Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool Set Review: The Backyard Oasis We Actually Built and Tested

There’s a moment every summer, usually when the pavement starts to shimmer and the air feels thick enough to drink, that the daydream begins. It’s the vision of a sparkling blue oasis right in our own backyard. For years, that vision felt like a distant fantasy, blocked by the staggering cost and permanent commitment of an in-ground pool. We wanted the relief, the family fun, and the perfect spot for weekend gatherings, but the price tag of a major construction project was a non-starter. The alternative—cheap, inflatable pools—always ended in disappointment, punctured liners, and weak filters that turned the water green in a week. We needed something more: a robust, reliable, and semi-permanent solution that could deliver a true swimming experience season after season without requiring a second mortgage. This quest for the perfect middle ground is what led us to the world of high-end framed pools, and specifically, to the product at the heart of this review.

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 seasonal hub of activity and relaxation. It bridges the gap between flimsy temporary pools and expensive permanent installations, offering durability, size, and performance that can genuinely anchor your summer plans. The main benefits are clear: you get a substantial swimming area, powerful filtration systems that keep water clean, and sturdy construction that can withstand years of enthusiastic use. For a fraction of the cost of an in-ground pool, you can create a legitimate aquatic escape for family and friends.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner with a reasonably flat yard who is ready to invest a weekend into proper setup for a summer-long reward. It’s for families who want to teach their kids to swim, couples who want to lounge and cool off, and anyone who loves to host a good pool party. Conversely, this might not be suitable for those with severely sloped yards that cannot be leveled, renters with restrictions, or individuals seeking a truly effortless, “pop-it-up-in-10-minutes” solution. For those with very limited space or budget, a smaller, simpler option like the Bestway Steel Pro might be a better starting point.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Measure your yard meticulously. The pool’s footprint is just the start; the manufacturer specifies a required setup space of 19′ 10″ x 10′ 10″ for this model to accommodate the support legs. You also need clear, level ground and easy access for walking around the pool and housing the pump. Don’t eyeball it—a tape measure is your best friend here.
• Capacity/Performance: With a water capacity of 4,545 gallons, the Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool Set is a serious body of water. This capacity directly impacts chemical needs and heating time. Critically, the performance of the included Krystal Clear Sand Filter pump is paramount; its ability to circulate and clean this volume of water efficiently is what separates a sparkling pool from a cloudy swamp.
• Materials & Durability: Look for galvanized, powder-coated steel frames, which offer superior rust and corrosion resistance compared to basic painted steel. The liner should be a multi-ply, puncture-resistant material, like the 3-ply PVC used here. These material choices are the difference between a pool that lasts one season and one that lasts five or more.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: While “ease of assembly” can be subjective, look for systems that minimize tools and complicated steps, like Intex’s Easy Lock System. For maintenance, a sand filter pump is generally considered lower-maintenance than a cartridge filter, as the sand only needs replacing every few years, versus cleaning or replacing cartridges every few weeks.

Investing in a high-quality framed pool is a significant decision. While the Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular 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 276-Pound Box of Summer

The arrival of the Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool Set is an event. The single, massive box weighs nearly 280 pounds and requires at least two people to move. Unpacking it feels a bit like Christmas for anyone who loves a good project. Inside, components are logically separated into smaller boxes, which we found immensely helpful for organization. Laying out all the pieces across the lawn, the quality was immediately apparent. The steel frame components have a reassuring heft and a smooth, durable-feeling powder-coat finish designed to resist rust. The liner itself is incredibly thick and heavy—a world away from the thin vinyl of cheaper pools. This isn’t a toy; it’s a piece of serious backyard equipment.

While Intex claims a “60-minute” setup time, we’d call that highly optimistic. That timeline absolutely does not include unboxing, inventorying parts, or the most critical step: ground preparation. In our experience, and confirmed by countless other users, the physical assembly of the frame and liner might approach that time frame *if* you have a perfectly level spot and several helpers. The reality for most will be a full day’s project, but the intuitive Easy Lock System, which allows frame parts to snap together without pins, is a brilliant piece of engineering that genuinely simplifies the process. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of the components.

A Deep Dive into the Intex Ultra XTR’s Real-World Performance

After weeks of testing, splashing, and maintaining, we’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of where the Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool Set truly shines and where it has room for improvement. It’s more than just a container for water; it’s an integrated system, and its success hinges on how well its core components work together.

