First let me say, like everyone else has said, you MUST have a level spot for this! Not almost level, not "it looks level"..LEVEL.

We purchased ours in May from Walmart for $199.

We knew from the get go that our yard was not level. To level it we decided to put some railroad ties in the ground and dig the higher areas out with a tiller that we rented. We then moved the dirt we dug up, to the sloped side to build it up while lowering the high side.
We spent a good 4-5 hours doing this procedure and have no skin left on our thumbs, super sore backs and fell into bed exhausted that night. We knew all of our efforts didn't completely level the yard but we did what others do and said it was level enough. We were wrong on that.

Now the next day we went to set up the pool. The pool itself IS easy to set up. We laid down the ground tarp that is included, placed the pool evenly on that and began to inflate the top ring of the pool. We used our air mattress pump to do this and it only took about 10 minutes if that long. Next we began filling the pool with a standard garden hose.While the pool is filling you need to get inside it and lift the ring and use your feet to push the wrinkles out towards the edge. It's easier than it sounds and only takes a few minutes. If when you get about an inch of water in the bottom, if you notice it going to one side only....STOP! Seriously, learn from my mistake and just stop there, drain and relevel that yard! We were tired and figured it would be ok. The pool took roughly 6 hours to fill.

While the pool filled, we assembled the ladder. It was not difficult and my 12 yr old stepson did most of it himself before needing my husbands input. The ladder does seem fairly sturdy but I do think they could have made it wider for adults. You will need a screw driver but it is a simple job and only takes a few minutes to put together.

After the ladder was put together we hooked up the included pool filter. Simple connection of two hoses to the nozzles on the side of the pool and running the cord to a GFI electrical outlet. The pump is fairly quiet and replace cartridges can be purchased at Walmart for about $5-$7. They should be replaced about every 2 weeks. The pool does not come with chemicals but Walmart does sell pop up pool kits with everything you need to get started.
The pool also comes with a cover for when you are not using it that goes on easily and ties to make it secure. I think putting it on is a two person job but removing it can easily be done by one person.

Two days after we set it up, it appeared warm enough, despite that it can't use a heater. The kids loved it and 4 of them splashed around and rode on pool toys we purchased. Plenty of room for several people in this pool. We had a noticeable slope in the pool despite our leveling efforts but it was holding up very nicely and I was not worried after pushing water around and seeing it was steady. HOWEVER, a few days later I noticed the drain plug was now missing. The reason for that is because the kids had played around enough to cause the weight of the water to slightly roll the pool enough where the drain plug is now UNDER the pool! At first I wasn't sure if it had rolled or when we filled it we didn't double check to make sure it was on the outside. So I marked the lowest part of the bottom outside pool area with a permanet marker so if the line disappeared I could tell it was rolling. It is rolling folks.

Due to the fact that I know the pool is rolling, I have banned the kids from the pool. We are going to drain it and relevel and fill it back up. Since my drain is under the pool I have purchased a submersible pump to help us get the water out. It should take roughly 3-4 hours to drain. The pool holds roughly 3,754 gallons of water when filled to recommended level. The pump cost me $64 at lowes. I also had $50 in lumber to build what was supposed to be a level yard, and $65 in tiller rental, another $17 in pool chemicals. If you have a level yard then your costs will be much less. I haven't got the water bill yet so unsure how much that will be. Do not attempt to build a wooden platform such as a deck to put this on. My neighbor did that and a board broke due to the weight and came up through the bottom of the pool!

Several people I know have this pool and once they got the leveling issues worked out, have enjoyed it very much for several years. All of them tell me that the enclosed unit that sweeps the bottom of the pool is not good enough to do the job and suggest getting a bigger one. I have not had it up long enough to even use that yet.

I caution people to make sure the yard is level, consult with your local township to see if you need a fence & use proper supervision of children in the pool. We remove our ladder at night which is not attached and can't be attached to the pool. The legs go two inside the pool and two outside. I think once we level the yard this pool will be a great source of entertainment for us even with the costs we have endured. It's cheaper than a family pool pass with the luxury of being right here in the yard to use whenever we want.
Some ideas you might want to use are....
Keep a bucket of water or a soft bristle utility brush near the ladder to clean off feet before getting in the pool. I plan to tie the brush to the ladder so the kids can just wipe their feet off or brush the ladder steps to help keep the pool cleaner. Do NOT lean on the inflatable ring, don't use this for diving or jumping into the pool. Get yourself some inflatable toys and have fun. Word of caution, avoid yellow or white pool toys. We discovered a insect in our area called Thrips, that once we put a yellow pool noodle in the pool, they came from everywhere, biting us until we got rid of the noodle. I consulted an expert on insects who said these bugs are attracted to yellow & white objects. Go figure, who would of thought?

Also note that even though the pool claims 15'x42", it is less due to the ring aims inward, making it really 12-13'and the water level only goes to the bottom of the inflatable ring. At the end of the swimming season, drain the pool using the included drain or purchase a pump to drain it. Always drain away from the foundation of your or your neighbors home. Dry and fold according to instructions and store for next year in an area that hopefully has no mice.

Specs
Each 15' x 42" Easy Set™ Pool Package includes:
(1) 15'x42" Pool (15 ft diameter x 3.5 ft height)
(1) Set-up & maintenance video
(1) 800 gallon per hour (3028.33 L/hr) water filtration pump
(1) Automatic Surface Skimmer. Removes leaves and other floating debris automatically
(1) 15" Fitted Pool Cover
(1) Ground cloth
(1) 42" A-frame ladder with high impact plastic steps and a rust-resistant coated steel frame
(1) Maintenance Kit that includes a lightweight aluminum pool sweep/skimmer and vacuum
Water capacity: 3284 gallons (12,431 L) at 80% full


To see videos of how to install this pool, go here...
http://www.intexdevelopment.com/proifv/proifv_dl_client.jsp?source=intexstore&gid=2&lid=1558


UPDATE: 6/12/2007
We have since spray painted the ladder silver and put a clear coat over that to help ward off these bugs that love white or yellow on our pool. Called Thrips. If you are having a problem with that, try it.

UPDATE: 6/16/2007 Well the paint didn't stop the bugs, it was just luck that we didn't see any the first day. We have also been spraying the product called "Seven" around the pool area. I have seen a few out there today but so far much better. It's too early to tell if it will work well daily or not.

UPDATE: 7/17/2007 Problem with the bugs seems to have been cleared up by the product "seven". Many times of insects like water and I do go out daily and use the included pool net to clear out any bugs which is just typical. We have been keeping up with the chemicals once a week, checking and doing what needs done and the pool has stayed crystal clear. The cartridges have needed replaced about every two weeks, but can't hold up longer than that, you will notice the pump barely working if you do. We are really enjoying this pool!

UPDATE: 6/15/2010
We have since updated to the same type of pool but with the poles. I find this one to be much more forgiving if you do not have the ground completely level, and in my opinion at least gives you the impression of being safer. If you are trying to decide which one to get, go with the one with the poles!

Recommended: Yes