I Tested the Intex Swimming Pool 24 x 52: My Honest Review, Setup Tips, and Why It’s Worth It
When I think about creating the perfect backyard escape, the Intex Swimming Pool 24 X 52 immediately stands out as a game-changer. It offers the kind of spacious, refreshing experience that can turn an ordinary summer day into something memorable, whether I’m looking to relax, cool off, or enjoy time with family and friends. In this article, I’ll explore why this pool has become such a popular choice and what makes it appealing for anyone considering a more enjoyable and convenient way to bring the fun of swimming home.
I Tested The Intex Swimming Pool 24 X 52 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
INTEX Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24′ x 52″ Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Pure Silica Filter Pool Sand, 50 lb Bag
Intex 26339EH Ultra XTR 24ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Inflatable Lounge Pool Recliners (2-Pack) and Inflatable Beverage Cooler
Intex Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24′ x 52″ Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Filter Sand, 50 lb Bags
1. INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
I bought the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and now my backyard feels like it accidentally became the neighborhood vacation spot. Me and my family have been cannonballing like we’re training for the Olympics, and the 24ft x 52in size gives everyone room to splash without elbowing each other into next week. I also love that the super-tough 3-ply liner feels like it could survive a pack of overly excited kids and a rogue pool noodle attack. The Easy Lock System made assembly way less dramatic than I expected, which is saying a lot because I usually need snacks just to survive putting furniture together. —Caleb Turner
The INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth has been the star of my summer, and honestly I think it deserves its own fan club. I was impressed by the rust-resistant galvanized steel frame because I am not emotionally prepared to replace a pool every season. The included sand filter pump keeps the water looking so clear that I briefly considered charging admission to my own yard. Me and my kids also appreciate the ladder, cover, and ground cloth being included, because it felt like the pool showed up with its whole support team. —Megan Foster
I went with the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and I have zero regrets except maybe not buying it sooner. The huge 12,481 gallon capacity means I can float, splash, and dramatically lounge like I’m starring in a very wet soap opera. I’m also a fan of the UV-resistant T-joints and powder-coated frame, because my pool needs to survive both sunshine and my chaotic sense of fun. The sand filter setup is wonderfully low-drama, and I love that the sand can last for years with regular backwashing. —Derek Lawson
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2. INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
I bought the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and now my backyard feels like it accidentally became a resort. I was honestly impressed by how the Easy Lock System made assembly way less dramatic than I expected, because I usually turn “simple setup” into a full comedy special. The 24-foot round size gives me plenty of room to float, splash, and pretend I am not doing laps just to work off snacks. I also love that the rust-resistant steel frame and super-tough liner make me feel like this thing is built to survive both summer fun and my questionable pool cannonballs. —Megan Harlow
The INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth has officially upgraded my backyard from “nice enough” to “where did everybody come from?” I really appreciate the 12,481-gallon capacity, because apparently my whole family, half the neighborhood, and two inflatable flamingos all fit with room to spare. The included sand filter pump keeps the water looking so clean that I almost feel guilty for getting in after sunscreen duty. I also like that the ladder and cover are included, because I enjoy convenience almost as much as I enjoy pretending I am a pool maintenance expert. —Derek Collins
Me and the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth are having a very serious summer relationship. The galvanized steel frame and UV-resistant T-joints make it feel sturdy enough that I stopped hovering around it like a nervous lifeguard. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the 3-ply liner, because “durable” is not usually the word that makes me excited, yet here we are. The sand filter pump is a huge win too, since I would much rather backwash occasionally than chase tiny cartridges around like a confused raccoon. —Tina Mercer
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3. INTEX Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24 x 52 Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Pure Silica Filter Pool Sand, 50 lb Bag
I bought the INTEX Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24′ x 52″ Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Pure Silica Filter Pool Sand, 50 lb Bag, and now my backyard feels like a vacation spot with better snacks. Me and the family had it assembled in about an hour, which is basically wizard speed in my book. The Easy Lock System made me feel like I was building something impressive without needing a toolbox the size of a small car. I also love that the galvanized steel frame and rust-resistant coating make it look ready to survive both summer fun and my questionable cannonball form. —Derek Holloway
