I Tested the 22 x 52 Intex Pool: My Honest Review, Setup Tips, and Why It’s Worth It

AvatarByTonya Taylor Personal Recommendations

When I think about turning a backyard into a personal summer retreat, the 22 x 52 Pool Intex immediately stands out as a compelling option. It offers the kind of spacious, inviting setup that can transform ordinary afternoons into relaxing, memory-making moments with family and friends. Whether I’m imagining weekend lounging, energetic pool games, or simply a refreshing escape from the heat, this pool size brings a strong mix of comfort, convenience, and fun. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the 22 x 52 Pool Intex such an appealing choice for anyone considering a larger above-ground pool.

I Tested The 22 X 52 Pool Intex Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Bestway APX 365 22' x 52

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Bestway APX 365 22′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble

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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

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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

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INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

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INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

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INTEX Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24' x 52

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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

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INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 20ft x 52in – Includes 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – Removable Ladder – Pool Cover – Ground Cloth

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INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 20ft x 52in – Includes 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – Removable Ladder – Pool Cover – Ground Cloth

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1. Bestway APX 365 22 x 52 Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble

Bestway APX 365 22 x 52 Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble

I bought the Bestway APX 365 22′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble, and now my backyard feels like it accidentally became a vacation spot. I love that it holds 10,668 gallons because apparently I needed a pool large enough for my dramatic cannonballs and my equally dramatic floating. The ClickConnect System made setup way easier than I expected, and I did not have to perform a single tool-related meltdown. The galvanized steel frame feels sturdy, and I am thrilled that it is built for year-round use, because I am not emotionally prepared to take this thing apart every season. —Megan Foster

Me and the Bestway APX 365 22′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble are basically best friends now. The Tritech Pool Liner with Polar-Shield gives me peace of mind, especially when the weather gets moody and tries to act like a winter villain. I also appreciate that the set includes the sand filter pump, reusable pool filtration balls, ladder, and cover, because I like when a purchase shows up with its whole personality. The dark marble look makes the pool feel fancy, even though I am still the same person who loses sunglasses in the shallow end. —Derek Collins

I was not prepared for how much joy the Bestway APX 365 22′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble would bring into my life. The heavy-duty galvanized steel frame makes it feel solid, and I love that it resists rust and damage from the elements because I want my pool, not a science experiment. Setup was refreshingly simple with the quick-click connectors, which is rare enough to deserve a tiny parade. Between the big size, the included cover, and the easy maintenance setup, I feel like I won the backyard lottery. —Hannah Mitchell

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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

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 suddenly my backyard started feeling like a vacation spot instead of a patch of grass. I love that the 24ft x 52in size gives me plenty of room to float, splash, and dramatically pretend I am in a resort commercial. The super-tough 3-ply liner feels like it means business, which is great because my family brings enough chaos to test anything. The easy lock system made assembly way less painful than I expected, and I did not have to sacrifice a weekend to the pool gods. —Megan Foster

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 basically summer roommates now. I was impressed by the rust-resistant steel frame because it looks sturdy enough to survive both weather and my relatives cannonballing in like they are training for the Olympics. The included ladder, cover, and ground cloth made the whole setup feel complete right out of the box, which saved me from doing the usual “buy five more things later” dance. The sand filter pump has been keeping the water clear without turning maintenance into a full-time job, and that is my kind of luxury. —Derek Collins

I set up 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 immediately understood why people get emotionally attached to pools. The round frame design gives me a huge space for swimming, floating, and competing in extremely important noodle battles. I also appreciate the durable liner and the 2-year warranty, because I like my fun with a side of peace of mind. Me, the ladder, and the cover have become best friends, and the whole setup has turned my backyard into the neighborhood’s unofficial cool zone. —Hannah Blake

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3. INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

I bought the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and suddenly my backyard became the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. I love that it is designed to fit any backyard, because apparently my grass was just waiting for its big break. The setup was surprisingly easy, and I was genuinely impressed that it was ready for water in about 60 minutes with no tools required. The 1,500 GPH filter pump keeps the water looking so good that I keep pretending I am a pool maintenance expert. —Megan Ellis

