Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool 20ft x 48in Review: The Ultimate Backyard Oasis on a Budget?

I remember the exact moment the idea took root. It was the third heatwave of July, the air so thick you could practically swim through it, and the kids were staging a protest on the living room floor, chanting “We’re bored!” The local community pool was a chaotic zoo of splashing strangers, and the thought of packing everyone up just for an hour of crowded water felt exhausting. We dreamed of a backyard oasis, a place to escape, relax, and create those quintessential summer memories. But the thought of excavating our yard and shelling out tens of thousands for an in-ground pool was a non-starter. We needed a solution that was substantial, durable, and felt like a real pool, without the permanent commitment and colossal price tag. This is the dilemma that sends countless families like ours on the hunt for the perfect above-ground pool, a quest for that perfect balance of quality, size, and value.

What to Consider Before Buying a Framed Above Ground Pool

A framed swimming pool is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for creating a private, accessible, and affordable summer retreat. It transforms a simple backyard into a hub of family activity, exercise, and relaxation. The primary benefit is achieving the scale and depth of a traditional pool for a fraction of the cost and with far less permanent impact on your property. Unlike flimsy inflatable pools that barely last a season, a high-quality framed pool is an investment in years of summer enjoyment. It offers a stable, secure environment for both kids and adults to swim, play, and cool off whenever the mood strikes, turning scorching summer days from a challenge into a celebration.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner with a reasonably sized backyard and a desire for a semi-permanent summer fixture. You’re someone who is willing to invest a weekend in proper site preparation to ensure years of safe enjoyment. If you have a growing family, love to host gatherings, or simply want your own private space to float and unwind, a large framed pool is an excellent choice. However, it might not be suitable for those who are renting, have very small or heavily sloped yards, or are looking for a completely portable, pop-up solution. For those with limited space or on a tighter budget, a smaller, non-framed pool might be a better starting point.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: This is the most critical factor. You don’t just need a 20-foot circle for the pool itself; you need an additional 2-3 feet of clearance all the way around for the support legs and for safe access. Most importantly, the ground must be perfectly level. An inch or two of variance across a 20-foot span can put immense, unsafe pressure on one side of the frame. Be prepared to rent a sod cutter, bring in sand or dirt, and spend significant time on leveling.
• Capacity/Performance: The Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool 20ft x 48in holds nearly 8,000 gallons of water. This means you need a powerful filter pump to keep it clean. Look at the Gallons Per Hour (GPH) rating of the included pump. A good rule of thumb is that the pump should be able to circulate the entire volume of the pool in about 8 hours.
• Materials & Durability: Look for frames made from galvanized, powder-coated steel to prevent rust. The liner should be a multi-ply, puncture-resistant PVC material. The Ultra XTR line from Intex is known for its robust construction, using thicker materials than their entry-level Prism or Metal Frame series, which translates to a longer lifespan.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The initial setup is a project, but daily maintenance should be manageable. A sand filter, like the one included with this model, is a significant advantage over cheaper cartridge filters. Sand only needs to be replaced every 3-5 years, and cleaning the filter is a simple matter of backwashing, which takes just a few minutes.

While the Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool 20ft x 48in 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 delivery of the Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool 20ft x 48in is an event in itself. It arrives on a pallet, a single, massive box weighing nearly 300 pounds that immediately signals this is no mere toy. Unboxing it, we were immediately struck by the quality of the components. The gray liner felt thick and substantial, a far cry from the thin blue plastic of cheaper pools. We laid it out in the sun for an hour as recommended, which made it more pliable for the installation process. Each piece of the galvanized steel frame had a reassuring heft and a smooth, powder-coated finish that looked ready to stand up to the elements. What stood out was Intex’s “Easy Lock System”—the components are designed to snap together securely without fumbling with pins or tools. Organizing all the parts on the ground cloth, it looked like a giant puzzle, but a well-engineered one. It was clear from the start that this was a serious piece of backyard equipment designed for longevity.

