INTEX 26325EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 16ft x 48in – Includes 1500 GPH Cartridge Sand Filter Pump – SuperTough Puncture Resistant – Rust Resistant – Easy to Assemble

We bought this pool on a whim to keep our kids busy this summer. They didn’t need a massive pool and I wasn’t sure I’d love all the work it can take to maintain one, so the 16’ was a good choice.Shipping was fast for a freight item. It was due to arrive on a wed I believe, and tracking updates just stopped after a few moves, but a few days later I noticed the truck pulling off. After walking outside I found a box on a pallet as close to the house as they could get.Unpacking went smoothly, I organized all the parts and unwrapped the liner allowing it to sit in the sun about an hour or so before manipulating.Side rails installed quickly without much effort, and I didn’t have issues with the last connection. Then I installed legs in an every other leg fashion until the side was raised. Then I spun the pool around to where the filter holes would be in the right position.Climbed in and walked the wrinkles out of the bottom and began filling with water. 3 days later it filled to the top with water, only it showed a 5” difference from side to side despite me spending days trying to correctly grade the spot it sits on with the 2×4 trick. While I was concerned about the amount of water pressure on the low side, but after watching a few videos online I realized I wasn’t the only one. I was pleased to find zero leaks. 2 months later and lots if swimming and it’s doing great. I’ll take it down this fall and relocate it to a more level location next year. May even pour a concrete pad for it to sit on.I made sure to level the legs perpendicular to the ground as the pool was set up, and then continue to check them and adjust as the pool filled. A bubble level works well here.As far as the included accessories, they are so so.The ladder is a flimsy joke, but it works, and it will hold up to 300 lbs. we replaced it with a beefier ladder with child security features.The pump and sand filter work, but the flow rate is a little low, and it needs to be backwashes at least once a week if not more when running 24/7. It functions correctly however and keeps the pool crystal clear. Everything was included to get the pool running other than pool sand, which I purchased on amazon.Haven’t used the cover because we don’t really have any trees in the area.We purchased the Intex magnetic pool light and that has been a hit for night swims.We also tried the skimmer attachment but it really doesn’t work very effectively, especially when no one is in the pool and the water is calm. Ended up removing it.I purchased a 5 way drop test kit which helped me get my water in line, and honestly after a couple of weeks chasing it, now all I have to do is add a chlorine tablet to my floater once a week. I vacuum the pool using the intex accessory kit once a week, and I backwash the filter once a week. Test strips work well and keep an eye on CYA levels, but drops are harder to mess up.I will update next year as to how teardown and reassembly goes, and whether the pool lives up to its 2 year warranty.If we manage to get 3 or more years out of this pool I will likely stick with Intex for a while. The cost of these pools and even replacement parts outweighs the cost of an in ground pool by far, and many more permanent above ground pools.***********Update:After surviving all year at a 5-6″ difference in level, the pool came down easily and stored well. I dried my liner in the sun and tossed some corn starch baby powder inside the liner to keep it from sticking and help it stay dry. I just want people to be aware that you don’t have to be perfectly level and worry. Just make sure that the legs are parallel to the ground and watch them for signs of movement over the months. Next year I plan to pour a small concrete pad to place the pool on, and i will help protect the liner with a pad to lay between the concrete and the pool. This to me is the easiest way to ensure it’s a level stable surface, but this is taking things to an extreme.1 year update******So we decided to pour an extension to our patio this year and relocate the pool there. The level is now much closer with the porch having about a 1” drop from end to end.The pool went up nicely after storage. I repeated the setup steps from the first time and found that the addition of corn starch based powder inside the liner kept it dry and mold free. It actually want up much quicker the second time.We decided to install it over 1” foam board insulation which was taped along the seams with wide heavy duty sealant tape. This provided a footing for swimmers and injury prevention as an accidental bump wouldn’t be hitting straight concrete. It also seems to insulate the pool from the ground temp and keeps the pool warmer.We upgraded the pump last year to the next highest level, I seem to believe it was the 2800GPH Intex with the filter basket built in. This pump seems to be easier to maintain and only needs backwashing once a week, but I could let it go longer. I honestly spend about 30 minutes a week maintaining the pool, it’s that simple.We are believers in Intex. We will recommend them to others that want to try a pool before making a major commitment on something like an in ground, or those on a budget that otherwise might not have the ability to swing an extravagant purchase like a professionally installed pool.