Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Pool 24′ x 52 Review: The Ultimate Backyard Oasis or a Summer Setback?

I remember the exact moment the idea solidified. It was the middle of a sweltering July afternoon, the kind where the air feels thick and the sun is relentless. The kids were listless, bored of their screens, and my wife and I were running out of ways to make another long, hot summer at home feel special. We dreamed of a simple, refreshing escape—a place to cool off, laugh, and create those classic summer memories without packing up the car for a crowded public pool or beach. The problem was the daunting prospect of a permanent in-ground pool, with its astronomical costs and disruptive installation. We needed a solution that was substantial, durable, and big enough for the whole family, but without the permanent commitment. That search for the perfect balance of quality, size, and practicality is what led us directly to the Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Pool 24′ x 52.

What to Consider Before Buying a Framed Above-Ground Pool

A framed swimming pool is more than just a seasonal accessory; it’s a centerpiece for family activity, a private retreat from the summer heat, and a significant investment in your home’s recreational value. Unlike flimsy inflatable pools, a high-quality framed pool offers a taste of the in-ground experience, providing superior depth, stability, and longevity. The main benefits are clear: you get a massive swimming area, robust construction that can withstand years of use, and a complete system that often includes filtration, a ladder, and maintenance accessories, all at a fraction of the cost and hassle of a permanent installation.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner with a reasonably spacious and level backyard, looking for a durable, semi-permanent solution for family swimming and entertainment. It’s perfect for families with older children and teens who have outgrown smaller pools, or for anyone who loves to host summer gatherings. However, it might not be suitable for those with very small or steeply sloped yards, renters with restrictions, or individuals who aren’t prepared for the necessary ground preparation and ongoing water maintenance. For those with toddlers or very limited space, a smaller, more manageable option like a kiddie frame pool might be a better starting point.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A 24-foot round pool is enormous. You don’t just need a 24-foot circle; you need at least 2-3 feet of clearance on all sides for the support legs and for safe access around the perimeter. Accurately measure your yard and ensure you have a flat, level area free from overhead power lines or underground utilities before you even consider making a purchase.
• Capacity & Filtration: The Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Pool 24′ x 52 holds a staggering 12,481 gallons of water. This volume requires a powerful and efficient filtration system. The included Krystal Clear Sand Filter pump is a significant upgrade over standard cartridge filters, offering better water clarity and lower maintenance, but you must understand its capacity and maintenance requirements (like backwashing) to keep your water safe and clean.
• Materials & Durability: Look for frames made from galvanized, powder-coated steel to resist rust and corrosion, a key factor for a product that lives outdoors. The liner should be a multi-ply, puncture-resistant material. Intex’s “Super-Tough” 3-Ply PVC is designed for this, and the locking system for the frame components is crucial for the pool’s overall stability and safety.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: While setup is a one-time event, daily and weekly maintenance is not. Consider the effort required for water testing, chemical balancing, skimming debris, and vacuuming. A good filtration system reduces this burden, but it doesn’t eliminate it. Be realistic about the time commitment required to maintain a pool of this size.

While the Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Pool 24′ x 52 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 and Assembling a Backyard Giant

The arrival of the Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Pool 24′ x 52 is an event in itself. It comes in a massive, heavy box (weighing nearly 300 pounds) delivered by a freight truck, a clear indicator of the substantial product within. Unboxing revealed a well-organized collection of heavy-gauge steel poles, a surprisingly thick and weighty pool liner, and the impressive Krystal Clear Sand Filter pump system. The gray color of the liner and frame components gives it a modern, high-end look that blends better into a backyard landscape than the traditional bright blue of many other pools. The initial feel of the components is reassuring; the steel feels robust, and the powder coating is smooth and thick. The T-joints and locking mechanisms are engineered with precision, a far cry from the flimsy parts of cheaper pools we’ve dealt with in the past. It was immediately clear that this was designed for longevity, a sentiment echoed by users who report their pools are “still doing GREAT” after multiple seasons of use. This initial quality check gave us the confidence that our summer investment was a sound one, and you can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its construction.

A Deep Dive into the Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Pool 24′ x 52’s Performance

After weeks of testing, from initial setup to daily use and maintenance, we’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of what makes this pool a market leader. It’s not just about the size; it’s about the thoughtful engineering, the quality of the included components, and the overall experience it delivers. We’re breaking down our findings into the key areas that matter most to a prospective owner.

