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Above-Ground Pool Reviews
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Pools Performance (continued)
Above-Ground Pools Maintenance.
Don't kid yourself -- swimming pools are not all fun and games.Many owners of cheap pools assert that upgrading to more powerful pumps, bigger filters, and sturdier skimmers is the only way to keep the water fresh and free of debris and algae, and is definitely worth the extra expense. So, it seems, is upgrading to Intex's saltwater filter system. According to above-ground pool reviews on Sears, pool owners who have made the switch are thrilled with their decision, noting that the water stays clear and fresh and salt is far cheaper and less abrasive than chlorine.
Above-Ground Pools Longevity.
Our research indicates that if you get five years out of the best swimming pools, you've gotten your money's worth. Proper and regular maintenance, including fix-it patches on small holes, is definitely required to get your pool even this far. Intex pools are considered among the best swimming pools, and earn the most accolades for multi-year service, but they're not problem-free. We read several swimming pool reviews on Intheswim.com from owners who left the Intex 18' x 9' x 52" metal-frame pools outside through northern winters to no ill effect, and on Toys R Us about having enjoyed the 15' x 48" model for a good four years. Still, a few above-ground pool reviews report that pinholes tend to show up in the liner after a season in storage and spots of rust occasionally appear on the frame. One owner notes that bulging water from an unlevel pool caused the rods to bend. (Um, what do the instructions say?)Users' experience with the Heritage 12' x 42" pool is mixed. One owner was well into her third season when she posted a pools review on Walmart, but another found leaks as soon as setup was complete. More than one review for this model says the ladder could be sturdier, a common refrain among owners of even the best cheap above-ground pools. The Seaview Club 18' x 42" gets a shout-out in a review on Sam's Club for its seeming stability, support structure, and substantial liner while the smaller 12' x 36" Heritage pool seems flimsy, according to above-ground pool reviews. The few reviews we could find for the Summer Escapes 18' x 48" pool are mostly critical. In comments on Amazon, owners share a litany of complaints about burst seams, leaks, broken pumps and impellers, and customer service that's seasonal, which heightens owners' frustrations when undertaking maintenance and repairs during the winter.
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Best Cheap Pools
Intex Metal Frame Pools
The round, metal-frame Intex 15' x 48" pool features a super-strong PVC lining and rust-resistant metal frame that's easy to assemble and withstands several seasons of use. Owners like the size and overall value but say it could use a larger pump. Read more »
Pools Deals
Intex Rectangular Pools
For a big crowd, Intex offers the 18' x 9' x 52" rectangular Ultra Frame pool. It wins fans for easy setup (look, no tools!) and durability, even through winters when left standing. Some carp about a flimsy filter, skimmer, and ladder. For more information, see our review of Intex Metal and Ultra Frame Pools.
Pools Deals
Good Cheap Pools
Heritage Round Pools
The Heritage 12' x 42" is one of the smaller framed pools with decent reviews but garners complaints about an inadequate pump and filter system. With its metal sides and frame, porthole, and vinyl liner, it could be a challenge for some to set up. Read more »
Pools Deals
Seaview Club Pools
Seaview Club offers this 18' x 42" above-ground metal-frame pool that appears similar to the same-size Heritage pool, right down to the description and instruction manual with a different logo on top -- but they're sold by different vendors. Opinion is divided about ease of setup and, as with other cheap pools, owners say this one would benefit from a larger filter and pump.
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Don't Bother Cheap Pools
Summer Escapes Pools
This 18' x 48" swimming pool from General Foam Plastics attracts a bevy of vocal critics who fault its build quality and the company's customer service. Read more »
Products Mentioned in This Review
Intex Easy Set PoolsSummer Escapes Pools
Heritage Round Pools
Seaview Club Pools
Intex Metal Frame Pools
Intex Rectangular Pools
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