represents a step towards a more permanent above-ground solution. With its steel wall construction, it’s designed to be left up year-round and has a more traditional “in-ground” look. At 15 feet round, it’s significantly smaller than the 32×16 Intex Ultra XTR. While its steel walls may offer better resilience against certain types of pressure, the initial installation is far more complex and labor-intensive. It’s a great choice for someone who wants a durable, round pool that will be a permanent fixture, but it lacks the sheer size and the advanced saltwater system that comes standard with the Intex Ultra XTR package.

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

This is a direct, smaller sibling from the same brand. The Intex Prism Frame offers a similar high-quality build with a powder-coated steel frame and a durable liner. At 20ft x 10ft, it’s a more manageable size for medium-sized yards while still offering a decent swimming area. The main trade-off is the filtration system; this set typically comes with a cartridge filter pump, not the superior sand filter and saltwater system of the Ultra XTR line. This makes it a great mid-range option for those who don’t need the colossal size of the 32ft model and are willing to manage a cartridge filter system for a lower entry price.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Intex Ultra XTR Above Ground Swimming Pool Set Worth It?

After extensive hands-on evaluation, we can confidently say that the Intex Ultra XTR Above Ground Swimming Pool Set offers an incredible amount of value for families seeking a large-scale, premium backyard swimming experience. Its combination of immense size, a robust and well-engineered frame, and the truly outstanding sand filter and saltwater system creates a package that is difficult to beat at this price point. The water quality and low-maintenance nature of the saltwater system alone elevate it far above pools that rely on traditional chlorine and cartridge filters. It successfully bridges the gap between temporary summer toys and prohibitively expensive in-ground installations.

We would recommend it to any family with the necessary space, a level surface, and the willingness to invest a weekend in proper setup. The primary caveat remains for those in climates with exceptionally harsh winters or rainy seasons; careful consideration and proactive maintenance are required if you plan to leave it up year-round. For everyone else looking to create a true backyard oasis and make unforgettable summer memories, this pool is an absolute winner. If you’re ready to transform your backyard, we highly recommend you take a closer look at the Intex Ultra XTR today.