WHY WE BOUGHT IT
We bought our Intex Wet Set pool at the local Sam's Wholesale club during a raging blizzard last January. While we got some funny looks from other customers in the checkout line - we didn't care because we knew we had hit the mother load.

We have two kids (7 & 4)who LOVE to play in the water. Our city has a small water park that charges big water park prices. At less than $225, it would only take four family trips to the water park to match the cost of the pool - thus we had a no brainer on our hands. We owned an Intex Easy-Set pool the prior year(I'll write a review on this experience in the near future) and wanted something a bit bigger.

We have a sloping yard - so regardless what the box says about not needing sand or leveling - we dug out a section of the yard and used about 20 bags of sand create a level area. At least we thought it was level.

WHAT DO YOU GET FOR ABOUT $225
The pool set came with the following components: metal pipe framework; vinyl pool body; vinyl cover; ladder, skimmer net; vacuum; filter, and hose connectors for draining the pool.

EASE OF ASSEMBLY
For once, the glowing prose on the box was not all hype. It took three adults less than 30 minutes to assemble the metal framework. All you need to do is thread the pipes through openings around the top perimeter of the pool; then attach these pipes to support pipes that are held against the pool sides with a factory installed rope.

In fact it took far longer to create the level area than assemble the pool itself.

STURDINESS
The pool held up very well. We had up to 7 or 8 kids in at a time, and the pool withstood all the roughhousing with no problems. No leaks ever developed, which was somewhat surprising. The ladder also held up with no problems. As our sand compacted over the summer, the pool developed a list of several inches. There did not appear to be any adverse impacts from this. We learned to compact the sand better next year before assembling the pool, though.

EASE OF USE
At 15 feet across, 3 feet deep, and holding 3,100 gallons of water, the pool is big enough it requires regular water maintenance. Be aware, if you don't add chlorine, skim the water, change filters regularly you're going to have a giant mosquito infested bog in your yard. It holds too much water to continually drain and refill. If you take care of the water regularly you will have hours of fun without leaving home. If you're not prepared to work at keeping the water clean, then you should take a pass on this product(or any other pool this size). In our experience, the filter needs to be run about 2-4 hours per day; and filters need to be changed about every two weeks. Replacement filters can be hard to locate at discount retailers, especially as summer wanes. Pool specialty shops usually have them in stock, but at prices around $10 each.

A word of caution. The water is deep enough to pose a hazard to small children. It however, is NOT deep enough to allow safe diving. Be sure you're committed to keeping an eye on your kids. Also, most localities have ordinances that require a pool of this size to be enclosed by a fence.

The accessories included with the set all worked well. The vacuum is a simple device that uses water pressure from a garden hose to force particulates into a small cloth bag. The pool cover was easily installed and removed. It has several small holes in the center to prevent a vacuum from being created that eases its placement.

EASE OF DISASSEMBLY
We just took the pool down for the winter. The set includes hardware for attaching a hose to the drain. The drain plug is on the bottom of the sidewall. This allows water to drain much more efficiently than drains placed on the pool bottom.

The frame came apart even easier than it went together. Keep the boxes, so you'll have a place to keep all the parts over the winter.

OVERALL IMPRESSION
This was an excellent investment. Our kids and their neighborhood friends used the pool regularly all summer long. While we did go to the expensive water park once, we really didn't miss it at all. It is so much more convenient to be able to step into your yard and enjoy a cool dip. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat.


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 225
Type of Toy: Other
Age Range of Child: Whole Family