A Deep Dive into the Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Pool’s Performance

After weeks of testing, from the initial setup to daily cannonballs and late-night floats, we’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of what makes this pool tick. It’s more than just a container for water; it’s a complete, well-thought-out system. We broke down our analysis into the three most critical aspects of ownership: the foundational setup, the build quality and durability, and the all-important water filtration system that keeps the fun going all summer long.

Groundwork and Assembly: The Foundation of Success

Let’s be unequivocally clear: the most challenging part of owning this pool has nothing to do with the pool itself. It’s preparing the ground. As numerous users confirm, and as we experienced firsthand, achieving a perfectly level surface is non-negotiable. Our chosen spot had a 4-inch slope across the 20-foot diameter. We rented a sod cutter to remove the grass, then spent the better part of a day with shovels, rakes, a 10-foot leveling board, and a carpenter’s level to get it perfect. We opted to use masonry blocks under each of the 20 vertical legs to ensure they wouldn’t sink into the compacted soil over time. This prep work is tedious, sweaty, and absolutely essential. One user noted they brought in over 3,700 pounds of sand to level their ground, which is a common and effective method. Do not skip this step.

Once the foundation was laid, the actual assembly of the Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool 20ft x 48in was shockingly simple and lived up to its “Easy Lock System” name. With two helpers, we had the entire frame clicked together in under 45 minutes. The T-joints slide into the horizontal beams and then the vertical legs snap into place with a satisfying “click.” There are no tools, no pins, no screws to lose in the grass. It’s an ingenious design that feels incredibly secure once assembled. After the frame is up, you simply feed the vertical legs through the sleeves on the liner and lift the whole structure. As the water begins to fill, it’s crucial to smooth out any wrinkles on the bottom of the liner, working from the center out. The entire process, from opening the box to starting the fill, took about 90 minutes—a stark and pleasant contrast to the day spent on groundwork.

Durability and Construction: Is It Built to Last?

This is where the “Ultra XTR” designation truly earns its keep. The frame is the backbone of the pool, and Intex has engineered it for maximum strength and longevity. The high-quality galvanized steel is protected by an inner and outer powder coating, providing a dual-layer defense against rust. We’ve seen no signs of corrosion even after weeks of splashes and a few summer rainstorms. The T-joints are infused with a UV inhibitor, preventing them from becoming brittle and cracking under the harsh sun, a common failure point on lesser pools. Several owners report having their pools for multiple seasons, even leaving them up through mild winters, which speaks volumes about the build quality. The stability is impressive; with nearly 8,000 gallons (over 66,000 pounds) of water pushing against the walls, the frame stands rigid with no unnerving bowing or flexing.

The liner itself is equally robust. Intex’s “Super-Tough” material is a 3-ply construction with a polyester mesh core sandwiched between two layers of heavy-gauge PVC. It feels thick and durable to the touch. While we were careful to avoid sharp objects, it easily withstood the enthusiastic claws of our golden retriever, who couldn’t resist a few poolside dips. The puncture-resistant design, a feature that really sets it apart from budget options, provides peace of mind, especially with active kids. Should a mishap occur, a repair patch is included, but the sheer toughness of the material makes us confident it won’t be needed for minor scrapes and bumps. This is a pool that feels like a permanent fixture, even though it can be disassembled and stored if needed.

The Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump: The Unsung Hero

If the frame is the backbone, the Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump is the heart of the entire system. For anyone who has struggled with the daily cleaning and constant replacement of small, ineffective cartridge filters, this pump is a game-changer. The 2100 GPH flow rate is perfectly matched to the pool’s 7,947-gallon capacity, allowing it to turn over the entire volume of water in under four hours. We ran the pump for about 6-8 hours a day, and the water remained consistently crystal clear.