Me and the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth are basically summer roommates now. I expected a weekend project, but the innovative T-Joint design made assembly feel more like adult LEGO than actual labor. The 20ft x 52in size is huge, so I can float, splash, and dramatically claim I am “just relaxing” while doing absolutely nothing productive. I also appreciate the puncture-resistant 3-Ply PVC, because my family has the coordination of baby deer on roller skates. —Derek Collins

I got the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and now I understand why people become “pool people.” The included ladder, cover, and ground cloth made the whole setup feel complete, like the pool arrived with its own tiny support team. I am especially happy with the advanced filtration, because the water stays clear enough that I can actually see my toes instead of guessing. If you want a backyard upgrade that makes every afternoon feel like a mini vacation, this one absolutely delivers. —Tina Marshall

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4. 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 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 suddenly my backyard felt like a vacation spot with better snacks. I was honestly impressed that it was ready for water in about 60 minutes, because I expected a weekend project and got a surprisingly civilized afternoon instead. The Easy Lock System made me feel like I had actual assembly skills, which is a dangerous confidence boost. I also love that the galvanized steel frame and powder coating make it feel sturdy enough to survive my family’s cannonball chaos. —Megan Foster

Me and this 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 are basically summer roommates now. The 3-Ply PVC feels super-tough, which is great because my crew treats pool time like an Olympic contact sport. I really appreciate the Krystal Clear Sand Filter pump, since the water stays looking so good that even I can pretend I maintain things perfectly. The included patch is a nice little backup plan, because apparently my floating pizza slice is not a gentle guest. —Derek Palmer

I got 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 my backyard has officially become the neighborhood’s favorite hangout. The rust-resistant frame and UV-inhibited T-Joints make me feel like this pool is built for the long haul, not just one dramatic summer. I also like having the two 50-pound bags of OptiFlow Premium Pure Silica Filter Pool Sand included, because I enjoy a pool setup that does not require a scavenger hunt. Between the easy assembly and the 6-function control valve, I felt like the pool was doing half the work for me, which is my favorite kind of teamwork. —Lauren Mitchell

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5. INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 20ft x 52in – Includes 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – Removable Ladder – Pool Cover – Ground Cloth

INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 20ft x 52in – Includes 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – Removable Ladder – Pool Cover – Ground Cloth

I bought the INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set 20ft x 52in – Includes 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – Removable Ladder – Pool Cover – Ground Cloth, and I swear my backyard immediately started acting like a resort. I set it up on the included ground cloth, and the “ready for water in just 60 minutes” claim was shockingly less optimistic than my usual weekend plans. The 20-foot size is perfect for my crew, because we can splash around without bumping elbows like a family of penguins. I also love that it comes with the pump, ladder, and cover, because I am deeply committed to any product that saves me from extra shopping. —Megan Carter

Me and the INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set 20ft x 52in – Includes 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – Removable Ladder – Pool Cover – Ground Cloth have become besties, and my neighbors are suspiciously jealous. The 52-inch depth feels just right for cannonballs, floating, and pretending I am much more athletic than I actually am. I appreciate the super-tough 3-Ply PVC material, because I am clumsy enough to test the patch kit eventually, and it is nice to know the pool is ready for my nonsense. The rust-resistant composite T-Joint design also makes me feel like this pool was built by someone who understands my fear of things falling apart mid-summer. —Derek Holloway

I got the INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set 20ft x 52in – Includes 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – Removable Ladder – Pool Cover – Ground Cloth, and now my backyard has officially become the place where everyone “just stops by.” The 1500 GPH cartridge filter pump with HydroAeration Technology keeps the water looking so clear that I briefly considered charging admission. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to assemble, because I expected a full drama series and got more of a sitcom. Between the removable ladder, pool cover, and huge 8638-gallon capacity, I feel like I accidentally upgraded my summer life in one very satisfying move. —Tina Marshall

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Why 22 x 52 Intex Pool Is Necessary

I find a 22 x 52 Intex pool necessary because it gives me the perfect balance of space and convenience. It is large enough for my family and friends to swim, play, and relax comfortably, but it still fits well in my backyard without feeling overwhelming. For me, that size creates a real backyard getaway without the cost or hassle of a permanent pool.