The Foundation: Ground Preparation & The Assembly Marathon

Let’s be perfectly clear: the success or failure of your entire pool experience hinges on ground preparation. The instructions emphasize a level surface, and we cannot overstate this. We spent the better part of a day ensuring our chosen spot was perfectly level to within an inch, a process that involved digging, tamping, and adding about 20 bags of masonry sand to create a solid, smooth base. As one user wisely noted, “Proper pool footprint/ground preparation and enough helpers… is everything!!!” We agree wholeheartedly. Attempting to set this pool up on un-level ground is a recipe for disaster, putting immense stress on one side of the frame and liner.

Once the ground was prepped, we laid out the included ground cloth. A smart tip we picked up from other owners was to place sturdy pavers or pressure-treated wood blocks under each of the U-shaped support legs. This prevents them from sinking into the ground under the immense weight of 4,545 gallons of water. With our foundation set, two of us tackled the frame assembly. The Easy Lock System works as advertised, with poles sliding together and clicking securely. Pro tip: a little baby powder on the ends can make them slide through the liner sleeves much more easily. The liner is heavy, and unfolding and positioning it is a two-person job. As the pool began to fill, we got inside with bare feet to smooth out every last wrinkle on the bottom, ensuring a perfectly flat floor. All told, from starting our ground prep to beginning to fill the pool, it was a solid 5-hour job for two people. It’s hard work, but the result is a pool that feels structurally sound and permanent.

Built to Last: Analyzing the Ultra XTR Frame and Liner

The “Ultra XTR” designation isn’t just marketing fluff; it denotes Intex’s top-tier construction, and it shows. The frame is composed of high-quality galvanized steel, but the key is the dual powder-coating process. An inner and outer layer of coating provides robust protection against rust, a critical feature for an item that lives outdoors and is constantly exposed to water and chemicals. We inspected every weld and joint and found the manufacturing quality to be consistently high. This is a frame built to handle years of cannonballs and horseplay. One owner who had previously owned other brands confirmed our assessment, stating, “the Intex pool liner and frame appear to be of much better quality… The Intex liner is much heavier, has much better vinyl weld seams.”

The liner itself is a highlight. Made from what Intex calls “Super-Tough” 3-ply PVC, it feels thick and resilient. It gives you confidence that an accidental scrape from a toy or a pet’s claws won’t lead to an immediate leak. That said, we did note some user reports of receiving frames with minor chips in the powder coating from shipping. We’d advise inspecting each piece before assembly and touching up any bare metal spots with a rust-resistant paint to ensure maximum longevity. The 2-year manufacturer warranty provides peace of mind, but preventative care is always the best policy for a long-term investment like this, a feature that really sets it apart from budget options.

The Heart of the System: Krystal Clear Sand Filter Performance

If the frame and liner are the skeleton, the Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump is the heart. This component is arguably the biggest upgrade over cheaper pool sets, which often come with undersized and inefficient cartridge filters. A sand filter is a game-changer for water clarity and maintenance. The included #26643EG model is perfectly matched to the pool’s 4,545-gallon capacity, circulating the water effectively to keep it sparkling clear. We found the pump to be surprisingly quiet during operation and powerful enough to support a pool vacuum for easy cleaning.

The 6-function control valve is intuitive, allowing you to easily switch between filtering, backwashing, rinsing, recirculating, draining, and closing the system. Backwashing—reversing the water flow to clean the sand—is a simple, 5-minute task we performed about once every couple of weeks, which is vastly more convenient than constantly cleaning or replacing paper cartridges. Many users rave about the filter’s performance, with one exclaiming, “the filter is amazing Clear all year only have to run it once a day and it has its own timer.” That built-in timer is another fantastic feature, allowing us to automate the daily filtration cycle without any extra equipment. The initial setup of the pump can be a bit confusing, as some users noted, but watching a quick online video tutorial cleared up any questions we had.

The Everyday Experience: Size, Depth, and That Ladder

At 18 feet long and 9 feet wide, this pool hits a sweet spot. It’s large enough for kids to genuinely swim and play games, and for adults to float on rafts without feeling cramped. You can even do short laps for exercise. The 52-inch wall height results in a water depth of about 45 inches (or 3′ 9″), which we found to be perfect. It’s deep enough for adults to feel submerged and comfortable, while still being manageable for older kids who are confident swimmers. It truly feels like a “real” pool and becomes the undeniable centerpiece of the backyard. It’s the perfect size for hosting parties, as one owner happily reported.