Installation & Ground Preparation: The Real Story

Intex advertises that the pool can be “ready for water in approximately 60 minutes.” Let’s be perfectly clear: this refers only to the physical assembly of the pool frame and liner on an already prepared surface. The real work, and the most critical step, is ground preparation. As many experienced owners will tell you, “make sure you level the area good.” For a 24-foot pool, this is no small task. We spent the better part of a weekend ensuring our chosen spot was perfectly level, using shovels, a tiller, a level, and several cubic yards of sand to create a solid, flat foundation. A one or two-inch difference from one side to the other might not sound like much, but with 12,481 gallons (over 100,000 pounds) of water, uneven pressure can cause the pool walls to bulge and put immense stress on the frame. Do not skip this step. Once the ground was prepped, the actual assembly was surprisingly straightforward thanks to the Easy Lock System. The poles snap together cleanly without tools or pins. We found that two people could easily manage the frame construction, confirming reports from users like the 65-year-old man who set his up by himself. The most common hiccup, which we also experienced, comes when connecting the very last top rail. The liner needs to be stretched perfectly, and it requires significant force to get that final piece to connect. It’s a tight fit by design to ensure the liner is taut, but it can be a frustrating final step.

Durability & Construction: Built to Last Seasons, Not Just a Summer

The “Ultra XTR” designation isn’t just marketing fluff; it represents Intex’s top-tier construction, and it shows. The frame is the backbone of the Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Pool 24′ x 52, composed of high-quality galvanized steel. What truly sets it apart is the inner and outer powder coating, which provides a formidable barrier against rust—the primary enemy of any above-ground pool. We’ve seen cheaper pools show signs of corrosion after a single season, but our inspection of the frame after weeks of use (and corroborating with long-term user reviews) shows this system is built for the long haul. The T-Joints are robust and infused with a UV inhibitor, preventing them from becoming brittle in the sun. The “Super-Tough” 3-Ply liner feels incredibly substantial. It’s thick and rugged, designed to resist punctures from toys, pets, or accidental scrapes. While no liner is invincible—we saw a few reports of pinhole leaks on seams upon setup—the material itself inspires confidence. It’s a key reason why many families are upgrading from smaller, less durable Intex models. As one user noted, their old 12-foot pool “started rusting out” after years of service, prompting the upgrade to this more durable model. This is the kind of durability that justifies the investment, a feature that really sets it apart from budget options.

Filtration Powerhouse: The Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump

For a pool of this magnitude, filtration is not an area to compromise. Intex made a brilliant decision to bundle the Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Pool 24′ x 52 with their #26647EG Krystal Clear Sand Filter pump. Many competing pool sets come with undersized cartridge filters that clog quickly and require constant cleaning or replacement, leading to frustrating battles with cloudy or green water. A sand filter is a game-changer. Sand can trap much finer particles than a standard cartridge, and the media itself only needs to be replaced every 3-5 years, making it far more economical and effective over time. We found the pump to be powerful and relatively quiet during operation. The 6-function control valve is intuitive, allowing for easy switching between filtering, backwashing, rinsing, and other maintenance tasks. This system is consistently praised by users, with comments like, “The sand filter is great and way better than those little filters,” and “this helps keep the pool so much cleaner.” During our testing, the water remained crystal clear with minimal effort beyond regular chemical balancing. One important note, as a user pointed out: you need to purchase the filter sand separately. Be sure to add about 55 lbs of #20 silica sand to your shopping list so you’re not caught off guard during setup.

The Complete Package: What’s in the Box (and What Isn’t)

