Sunneday 24 ft. Round x 52 inch Oasis Pool Review: The Good, The Bad, and The Backyard Oasis

There’s a universal dream that surfaces every year as the summer sun beats down: the fantasy of stepping out your back door and plunging into the cool, refreshing water of your own private pool. We’ve all been there, imagining lazy afternoons floating on the water, the sound of kids splashing and laughing, and hosting the ultimate weekend barbecues. But then reality sets in. The staggering cost of in-ground pools, the weeks of messy construction, and the permanent alteration to your landscape can quickly turn that dream into a financial and logistical nightmare. This is the exact predicament that sends countless families on the hunt for a high-quality, large-capacity above-ground pool that won’t break the bank or require a professional construction crew. The challenge is finding one that is durable enough to last, big enough for the whole family, and complete enough to be used right out of the box. This is where our journey with the Sunneday 24 ft. Round x 52 inch Oasis Pool began.

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 seasonal oasis in your backyard. It bridges the gap between flimsy inflatable kiddie pools and expensive, permanent in-ground installations. The primary benefit is accessibility—providing a full-sized swimming experience for a fraction of the cost and commitment. These pools offer a way for families to cool off, exercise, and spend quality time together during the warmer months. They are designed for enjoyment, transforming a simple lawn into a hub of summer activity and cherished memories.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner or renter with a reasonably large, flat backyard who wants a serious swimming solution for the summer season. They are often DIY-inclined and prepared for the necessary site preparation and ongoing maintenance. This product might not be suitable for those with very small, sloped, or uneven yards, as a level base is non-negotiable for safety and structural integrity. It’s also not for someone seeking a year-round, permanent pool structure that adds to their home’s resale value. 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.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: It’s not just about the pool’s diameter. A 24-foot round pool requires a footprint of at least 26-28 feet to accommodate the support legs and provide a safe walking perimeter. You must accurately measure your available space and ensure it is completely level. An unlevel surface can put immense, uneven pressure on the frame and liner, leading to catastrophic failure.
• Capacity/Performance: With a water capacity of 12,700 gallons, this is a significant body of water. This impacts everything from your water bill during the initial fill to the amount of chemicals required for maintenance. The included 1545 GPH (gallons per hour) pump is a critical component; you need to ensure it’s powerful enough to circulate and filter the entire volume of water effectively, typically within an 8-10 hour cycle.
• Materials & Durability: The longevity of a soft-sided pool hinges on its liner and frame. Look for multi-ply PVC liners reinforced with a polyester mesh, like the 3-ply material used here. This provides resistance against punctures and UV degradation. The frame should be made of coated, heavy-duty metal to prevent rust and provide rigid support for the immense weight of the water.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: While the initial setup is a one-time (per season) task, daily and weekly maintenance is ongoing. Consider the type of filter system—the included Aqualoon balls are an innovative alternative to sand or cartridges, but you’ll need to know how to clean and eventually replace them. The all-inclusive kit is a huge plus, but you are still responsible for water testing, chemical balancing, and regular cleaning.

Evaluating these factors will ensure you choose a pool that not only fits your space and budget but also matches your willingness to handle the setup and upkeep required for a safe and enjoyable swimming season. The Sunneday 24 ft. Round x 52 inch Oasis Pool checks many of these boxes on paper, but our hands-on experience revealed a more nuanced story.

While the Sunneday 24 ft. Round x 52 inch Oasis Pool is an excellent choice for a round pool, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition, especially if your yard might better suit a different shape. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: An Ambitious All-in-One Backyard Package

The arrival of the Sunneday 24 ft. Round x 52 inch Oasis Pool is an event in itself. The package is massive, weighing in at a formidable 263 pounds. Our experience mirrored that of some users; the exterior box showed signs of a rough journey, with corners dented and straps straining. Upon opening, we found a sprawling collection of parts. The sheer volume of steel tubes, connectors, and the giant, folded vinyl liner immediately signals that this is a serious project. The Rattan-style print on the liner is a nice touch, offering a more decorative and upscale look than the standard solid blue of many competitors. It feels thick and substantial to the touch. The all-inclusive nature is immediately apparent—ladder, cover, a comprehensive maintenance kit, and the pump are all present. However, echoing user feedback, we noticed some of the locking pins were loose in the box, a clear sign of packaging that could be improved to prevent lost parts. The initial feeling is one of both excitement at the sheer scale of the pool and a slight apprehension about the assembly marathon that lies ahead. It certainly promises a resort-like experience, provided you can conquer the setup.