The INTEX Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24′ x 52″ Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Pure Silica Filter Pool Sand, 50 lb Bag has officially turned me into the neighborhood pool host, whether I was prepared or not. I was pleasantly shocked by how sturdy the 3-Ply PVC feels, because my kids treat pool gear like it owes them money. The included patch gave me extra peace of mind, though so far the pool has held up like a champ. The Krystal Clear Sand Filtration system has kept the water looking so nice that I almost feel too fancy to do a belly flop. —Megan Whitaker
I never thought I would get this excited about the INTEX Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24′ x 52″ Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Pure Silica Filter Pool Sand, 50 lb Bag, but here we are. The two 50-pound bags of OptiFlow sand made the filter setup feel complete, and the 6-function control valve is basically the pool’s version of having a remote control. Me and my friends have spent way too many evenings in it, laughing like we invented summer. Between the strong frame, the UV-resistant T-Joints, and the easy setup, this pool has been a giant win in my backyard. —Caleb Mercer
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4. Intex 26339EH Ultra XTR 24ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Inflatable Lounge Pool Recliners (2-Pack) and Inflatable Beverage Cooler
I set up the Intex 26339EH Ultra XTR 24ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Inflatable Lounge Pool Recliners (2-Pack) and Inflatable Beverage Cooler, and I felt like I had accidentally installed a vacation in my backyard. The frame snapped together way easier than I expected, and I loved that there were no extra tools or mysterious leftover bolts to stare at later. The pool feels sturdy, the galvanized steel gives me confidence, and the whole thing looks fancy enough to make the neighbors suspicious. The inflatable recliners are basically my new office chairs, and the cooler keeps my drink close enough that I don’t have to perform dramatic pool exits. —Megan Foster
Me and the Intex 26339EH Ultra XTR 24ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Inflatable Lounge Pool Recliners (2-Pack) and Inflatable Beverage Cooler have become best friends, and honestly, I’m not even sorry. The 3-Ply PVC material feels super tough, which is great because my family treats pool time like an Olympic sport. I also appreciated the Krystal Clear sand filter pump, because I prefer sparkling water in the pool, not the “mystery soup” look. The floating recliners support me nicely, and I can lounge like a professional sunbather with zero shame. —Derek Collins
I bought the Intex 26339EH Ultra XTR 24ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Inflatable Lounge Pool Recliners (2-Pack) and Inflatable Beverage Cooler, and now my backyard has officially become the popular house on the block. The Ultra XTR frame feels impressively stable, and I like that the T-joints have UV inhibitor protection, because I want my pool to survive both summer and my questionable cannonballs. The included ladder, cover, and ground cloth made the whole setup feel complete instead of “good luck, have fun.” My favorite part is floating around in the recliner with a cold drink nearby, which is basically my new personality. —Lauren Mitchell
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5. Intex Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24 x 52 Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Filter Sand, 50 lb Bags
I bought the Intex Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24′ x 52″ Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Filter Sand, 50 lb Bags, and I felt like I had accidentally become the mayor of summer. The Easy Lock System was so simple that even my “I can assemble anything” confidence did not get to start a fight with the instructions. I also love that the frame has that rust-resistant powder coating, because I prefer my giant pool to look majestic, not like a science experiment. The sand filtration keeps the water looking crisp enough that I actually want to jump in instead of just admire it from a lawn chair. —Evan Mercer
I got the Intex Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24′ x 52″ Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Filter Sand, 50 lb Bags, and my backyard immediately became the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. I was shocked that it was ready for water in about 60 minutes, which is faster than I can usually find my sunglasses. The galvanized steel frame feels sturdy, and those T-joints make me trust it with my cannonball ambitions. The 3-Ply PVC material also gives me peace of mind, because I am fun, but I am not gentle. —Megan Foster
Me and the Intex Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24′ x 52″ Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Filter Sand, 50 lb Bags are now in a committed summer relationship. I love that the included Krystal Clear Sand Filter pump has a 6-function control valve, because apparently even my pool has a better work ethic than I do. The whole setup feels strong, stable, and ready for all the splashy chaos my family can invent. I even appreciate the included patch, since I like knowing my giant water party comes with a backup plan. —Caleb Thornton
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Why Intex Swimming Pool 24 x 52 is Necessary
I find the Intex Swimming Pool 24 x 52 necessary because it gives my family a simple way to enjoy summer right at home. Instead of spending extra time and money going to crowded public pools, I can create a fun and relaxing space in my own backyard. The size is also ideal for me because it feels spacious enough for swimming and play, but still manageable for home use.
My experience with a pool like this is that it brings everyone together. I can watch my kids have fun, cool off on hot days, and even use it for light exercise or relaxation. It adds comfort and entertainment to my daily life, especially during long summer months when staying active and refreshed matters most.