This set is designed to be a comprehensive, out-of-the-box solution. In addition to the pool and pump, you get a ground cloth, a pool cover, and a ladder. The ground cloth is a basic tarp that provides a minimal barrier between the liner and the ground; we highly recommend laying it over a more substantial base of sand or foam pads for better protection and a softer feel underfoot. The pool cover is functional for keeping out leaves and debris, but as some users note, it can be “very hard to pull over the pool” due to its tight fit. The most significant point of contention among owners is the included ladder. While it meets safety standards, we agree with the general sentiment that it feels inadequate for a pool of this caliber. It’s narrow and can feel wobbly, especially for adults. As one user bluntly stated, they “would not recommend for use by anyone over 200lbs.” Many owners, ourselves included, would suggest budgeting for an upgrade to a sturdier, A-frame ladder with a wider base and platform for a safer and more comfortable experience. While the core components of this package are excellent, a few of the accessories feel like areas where costs were cut.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scouring feedback from dozens of owners, a clear picture emerges that aligns closely with our own findings. The overwhelming majority of buyers are thrilled with their purchase. Positive reviews frequently celebrate the pool’s immense size, sturdy construction, and the exceptional performance of the sand filter. One user summed it up perfectly: “This pool is GREAT! It is easy to assemble, quick to install and a great size for the family to enjoy! The materials are sturdy and high quality!” Many also praise it as the “best pool you can get for the money.”

However, no product is without its flaws. The most common complaints revolve around quality control and accessories. Several users reported receiving the package with minor issues, such as bent poles or small, pinhole leaks in the liner seam, discovered only after the pool was partially filled. While a patch kit is included, this is understandably frustrating. Another recurring theme is the difficulty in connecting the final top rail during assembly. On the negative side, one user expressed frustration: “The problem with making this connection is the fact that the top pool rim piece has about 10 inches of overlap, for which we cannot make it connect.” Lastly, the flimsiness of the included ladder is a near-universal criticism, with many recommending an immediate upgrade.

How Does the Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Pool 24′ x 52 Compare to Alternatives?

While the Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Pool 24′ x 52 is a fantastic option for many, it’s not the only choice. Depending on your space, budget, and family size, one of these alternatives might be a better fit.

1. Intex 4 Foot Kiddie Pool

This is an entirely different class of product, designed for a completely different audience. The Intex 4 Foot Kiddie Pool is perfect for families with toddlers and very young children who just need a safe, shallow place to splash around. It’s incredibly inexpensive, sets up in minutes, and requires a negligible amount of space and water. If you’re simply looking to introduce your little ones to water play on a hot day, this is the ideal choice. It offers none of the swimming space, durability, or filtration of the Ultra XTR, but it’s not meant to; it’s a simple, effective solution for the youngest family members.

2. Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe 20ft x 48in Pool Set

This is the direct smaller sibling to the pool we reviewed. It offers the same premium “Ultra XTR” construction—the galvanized and powder-coated frame, the robust T-joints, and the 3-ply liner. It also typically comes with a powerful sand filter pump. The primary difference is size. At 20 feet in diameter and 48 inches deep, it’s still a very large pool but requires a smaller footprint and holds less water, making it a better fit for medium-sized yards. If you love the quality and features of the 24-foot model but simply don’t have the space, the Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe 20ft x 48in Pool Set is the perfect compromise, offering the same premium experience in a more manageable package.

3. Intex 15ft x 48in Metal Frame Pool Set

The Intex Metal Frame line is a step down in features from the Ultra XTR but represents an incredible value. It provides a substantial swimming area at 15 feet across and 48 inches deep, making it great for older kids and adults. The frame is still strong, but it lacks the advanced powder-coating and locking system of the XTR series. The biggest difference is usually the filtration; these sets typically come with a cartridge filter pump, which is less effective and requires more maintenance than a sand filter. For families on a tighter budget who still want a large, durable pool and don’t mind the extra filter upkeep, the Intex 15ft x 48in Metal Frame Pool Set is a fantastic and highly popular choice.

Final Verdict: Is the Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Pool 24′ x 52 Right for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say that the Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Pool 24′ x 52 is one of the best large-format, above-ground pool packages available today. Its strength lies in the superior quality of its core components: the incredibly robust, rust-resistant frame and the durable, multi-ply liner. The inclusion of a high-performance sand filter pump is a massive value-add that elevates it far above cheaper competitors, ensuring clear water and easier maintenance throughout the summer. While the setup requires serious ground preparation and the included ladder is underwhelming, these are manageable issues when weighed against the overall quality and longevity of the pool itself.

We recommend the Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Pool 24′ x 52 to any family with the necessary space who is looking for a premium, durable, and spacious swimming solution without the cost of an in-ground pool. It’s an investment that will pay dividends in family fun for many summers to come. If you’re ready to transform your backyard into the ultimate summer oasis, we highly encourage you to check the latest price and secure yours for the season.