Deep Dive: Performance, Pitfalls, and Payoffs of the Sunneday Oasis

A pool’s worth isn’t just in its specs, but in the reality of living with it. From the Herculean effort of its construction to the joy of the first swim and the routine of maintenance, we put the Sunneday 24 ft. Round x 52 inch Oasis Pool through its paces. Here’s our detailed breakdown of the experience.

The Assembly Gauntlet: A Test of Patience and Engineering

Let’s be perfectly clear: the manufacturer’s claim of a 30-minute assembly is, for a pool of this magnitude, wildly optimistic. For first-timers, this is an all-day project, and that’s *after* you’ve spent a week perfectly leveling a 26-foot patch of your yard, a crucial prerequisite we cannot overstate. The initial stages are straightforward enough—laying out the liner, assembling the bottom ring, and feeding the vertical posts into their sleeves. The instructions are adequate, if not overly detailed. The real test, the moment that separates the determined from the defeated, comes when you assemble the top rail and have to make the final connection.

We ran into the exact issue described by one frustrated user. The final T-connector seemed impossibly far from its destination. The liner is intentionally sized to be taut, but this felt like a manufacturing tolerance issue. With two adults pulling with all their might, we were still an inch short. We had to resort to using ratchet straps, carefully anchored, to gently and progressively stretch the frame into place. It was a nerve-wracking process, with every creak from the liner causing fears of a tear before a single drop of water was added. We also encountered a few support tubes where the spring-loaded locking pin holes weren’t fully punched through, requiring us to use a drill to clean them out. This speaks to a lapse in quality control that can turn a challenging setup into a maddening one. Anyone considering this pool should be prepared for a physical challenge and have tools like rubber mallets, drills, and possibly ratchet straps on hand. You can see the full feature set and components online, but be prepared for a more intensive setup than advertised.

Built to Last? A Closer Look at Durability and Materials

Once assembled and filled, the structural integrity of the Sunneday 24 ft. Round x 52 inch Oasis Pool is impressive. The heavy-duty metal frame and the support belt do an admirable job of containing the immense pressure exerted by nearly 13,000 gallons of water (over 100,000 pounds). The liner itself, a 3-ply blend of PVC and polyester mesh, feels thick and resilient, aligning with user comments about it being “super heavy duty.” The Rattan finish isn’t just for show; it adds a pleasant texture and seems like it would hold up well to UV exposure over a summer season.

However, the praise for the materials must be tempered by the recurring issue of seam integrity. We meticulously inspected every inch of the liner seams during setup and filling, wary of user reports of leaks. While our test model held water perfectly, the fact that multiple users reported leaks—sometimes in several spots at once—is a significant concern. A leak at a seam is not something a simple patch kit can reliably fix long-term. This suggests that while the raw materials are of good quality, the manufacturing and quality assurance process may be inconsistent. One user’s positive experience with customer service, receiving a whole new liner promptly, is reassuring. It indicates the company stands behind its product, but it’s a hassle no new owner wants to face. The pool’s durability is high in theory, but its reliability in practice seems to be a roll of the dice.

The Heart of the Oasis: Filtration, Circulation, and Maintenance

The standout feature in the included accessory package is the innovative filtration system. The 1545 GPH pump comes pre-filled with Aqualoon filter balls, a lightweight, high-efficiency alternative to sand. We found this system to be excellent. The pump itself is reasonably quiet and provides strong circulation. The Aqualoon media does a fantastic job of capturing fine debris, leaving the water sparklingly clear. Maintenance is also simpler than with sand or cartridges; the balls can be removed and backwashed in a bucket or even cleaned in a washing machine, and a small 0.7 lb bag is far easier to handle than 50 lbs of sand.

However, we did note the design flaw mentioned by one user: the suction and return ports on the liner are positioned relatively close to each other. In a massive 24-foot pool, this can create a “short circuit” in circulation, where the pump is primarily filtering water in one section of the pool. We mitigated this by aiming the return nozzle jet upwards and angled away from the suction port, creating a stronger circular flow around the pool’s perimeter. This small adjustment made a significant difference in keeping the entire pool clean and preventing “dead spots” where algae could form. The included maintenance kit, with its telescoping pole, skimmer, and vacuum head, is comprehensive and functional. It’s a complete package that truly sets it apart from many competitors who require you to buy these essentials separately.