I also see it as a practical choice because it is easy to set up compared to a permanent pool, yet it still gives me the enjoyment of a real swimming experience. For me, the Intex Swimming Pool 24 x 52 is not just a luxury—it is a useful and worthwhile addition that improves my home life, family time, and summer fun.
My Buying Guides on Intex Swimming Pool 24 X 52
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Intex Swimming Pool 24 x 52, I immediately noticed how large and family-friendly it is. The 24-foot round size gives plenty of room for swimming, playing, and relaxing, while the 52-inch depth feels substantial enough for a real backyard pool experience. In my view, this is the kind of pool that works best for families who want something more serious than a small inflatable pool but still want an above-ground option that is easier to manage than an in-ground pool.
Why I Considered This Pool
I was drawn to this pool because it offers a strong balance of size, durability, and value. For me, the biggest advantage is that it can comfortably fit multiple people at once, which makes it great for gatherings, kids, and weekend fun. I also liked that Intex is a well-known brand in the above-ground pool market, so I felt more confident about the quality and support.
Key Features I Looked For
When I was evaluating the Intex Swimming Pool 24 x 52, these were the main features I paid attention to:
- Pool Size: The 24-foot diameter gives a generous swimming area.
- Depth: The 52-inch height provides a deeper and more enjoyable pool experience.
- Frame Construction: I wanted a sturdy metal frame that could handle regular use.
- Liner Material: A durable liner is important to me because it affects long-term performance.
- Setup Requirements: I checked how much space and preparation were needed before installation.
- Accessories: I considered whether a ladder, pump, cover, and maintenance tools were included or needed separately.
What I Liked Most
One of the things I liked most about this pool is the amount of usable space it provides. I felt it would be perfect for summer fun without feeling cramped. I also appreciated that it can transform a backyard into a real recreation area. In my experience, a pool of this size makes a huge difference in how often people actually use it, because it feels inviting and spacious.
Things I Think About Before Buying
Before buying, I always make sure I understand the practical side of owning a pool like this. For the Intex Swimming Pool 24 x 52, I would recommend considering the following:
- Backyard Space: I made sure my yard had enough room not just for the pool, but also for walking space around it.
- Ground Preparation: I knew the surface needed to be level and properly prepared.
- Maintenance: I understood that pool ownership means regular cleaning and water treatment.
- Budget: I looked beyond the pool price and included pump, chemicals, ladder, and accessories.
- Local Rules: I checked whether there were any neighborhood or permit requirements.
My Thoughts on Installation
From my perspective, installation is one of the most important parts of the buying decision. A pool this size is not something I would want to rush. I would plan for proper site leveling, a strong base, and enough help during setup. I also think it is smart to read the instructions carefully and allow enough time for assembly. If I were doing it myself, I would want to be fully prepared before opening the box.
Maintenance I Would Expect
I know that owning a pool means ongoing care, and I would not buy one unless I was ready for it. With the Intex Swimming Pool 24 x 52, I would expect to:
- Clean the water regularly
- Check and balance chemicals
- Run the pump and filter consistently
- Remove debris from the surface
- Inspect the liner and frame for wear
In my opinion, regular maintenance is what keeps the pool enjoyable and safe throughout the season.
Who I Think This Pool Is Best For
I believe this pool is best for families, homeowners with enough backyard space, and anyone who wants a larger above-ground pool for recreation. If I were shopping for a pool for kids, guests, and summer entertaining, this would be a strong option. I would not recommend it for someone looking for a small, quick, low-maint
Final Thoughts
I think the Intex Swimming Pool 24 x 52 is a great choice if you want a large, durable, and affordable backyard pool for family fun. My takeaway is that it offers plenty of space for swimming and relaxing while still being relatively easy to set up and maintain. If you’re looking for a practical way to enjoy summer at home, this pool is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m Elise Marlow, a Minneapolis-based estate-auction researcher and photographer. Much of my work involves handling objects that have already been used, kept, repaired, and passed along. A bag with softened handles or a watch with a scratched face often tells me more than a perfect product photo ever could.
That is why I pay close attention to the small details people tend to notice late: uncomfortable straps, weak closures, awkward pockets, fading finishes, and materials that do not hold up to ordinary use. I enjoy finding pieces that are both pleasant to look at and easy to live with.
At Ruby Roxanne Designs, I write about accessories, travel items, gifts, small personal finds, and everyday objects that deserve a more honest look. My goal is simple: help readers choose things they will still enjoy after the newness wears off.
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