Summer is almost here, and what better time than now to turn your back yard into your own staycation? Our team here went on the search for the perfect large above ground swimming pool, but soon realized that some pools don’t make the cut for what most families actually need: space, ease – and very little maintenance.

We wanted to construct a home oasis with a swimming area, and not a temporary inflatable swimming pool. We wanted a splash zone that would allow us to have fun and stay relaxed all day long. So, after thorough research for an appropriate pool, we reviewed the Intex 24’ x 12’ x 52” Ultra XTR Rectangular Outdoor Swimming Pool Set.

With dimensions big enough to actually allow for lap swimming, the kids, and all their water games, we knew we found a game-changer; it also sports a sand filter pump and a saltwater system that keeps it crystal clear and easily maintained (no chlorine to worry about). (To make things short, it’s so refreshing, you forget you’re not at a beach resort).

Second, we appreciated the stylish grey colour and sleek design. The pool is made out of high-quality, galvanised alloy-steel, with durable PVC. This pool is not just stylish, it is durable. The last thing we wanted was for our staff writer’s kids to go pouring out into the grass after popping a cheap pool - no bueno, but fun to watch on YouTube if you get the chance.

Our DIY Team Recommends this 24 ft Above Ground Pool

Again, one of its most impressive features is the construction and build quality. The walls of the pool itself is laminated PVC, and the entire structure is held up by three different layers of material including a thick inner layer of polyester mesh. This is more of a hard structure than an inflatable pool; it’s meant to withstand the demands of heavy use and the inevitable dings and scrapes of pool toys and swim gear.

The frame is awesome too. It’s made from high-quality, galvanised steel and features a state-of-the-art locking system that employs a precision-engineered fit between each part of the frame. This makes for a stable base that you can confidently set up. With the pool holding around 8,400 gallons of water – it sports enough to keep the whole family swimming for hours – that’s good to know.

Advanced Water Filtration, Saltwater System and Bonus Items

Diving Deeper into the Intex Ultra XTR Pool Set

It’s All About Size - the 24 foot above ground pool.

Why We Chose (and Love) the Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool Set

The sand filter pump and saltwater system included in this pool set are another factor that makes it stand out. The flow rate of this pump is 1,600 gallons per hour, which means that the water gets filtered much faster. The best part is definitely its saltwater system, which is responsible for cleaning and sanitizing the pool (it transforms salt into chlorine). But most importantly, it does it in a soft way, which is great for the skin and eyes (I mean to a point, not if you hold your eyes open to it).

So another awesome thing is that the pool comes with everything you need to go swimming right away: a pool ladder, a ground cloth to protect the base, a sand filter, a salt-water system, and a pool cover to keep leaves and other debris out when you’re not using it. Notice that these aren’t just accessories, things that you could add later on. They’re actually part of the basic package.

For our Artice on DIY Solar Pool Pumps

If Interested in Maximizing Solar Electric Efficiency

Space Requirements and Aesthetic Considerations

The pool is quite large – 24 feet by 12 feet – and it will take up a lot of space in your backyard. In fact, if you have a smaller yard, the pool might end up consuming your space entirely. You should draw out the area you are considering using for it and make sure there is enough space not just for the pool, but for easy and safe access around it. This wasn’t ever a problem for us, but we just want people to take things like this into consideration before making an investment like this.

Ultimately, we were really happy with it and believe that the Intex Ultra XTR sets a new standard of class and style in the above-ground pool world. Coming in a sleek grey finish and sturdy rectangular design, there is not much else in the above-ground pool market that could rival this product for its visual appeal. The pool would complement even a really manicured backyard, underscoring rather than depreciating the beauty of the landscape.

The Intex Ultra XTR Pool requires a little more work and space at the outset than some of its competitors, but its greater durability and beauty, as well as its superior filtration system, make it a premier option for those who can manage the scale and set-up demands.

Intex may be the most durable above ground saltwater pool to date.

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DIY GEAR

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External Resources for Guidance:

Swimming pool - Wikipedia

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