Intex pools are inexpensive and quick to set up, but they’re built to be temporary. Easy Set (inflatable-ring) pools usually last a few seasons. Frame pools last longer, and Ultra Frame models can go several years with good care. A professionally installed above ground pool, by comparison, lasts 15 to 25 years.
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Intex pool types
| Type | Typical life | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Easy Set | A few seasons | The inflatable top ring holds the wall up. Cheapest and simplest. |
| Metal Frame / Prism Frame | Several seasons | Steel frame, bigger sizes. |
| Ultra Frame (round and rectangle) | Several years with good care | Heavier-duty, rust-resistant frame. Intex’s top line. |
Easy Set
Unbelievably easy to set up and the least expensive. A good way to test the waters before committing to a real pool.
Metal Frame and Prism Frame
A metal frame lets you go bigger. Example: the Intex 15′ x 42″ Prism Frame, or the small Intex Prism Frame line.
Ultra Frame
Rust-resistant, heavier components, in round and rectangular shapes. The longest-lasting Intex.
Video: 5-Year Review of the Intex Ultra Frame 18×48 (Streeters Garage)
What shortens an Intex pool’s life
- The liner: an Intex only lasts as long as its PVC liner. Punctures, UV and chemical damage end most of them.
- Uneven ground: set up on a slope or soft spot, and the wall strains and can collapse. Level the ground and remove the grass first.
- Poor circulation: run the filter pump daily so the water turns over. Stagnant water grows algae and grit that wear the liner.
- Harsh chemicals: use chemicals compatible with Intex liners, and never toss tablets or granular shock directly on the liner.
- Weather: most Intex pools should be taken down, cleaned, dried and stored for winter.
How to make it last
- Brush with a soft nylon brush only.
- Cover it when it’s not in use, with a fitted Intex cover.
- Keep chlorine and pH balanced. See How Much Chlorine Should I Use?
- Take it down and store it dry for winter.
Is an Intex worth it?
If you want a pool for a few summers, or you’re renting or moving soon, an Intex can be a good deal. If you want something your kids can grow up with, a permanent above ground pool on a proper base lasts 15 to 25 years and holds up to New England winters. See How Long Do Pools Last?
Steel, hybrid and resin above ground pools, laser-leveled and professionally installed across Massachusetts and Rhode Island since 1996.