Discussions

We are looking at purchasing an above ground pool. What are people's experiences with above ground pools that are seasonal (taken down in the fall)??  
More specifically the Intex or Coleman brand pools. We are looking at the 18ft diameter models and they sell for around $1000.  
I would appreciate any feedback on:  
-quality  
-ease of setup/takedown  
-durability/longevity  
-pump and filter quality  
-suggestions or things to be aware of  
-and anything else you think might influence our decision (positive or negative)  
 
Thanks in advance. Any info helps!

Over the years we have had two above ground pools, both of our have been Intex pools. The first one was a 15 ft pool and now we have an 18 ft one. When it comes to filters I hated the paper cartridges, and it always seemed the one we needed was alway on back order, so a sand filter suited me fine. As for longevity, we would likely still be using the first one, but if you have any quack grass where the pool is going to be, watch out because it can grow through a woven tarp and even through the bottom of the pool. We started putting down a double layer of silage plastic and solved the grass problem. Set up is very simple, but try and make sure your site is very level, and make sure the legs are straight up and down, we usually check the legs once we have a bit of water in the pool, when I say a bit I mean just a skim of water on the bottom. Take down is simple as well, and my only peave about the take down is finding a container large enough for the liner, it won't go back into the box, believe me I tried.  
These pools contain a fairly large amount of water so be very diligent with keeping it cleaned,and your water balanced as far a ph and chlorine.  
Above ground pools have been a joy for my wife and myself as well as our children and now grandchildren. Hope you have a great summer.

Awesome. Thanks for that response. We have a "permanent" above ground pool currently but it's in need of some repairs that will be quite costly and labour intensive so I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons of going through with the repairs or just switching to one of these seasonal styles. Do you think our current pump and sand filter could be connected to the Intex pools or are the fittings completely different and specific to the pump/filter sold with the pool?

We had an easy set 18 ft pool and it was great. The kids could jump and dive around in it and we could float on chairs or swim the perimter. Same as an above poster said..pick a flat spot and put heavy tarps underneath. When I ran the filter 24-7, the water was pristine and we just flushed the paper filters with our outside water hose. Stored easily for the winter and quick and easy to set up.

we have an Intex 16ft, it's really easy to set up/tear down. You need a very level spot to set up, and like the other said, a tarp down first is a great idea. We love ours, filter is paper, never an issue, and you already know about PH levels etc, so as we see it, there really is no drawback to an aboveground pool.