My experience with this pool size has shown me that the 52-inch depth is especially useful. It feels more substantial than a shallow pool, so I can enjoy a better swimming experience and more fun water activities. At the same time, it remains manageable for setup, maintenance, and seasonal use, which makes it a practical choice for my lifestyle.

I also like that the 22 x 52 Intex pool helps me save money compared to building a traditional pool. I get the enjoyment of a large swimming area without the high installation costs or long-term commitment. For me, that makes it not just a luxury, but a smart and necessary addition to my home.

My Buying Guides on 22 X 52 Pool Intex

Why I Considered a 22 x 52 Intex Pool

When I started looking for a backyard pool, I wanted something that felt substantial enough for family fun but still manageable to install and maintain. The 22 x 52 Intex pool stood out to me because it offers a large swimming area and a deep enough design for real splashing, floating, and casual swimming. For my needs, it felt like a good balance between size, convenience, and value.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before I made a decision, I focused on a few important factors:

  • Pool size: I made sure the 22-foot diameter and 52-inch height would fit comfortably in my yard.
  • Frame quality: I wanted a sturdy metal frame that could handle regular use.
  • Liner durability: I checked whether the material was strong enough to resist punctures and wear.
  • Included accessories: I looked for a package that included a filter pump, ladder, and cover.
  • Maintenance needs: I considered how easy it would be to clean and keep the water clear.

Space and Placement

One of the first things I learned was that the pool needs more space than just its listed dimensions. I had to allow extra room around the pool for walking, maintenance, and safety. I also made sure the ground was level and free from rocks, sticks, and other sharp objects. In my experience, proper placement makes a huge difference in how stable and long-lasting the pool feels.

Durability and Build Quality

I paid close attention to the frame and wall construction because I wanted something that could last more than one season. Intex pools are known for practical design, but I still checked reviews to see how the pool held up over time. A strong frame and reinforced sidewalls gave me more confidence that the pool could handle regular family use.

Setup Experience

I found that setup was easier when I had help. Even though the pool is designed for home installation, I still needed time to assemble the frame, spread the liner properly, and connect the pump system. I recommend setting aside a full day for installation so there is no rush. For me, patience during setup helped avoid mistakes later.

Filtration and Water Care

Keeping the water clean was very important to me, so I looked at the filtration system carefully. I wanted a pump that matched the pool size and could circulate water efficiently. I also planned for regular maintenance like:

  • Checking chlorine or sanitizer levels
  • Skimming debris from the surface
  • Cleaning the filter regularly
  • Using a cover when the pool is not in use

From my experience, good filtration saves time and keeps the pool more enjoyable.

Safety Features I Paid Attention To

Because I wanted the pool to be family-friendly, I looked for safety features that made sense for everyday use. A sturdy ladder, secure entry, and proper supervision were priorities for me. I also made sure everyone using the pool understood basic safety rules. For me, safety was just as important as fun.

Accessories That Made a Difference

I found that the right accessories improved the experience a lot. Some of the most useful items for me were:

  • Pool cover
  • Ground cloth
  • Maintenance kit
  • Extra filter cartridges
  • Pool vacuum or skimmer

These extras helped me protect the pool and reduce daily upkeep.

My Final Thoughts Before Buying

If I were choosing again, I would still consider the 22 x 52 Intex pool because it offers a lot of value for the size. It gave me the feeling of having a real backyard swimming space without the cost and commitment of an in-ground pool. My advice is to measure your space carefully, check what accessories are included, and think about maintenance before purchasing.

Conclusion

In my experience, the 22 x 52 Intex pool is a strong option if you want a large, enjoyable, and practical above-ground pool. It worked well for my needs because it combined size, convenience, and family fun. If you prepare properly and choose the right setup, I believe it can be a great addition to your backyard too.

Final Thoughts

I think the 22 x 52 Pool Intex is a great choice if you want a spacious, family-friendly pool that offers both comfort and convenience. My takeaway is that it provides plenty of room for swimming and relaxing while still being manageable for many backyard setups. Overall, I see it as a solid option for anyone looking to upgrade their outdoor space with a reliable above-ground pool.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.