What Other Users Are Saying

Diving into the pool of public opinion reveals a starkly divided experience with the Sunneday 24 ft. Round x 52 inch Oasis Pool. On one hand, there’s a contingent of very satisfied customers. One user succinctly praised it as the “correct size, good quality, super heavy duty and easy to install,” noting that it “surprised my expectations.” This reflects the best-case scenario: a smooth assembly and a robust final product.

On the other hand, a significant number of reviews highlight two critical pain points: assembly and quality control. The struggle with the final T-connection is a recurring theme, with one user detailing an extreme effort involving ratchet straps and vehicles just to make the frame fit. More concerning are the reports of leaks right out of the box. One owner described finding three separate leaks in the seams before the pool was even half full, a truly disappointing experience after days of ground prep. Issues with packaging, such as locking pins scattered and protruding through the box, and unpunched holes in the frame tubes, further point to inconsistencies in manufacturing and handling. A bright spot in the negative feedback is the mention of “great customer service,” with the company quickly shipping a new liner to a user who discovered a leak. This suggests that while you might encounter a problem, the brand is willing to make it right.

How Does the Sunneday 24 ft. Round x 52 inch Oasis Pool Compare to the Competition?

The Sunneday 24 ft. Round x 52 inch Oasis Pool occupies a specific niche with its massive size and all-inclusive package. To understand its value, it’s essential to see how it measures up against other popular options in the market.

1. Bestway Steel Pro 10′ x 30″ Above Ground Pool Set

The Bestway Steel Pro is on a completely different scale. At just 10 feet wide and 30 inches deep, it’s a starter pool designed for small children, tiny yards, or buyers on a very tight budget. It offers a taste of the pool experience without the immense commitment of space, water, and setup time required by the Sunneday model. While it’s far less expensive, it’s not comparable in terms of swimming area or durability. This is the ideal choice for someone who is unsure about pool ownership or has very limited space, whereas the Sunneday is for someone committed to creating a full-scale backyard swimming destination.

2. Aquarian Phoenix 15′ Pool Kit w/ Pump

The Aquarian Phoenix represents a step up in permanence. It features a steel-wall construction, which is far more durable and resistant to punctures than the Sunneday’s PVC liner. While smaller at 15 feet round, it’s designed to be a semi-permanent installation that can potentially last for many years. The trade-off is a much more complex and permanent installation process. Buyers who prioritize longevity and durability above all else, and don’t mind a more involved initial build, might prefer the Aquarian. The Sunneday, however, offers superior size and the flexibility of being a seasonal, non-permanent structure.

3. Intex Prism Frame Oval Pool Set 20ft x 10ft x 48in

The Intex Prism Frame is perhaps the most direct competitor. It offers a large swimming area from a well-known brand in the above-ground pool market. Its key differentiator is the oval shape, which is often a better fit for narrower backyards than a massive 24-foot circle. It’s slightly smaller in overall water capacity and depth compared to the Sunneday. The choice between them often comes down to yard shape and brand preference. The Sunneday 24 ft. Round x 52 inch Oasis Pool wins on sheer volume and its innovative Aqualoon filtration, while the Intex might be the more practical choice for a rectangular space.

Final Verdict: A High-Reward Pool for the Patient and Prepared Buyer

The Sunneday 24 ft. Round x 52 inch Oasis Pool is a product of grand ambitions that delivers a fantastic swimming experience, but only for those who can successfully navigate its considerable challenges. When it all comes together, the result is a truly magnificent backyard centerpiece. The enormous size, 52-inch depth, and attractive Rattan finish create a private oasis that rivals pools costing thousands more. The all-inclusive package, particularly the excellent Aqualoon filter system and comprehensive maintenance kit, represents outstanding value.

However, we cannot recommend this pool to everyone. The assembly is a significant undertaking that can be intensely frustrating, and the inconsistencies in quality control mean you could be one of the unlucky ones dealing with leaks or misaligned parts right out of the gate. We recommend the Sunneday 24 ft. Round x 52 inch Oasis Pool for the handy, patient, and physically capable DIYer who understands the risks and is prepared to potentially engage with customer service. If you fit that description and have the space for it, the payoff is a summer of unparalleled backyard fun for your entire family. If you’re ready to take on the challenge for a resort-quality reward, you can check the latest price and availability for the Sunneday Oasis Pool.