The beauty of a sand filter is its efficiency and low maintenance. The sand media can effectively trap debris much smaller than a standard cartridge can, resulting in clearer water. The real advantage, however, is the cleaning process. Instead of removing and hosing off a slimy cartridge every few days, you simply turn the 6-function control valve to “backwash.” This reverses the water flow, flushes all the trapped debris out through a waste hose, and takes about three minutes. Turn the valve to “rinse” for 30 seconds to resettle the sand, then back to “filter,” and you’re done. It’s a professional-grade feature that makes maintenance a breeze rather than a chore. Many users, including one who added a saltwater system, praised the pump’s power and its ability to keep the water pristine with minimal chemical intervention.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment from other owners mirrors our own findings. The overwhelming consensus is that the Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool 20ft x 48in offers incredible value and creates an amazing backyard experience. One user, who upgraded from a smaller 12ft pool, noted they had “zero regrets” and that the larger size was perfect, while another praised it as being “fun n big enough for our family.” The ease of the pool’s assembly is a common theme, with one happy customer stating, “Super easy to assemble~took less time than we expected and everything fit together perfectly.”

However, the praise is almost always accompanied by a crucial caveat: the challenge of ground preparation. “The set up was a little time consuming but not too bad,” one user said, while another was more direct: “The hardest part was setting up the base at level.” This is the single most important piece of feedback for potential buyers. Negative experiences are rare but tend to stem from one of two issues. A few users reported receiving boxes with damage from shipping, sometimes resulting in small leaks in the liner right out of the box. As one disappointed buyer wrote, “Pool has a leak… we should have returned it upon arrival instead of taking a chance on it.” This highlights the importance of inspecting all components thoroughly upon delivery before beginning the lengthy setup process.

How Does It Compare? The Top 3 Alternatives

While the Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe is a formidable contender, the market offers other options that might better suit different needs, yard sizes, or budgets. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable competitors.

1. Intex 10ft x 30in Prism Frame Pool Set

If your backyard space is limited or your budget is tighter, the Intex Prism Frame 10ft pool is a logical alternative. It’s a significant step down in size, holding just over 1,100 gallons, making it more of a “cooling off” pool than a swimming pool. Its primary advantages are its small footprint and much lower price point. However, this comes with compromises. The 30-inch height is less suitable for adults, and the included 330 GPH cartridge filter pump requires frequent cleaning and replacement. It’s an excellent choice for those with very young children or who want a taste of the pool-owning experience without the major commitment of its larger sibling.

2. Bestway Power Steel 18’x9’x48″ Oval Pool Set

The Bestway Power Steel Oval pool is arguably the most direct competitor to the Intex Ultra XTR. Its key differentiator is the shape. The 18’x9′ oval design is perfect for longer, narrower yards where a 20-foot round pool wouldn’t fit. This shape is also slightly better for swimming short laps. Bestway’s Power Steel line is known for its durable construction, comparable to Intex’s Ultra XTR series. It also comes as a complete set with a pump, ladder, and cover. The choice between this and the Intex often comes down to yard shape and brand preference, as both offer a similar level of quality and user experience at a comparable price point.

3. Evajoy 85in x 23in x 59in Metal Frame Swimming Pool

This Evajoy model occupies a different niche entirely. At roughly 7 feet long by 5 feet wide, and only 23 inches deep, it’s a compact splash pool designed for toddlers and very young children. It doesn’t typically include a filter pump, functioning more like a large, sturdy wading pool. Its rectangular metal frame provides more stability than an inflatable pool, but it is not intended for swimming or for older kids and adults. This is a great choice for families who need a safe, contained water play area for their little ones but aren’t ready for the size, depth, and maintenance requirements of a full-sized above-ground pool.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Pool Worth It?

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is a resounding yes. The Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool 20ft x 48in represents the sweet spot in the market, delivering near-permanent pool quality and features at a temporary pool price. Its robust, rust-resistant frame and tough-as-nails liner are built to provide years of family fun, while the included Krystal Clear Sand Filter pump elevates it far beyond entry-level options, making maintenance surprisingly manageable. The sheer size of the pool creates a genuine backyard oasis that is large enough for everyone to enjoy simultaneously.

The only significant hesitation is the absolute necessity of intense ground preparation. This is not a casual purchase; it is a weekend project that requires planning and labor. However, if you are a homeowner willing to invest that initial effort, you will be rewarded with a summer centerpiece that will create countless memories. For families seeking the ultimate backyard upgrade without the astronomical cost of an in-ground installation, this pool is an outstanding investment. If you’re ready to transform your backyard and make this summer the best one yet, we wholeheartedly recommend you check the latest price and secure yours today.