Now, let’s talk about the accessories. The ground cloth is thin but does its job of protecting the liner’s underside. The pool cover is functional for keeping out leaves. The ladder, however, is the one component that consistently draws criticism, and our experience was no different. While it’s technically functional, it’s narrow and feels quite wobbly, especially for larger adults. As one user put it, “It’s great for teens and kids, but if you get full-sized people using it, it is a little wobbly.” Many owners, including ourselves, quickly decide to either build a small deck and steps or purchase a more substantial A-frame ladder. While it’s a shame the included ladder doesn’t match the quality of the rest of the package, it’s a relatively easy and common upgrade that makes the overall experience much safer and more pleasant. You can check the latest price and availability to factor in a potential ladder upgrade.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment for the Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool Set is overwhelmingly positive, with most feedback mirroring our own findings. Users consistently praise the pool’s sturdy construction and the exceptional performance of the sand filter pump. One happy owner summed it up perfectly: “This is the greatest pool I ever had… the filter is amazing Clear all year.” Many reviewers, especially those who have owned other brands, point to the superior quality of the Intex liner and frame as a key reason for their satisfaction.

The most common criticisms are equally consistent. Nearly every review, positive or negative, mentions that the “60-minute” setup claim is unrealistic. One user noted it took “two hours to unpack the box and sort everything,” followed by hours of ground prep and assembly. The other near-universal complaint is the included ladder, which is frequently described as “wobbly,” “narrow,” and “cheap.” However, most see this as a correctable flaw in an otherwise excellent package. As one reviewer pragmatically put it, “I took off 1 star for the ladder, but would only remove 1/2 a star if that were an option.” This feedback is crucial for setting realistic expectations: expect a weekend project and a potential ladder upgrade, and you’ll likely be thrilled with your purchase, which is why we encourage you to explore the detailed user feedback online.

How Does the Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool Set Compare to the Competition?

While we found the Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool Set to be a top contender in its class, it’s important to see how it stacks up against other popular options. Your ideal pool depends on your specific needs regarding space, budget, and desired shape.

1. Bestway Power Steel Oval Pool Set

The Bestway Power Steel offers a compelling alternative for those who may not have the space for a full rectangular pool. Its 14′ x 8’2″ oval shape is slightly more compact, and its 39.5″ height is less imposing, making it a good fit for smaller yards. While its frame is also corrosion-resistant steel, the Intex Ultra XTR’s dual powder-coating and robust T-joints feel a step above in terms of long-term durability. The Bestway typically comes with a smaller cartridge filter pump, which requires more frequent maintenance than the Intex’s superior sand filter. This is an excellent choice for someone prioritizing a smaller footprint and a lower initial cost, but be prepared for more hands-on filter maintenance.

2. Intex Ultra XTR Deluxe Pool 24′ x 52″

If you love the quality of the Ultra XTR line but have more space and a bigger budget, this 24-foot round model is the next logical step up. It features the same high-quality galvanized steel frame, powder-coating, and durable 3-ply liner as our reviewed model. The key difference is the shape and massive size. A round pool is often preferred for socializing and games, as it lacks corners and has a more natural flow. It also comes with an even more powerful sand filter pump to handle the significantly larger water volume. This is the ideal choice for those with large, open yards who plan to host big pool parties and want the absolute best quality Intex has to offer.

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

This Bestway Steel Pro represents the budget-friendly, entry-level end of the spectrum. At just 10 feet round and 30 inches deep, it’s significantly smaller and shallower, making it best suited for young children or for adults who just want a small “dipping” pool to cool off in. Its construction is simpler, and the included 330 GPH filter pump is a small cartridge model that will struggle to keep water pristine without diligent care. This pool is not in the same league as the Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool Set in terms of size, durability, or performance. However, for someone on a tight budget or with a tiny yard, it offers an accessible way to get a framed pool without a major investment.

The Final Verdict: Is the Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool Set Worth It?

After extensive hands-on testing, we can confidently say that the Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool Set is an outstanding investment for any family seeking a high-quality, durable, and spacious backyard pool. Its core strengths—the incredibly robust frame, the thick and resilient liner, and the powerful, low-maintenance sand filter pump—create a premium ownership experience that far surpasses entry-level options. It transforms a patch of grass into a true summer destination for fun, relaxation, and making memories.

The notable drawbacks, namely the wobbly ladder and the wildly optimistic assembly time, are important to acknowledge but do not detract from the overall excellence of the package. These are hurdles to overcome during setup, not persistent flaws you have to live with daily. If you are willing to dedicate the time to proper, meticulous ground preparation and are open to potentially upgrading the ladder down the line, you will be rewarded with a backyard pool that feels like it should have cost thousands more. For families ready to take their summers to the next level, we wholeheartedly recommend it. You can check the current price and order your own backyard oasis today.