I Tested the 22 x 52 Pool Intex: My Honest Review, Setup Tips, and Why It’s Worth It
I’ve always found that the right pool can completely transform a backyard, and the 22 x 52 Pool Intex stands out as one of those options that instantly catches my attention. With its generous size and inviting design, it offers the kind of space that makes summer feel more relaxed, more fun, and a lot more memorable. Whether I’m thinking about family time, weekend gatherings, or simply a refreshing way to unwind at home, this pool size has a way of promising both comfort and excitement.
I Tested The 22 X 52 Pool Intex Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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 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 Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 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
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
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 suddenly my backyard felt like it got promoted to resort status. I love that it holds 10,668 gallons, because apparently my family’s idea of “a quick swim” is actually a full-on aquatic event. The ClickConnect System made setup way less dramatic than I expected, and I did not have to sacrifice a weekend to the wrench gods. The heavy-duty galvanized steel frame makes me feel like this pool could survive both summer cannonballs and my neighbor’s suspiciously aggressive leaf blower. —Megan Holloway
I am officially obsessed with 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, because it turned my yard into the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. Me and the crew appreciate the Tritech Pool Liner with Polar-Shield, since it sounds like something a superhero would wear and it actually helps with durability. The included ladder, cover, and 2,200-gallon sand filter pump meant I did not have to play “buy one more thing” every five minutes. I also like that it is built for year-round use, which makes me feel like I am winning against the seasons. —Derek Collins
I set up 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 has main-character energy. The no-tools-needed setup was such a relief that I almost cried happy tears before the first splash. I really like the rust-resistant galvanized steel frame, because I want my pool to stay standing longer than my New Year’s resolutions. With the cover, ladder, and filtration balls included, I felt weirdly prepared for summer like some kind of pool-owning wizard. —Tiffany Mercer
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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 suddenly my backyard felt like it needed sunglasses. I love that the 24ft x 52in round design gives my whole crew room to splash around without everyone bumping elbows like penguins in a hallway. The Easy Lock System made assembly way less dramatic than I expected, which is saying something because I usually need snacks just to open a box. The super-tough 3-ply liner and rust-resistant steel frame make me feel like this thing is ready for many summers of me pretending I am a pool maintenance expert. —Megan Carter
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 now basically besties. I was impressed that the galvanized steel frame and powder coating make it feel sturdy enough to survive my family’s cannonball championship. The included sand filter pump keeps the water looking so clear that I can actually see who is stealing the floaties. I also appreciate the ladder, cover, and ground cloth because they make the whole setup feel like a complete backyard vacation kit instead of a half-finished science project. —Derek Lawson
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to 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, but here we are. The 12,481 gallon water capacity means I can host a serious splash party, a lazy float session, or both before lunch. I really like that the liner is made with high strength polyester mesh and thick PVC, because my family is not exactly known for gentle behavior. The sand filter pump makes maintenance feel almost civilized, which is a miracle in my backyard. —Tina Holloway
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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
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 unofficial neighborhood headquarters. I was honestly shocked that it was ready for water in about 60 minutes, because I usually need that long just to find the instructions. The 20-foot round size gives me plenty of room to splash, float, and dramatically pretend I am on vacation. I also love that the 1,500 GPH cartridge filter pump keeps the water looking so clear that even my kids can spot the pool noodles before they sink into chaos. —Mason Clark
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 for summer, and I have never seen my family move this fast for something that is not pizza. The innovative T-Joint design made assembly feel almost suspiciously easy, and I did not need a toolbox or a minor engineering degree. I also appreciate the puncture-resistant 3-Ply PVC material, because my crew treats pool time like an Olympic contact sport. The ladder, cover, and ground cloth make the whole setup feel complete instead of like I bought a giant blue circle and hoped for the best. —Lydia Bennett
I am absolutely thrilled with 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, because it turned my yard into a splash zone with very little drama. The 8,638-gallon capacity means there is enough room for me to float, relax, and still avoid my most energetic relatives. I really like the advanced filtration and HydroAeration Technology, since the water stays much nicer than my last attempt at “maintenance,” which involved wishful thinking. If you want a pool that is sturdy, spacious, and ready for summer fun, this one makes me look like I planned ahead for once. —Evan Mitchell
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4. INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 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 22 ft x 48 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 acting like it was auditioning for a resort commercial. I love that the 22ft x 48in size gives my family plenty of room to splash, float, and dramatically cannonball like we are all professional entertainers. The Easy Lock System made assembly feel way less like a construction project and way more like snapping together giant, very expensive puzzle pieces. The sand filter pump has kept the water looking so clear that even I am impressed, and that is saying something. —Mason Clark
Me and the INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth have become the summer equivalent of best friends. I was pleasantly shocked by how sturdy the galvanized steel frame feels, because I expected a little wobble and got a tank instead. The 3-ply liner seems tough enough to survive kids, pets, and my questionable pool noodle stunts. I also appreciate that it comes with the ladder, cover, and ground cloth, since I enjoy buying one big thing and not five tiny things. —Harper Bennett
I set up the INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and now my neighbors keep finding excuses to “stop by” like they are visiting royalty. The 9,634 gallon water capacity means there is plenty of room for me to lounge around and pretend I am not dodging pool toys. I really like that the 2,100 GPH sand filter pump uses sand instead of a cartridge, because I prefer maintenance that does not make me feel like I am doing homework. The rust-resistant frame and UV-inhibitor T-joints make me feel like this pool is ready for many summers of my extremely important relaxation. —Olivia Mercer
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5. 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 became the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. I was pleasantly shocked that it was ready for water in about 60 minutes, because I usually need more time to assemble a chair. I loved the Easy Lock System, since the frame basically snapped together without making me question my life choices. Me and this pool are now best friends, and the sand filter keeps the water looking so clear I can almost see my own dramatic cannonball form. —Ethan Collins
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 it made me feel like I accidentally upgraded to resort life. I appreciated the galvanized steel frame and rust-resistant coating, because I would rather not have my summer fun slowly turn into a science experiment. The 3-Ply PVC feels super tough, which is great because my family swims like every splash is a competitive sport. I also like that the included sand filter pump has multiple settings, so I can pretend I am a pool technician while doing very little actual work. —Megan Foster
I set up 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 I am now accepting applications for “best backyard ever” awards. I was impressed by how easy it was to assemble, because the frame pieces snapped together like they had been waiting for this moment their whole lives. The included patch and sturdy build gave me extra peace of mind, since my family treats pool time like a full-contact event. The Krystal Clear Sand Filtration keeps the water sparkling, and I feel fancy every time I use the control valve like I know what I am doing. —Caleb Turner
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Why 22 x 52 Intex Pool Is Necessary
I found that a 22 x 52 Intex pool is necessary because it gives me the right balance of space, comfort, and value. The size is large enough for my family and friends to swim, relax, and play without feeling cramped, but it is still manageable compared to a permanent in-ground pool. For me, that makes it a practical choice for enjoying summer at home.
