Intex Easy Set Inflatable Above Ground Pool Review

Intex Above Ground Pools

The Intex Easy Set is a series of inflatable above ground pools that are designed for easy setup and maintenance.

Unlike most above ground pools, there are no heavy pieces to move or a metal frame to assemble. You just have to inflate the top ring and fill the pool with water.

There are five size options that range from a kiddie splash pool to a family-sized 18ft pool.

Read on for our full review.

If you are looking for a bigger steel framed pool instead, see our reviews of the best above ground pools for other options.

Sizes Available

Pros

Cons

Product Specifications​

Specifications

Best Features

1. Tough PVC Sidewalls

All the pools in the Intex Easy Set series are PVC-only. There’s no steel frame or metal siding.

They consist of just an inflatable ring at the top and tough PVC sidewalls.

Of course, the pool won’t last as long as a steel-framed or steel-walled above ground pool. But many customers say they’ve hard theirs for quite some time with most in their third or fourth season.

The PVC liner is designed to withstand the sun and other weather elements. It can also take some impact from objects like rocks or kids hitting it without puncturing.

The only vulnerable part of the pool is the top ring. It’s thinner than the rest of the pool and can easily get a hole from birds, a pet or kid poking it with a stick.

The pool will not collapse if the ring deflates, but you won’t be able to fill the pool again. If the tear is small, you can patch it. If it’s a big hole, you’ll have to replace the entire pool.

2. Filter Pump with Hydro Aeration Technology

All the Easy Set pool sizes come with a cartridge filter pump. The size of the pump varies with the size of the pool.

The pump comes with Hydro Aeration technology.

As it pumps clean water back into the pool, it also introduces some air. If you look at the inlet port in the pool, you’ll see air bubbles.

The air improves filtration by clumping sediment particles together, making them sink to the bottom where they are easy to filter out.

It also adds negative ions to the pool, making the water healthier. 

The Aerating pump is also suitable for aesthetics. It gives the water a beautiful sparkly look.

3. Dual Suction Outlets

The filter pump sucks water out of the pool from two outlets ports. This increases pool circulation, which improves filtration and keeps the water cleaner.

The two outlets connect to two lines that join outside the pool to take water to the filter.

4. Drain Plug

If you prefer draining your pool and storing it inside during winter, the drain plug makes your work easy and mess-free.

Instead of letting the chlorinated water spill out on the lawn and kill your grass, you can connect a garden hose to the drain plug and direct the water into a drain.

Just note that it will take several hours to drain all the water.

Issues and Concerns

Leaky Top Ring

Several customers say the inflatable top ring is very prone to leaking. This is usually caused by tiny holes that are hard to spot.

As I mentioned, the material used in the ring is thinner than the rest of the pool, making it easy for a stone or a bird to puncture a hole in it.

You can patch up small holes using a vinyl repair kit, but bigger rips require a complete pool replacement. That’s because you cannot fill the pool with water if the ring does not inflate.

Note: If the ring deflates when the pool is full of water, the pool will not collapse.

Weak Pump

The filter pump included with the pool is not very strong. The weak suction can take hours to circulate all the water in the pool through the filter pump.

Additionally, if you are planning to use an automatic pool cleaner, it will probably not work.

Many customers opted to upgrade to a stronger sand filter pump that can circulate the water faster and work with an automatic suction-side or pressure-side pool cleaner.

Note: The smallest size – the 8-foot option – doesn’t come with a pump. So you can order a sand filter pump at the same time as the pool. We recommend the Intex Krystal Clear filter pump.

Low Lifespan

If you are looking for an above ground swimming pool that you’ll use for the next 10-15 years, this is not it.

Consisting only of PVC and with no metal support, most Intex Easy Set pools last at most four seasons. Others give out after the second season, usually due to an unrepairable hole in the ring.

For a longer-lasting above ground pool, buy an all-metal, resin or steel framed pool.

Assembly Instructions

The Intex Easy Set pools are some of the easiest to set up. You can assemble it alone, but it will be faster if you have a friend or family member help you.

The small 8-footer takes just 15 minutes to get it up while the larger sizes take about 30 minutes, not including the filling time.

It’s essential that you set up the pool on a level area to ensure it remains stable when filled with water. Then place the included ground cover on the lawn to protect the bottom of the pool from grass and small rocks.

Position the pool over the ground cover and make sure the drain plug is closed. Set up the outlet and inlet fittings.

Fill the pool with water as you smoothen out the edges from inside the pool. It will take several hours to fill the pool.

If you are in a hurry, you can call a pool filling service.

With the pool filled up, install the shutoff valves on the inlet and outlet fittings and connect them to the filter pump. Plugin the pump into a GFCI outlet and your pool is ready for use.

You can use a floating chlorine tablet dispenser to sanitize the water.

If your pool comes with a cover, use it to keep out debris when the pool is not in use. You can also get a solar pool cover to warm the water as well as prevent leaves and debris from getting in.

Our Bottom Line

3.4/5

The Intex Easy Pool Set is a great choice for families looking for a low-cost above ground pool that is easy to set up and maintain.

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