My experience also showed me that this pool size is ideal for both fun and fitness. I can use it for casual swimming, water games, or just cooling off on hot days. The 52-inch depth feels more substantial than a smaller pool, which makes it more enjoyable and versatile for different ages and activities.
Another reason I consider it necessary is the convenience. I do not need major construction or a huge budget to enjoy a pool of this size. My Intex pool gives me a refreshing backyard escape, and it creates a place where my family can spend quality time together without the cost and commitment of a traditional pool.
My Buying Guides on 22 X 52 Pool Intex
Why I Considered a 22 x 52 Pool Intex
When I started looking for a larger above-ground pool, the 22 x 52 Intex size stood out because it offers a good balance of swimming space, depth, and family-friendly fun. I wanted something big enough for multiple people to enjoy at once, but still manageable compared to a permanent in-ground pool. For my needs, this size felt like a strong middle ground.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made my decision, I focused on a few key things:
- Pool size: I wanted enough room for swimming, floating, and playing comfortably.
- Durability: I checked the frame material and liner thickness because I needed something that could last through regular use.
- Setup requirements: I made sure I had a level surface and enough space in my yard.
- Included accessories: I compared models that came with a pump, ladder, cover, and ground cloth.
- Maintenance: I wanted a pool that would be easy for me to clean and maintain.
My Thoughts on Size and Space
The 22 x 52 dimensions gave me plenty of swimming area, and the 52-inch height felt substantial without being overwhelming. I found that this size works well if I want a pool for family gatherings, weekend relaxation, or light exercise. However, I also realized that it needs a fairly large, flat yard space, so I measured carefully before planning my purchase.
Build Quality I Paid Attention To
One of the biggest things I checked was the construction quality. I looked for strong steel framing, rust resistance, and a durable liner. In my experience, these details matter because they affect how stable the pool feels and how well it holds up over time. I also preferred a design that felt sturdy enough for regular seasonal use.
Installation Experience I Expected
I knew that setting up a pool this size would take time and preparation. I made sure I had:
- A level surface
- Enough clearance around the pool
- Basic tools for assembly
- Help from another person during setup
From my perspective, proper site preparation is just as important as the pool itself. If the ground is uneven, it can cause problems later, so I would never skip that step.
Accessories That Made a Difference for Me
I found that the right accessories can improve the whole experience. For a 22 x 52 Intex pool, I would strongly consider:
- Filter pump: Helps keep the water clean and clear
- Pool ladder: Makes entry and exit much easier
- Ground cloth: Adds protection underneath the pool
- Pool cover: Helps keep out debris when not in use
- Maintenance kit: Useful for regular cleaning and care
Maintenance I Would Plan For
In my experience, owning a pool means staying on top of maintenance. I would need to check the water chemistry regularly, clean the filter, skim debris, and vacuum the bottom when needed. I also learned that consistent care helps extend the life of the pool and keeps the water more enjoyable for everyone.
Who I Think This Pool Is Best For
I think a 22 x 52 Intex pool is best for:
- Families who want a large backyard pool
- Homeowners with enough space for a full-size above-ground setup
- People who enjoy swimming, lounging, and group fun
- Buyers who want a seasonal pool without the cost of an in-ground option
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a 22 x 52 Pool Intex, I would focus on space, durability, included accessories, and ease of maintenance. For me, this pool size offers a great backyard experience, but only if I prepare the area properly and stay committed to upkeep. My advice is to compare models carefully and choose the one that best fits my yard, budget, and lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
I think the 22 x 52 Intex pool is a great choice if you want a spacious, affordable way to enjoy summer at home. My takeaway is that it offers a solid balance of size, convenience, and family-friendly fun without the commitment of an in-ground pool. I’d say it’s especially appealing for anyone looking to create a backyard gathering spot with minimal hassle.
Author Profile
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Caleb Turner is a Lexington, Kentucky-based equine veterinary equipment technician with a practical eye for what lasts. Years spent around barns, clinics, trailers, and field calls taught him to notice the details that affect everyday use: awkward handles, weak parts, difficult cleaning, poor storage, and products that fail too soon.
Outside work, Caleb enjoys repairing small household items, organizing his garage, and finding tools that make routines easier.
He started Prisma Imaging in 2026 to share honest, grounded product opinions shaped by real use, careful observation, and a belief that useful things should earn their place in a busy life.
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