This is my 3rd one of these types of pools in 10years. I usually get a few years out of each pool, had one season where I went to a hard plastic rim pool but it was a project to take down in the fall. This one is as simple as it gets and you really want a 18-20' ft round pool. It is imperative that your ground is level and you flatten out the bottom of the pool before filling. While filling ensure the sides are out to the bottom seams, inflate the ring and let the hose do its job. Fills up nicely, perfect height for my young kids, summer lasts for 3 months in the Northeast and when September comes we drain, dry, fold up and store in backyard in a tarp. I should mention that I use the regular filter but use the salt water system and it eliminates all of the added expense of adding chlorine, well worth it.

I ordered this on a lark because the killer summer temps have just hit us here in Arizona. The set up on this was fairly easy, and it comes with a video and multiple instructions pamphlets that are very clearly written. It's not a glamorous pool, but it is functional and can be stored when the season ends. I swam in it for the first time today and am seriously so happy I got it.

The only thing I don't know about is whether or not we're supposed to use chemicals in addition to the aerating pump that comes with it. My impression from the included literature is that the pump cleans the water, but that doesn't sound quite right.

Yes it is easy to put up.....sort of. Leveling your ground isn't as easy as they make it look. It matters too. We actually removed sod and used leveling sand. We had very level ground and due to the design of the pool even if slightly off messed with the depth. Maintenance is constant due to the small filter. You will change out the filter every 10 to 15 days. They add up. Getting wrinkles out of the bottom also is a chore when setting up. You eventually stop caring. So.....easy set up in that you inflate the top and fill with water but definitely a chore. Now to the real problem......its not designed to be in the sun. Did you catch that? The vinyl inflatable ring rots to be nearly unusable . Ours is so flaky and crusty from the sun just rotting away at it. We are constantly finding pinhole leaks to patch. If you don't the inflated portion goes down and the water spills over the side. So maybe this works if you want to keep it indoors........obviously that sounds stupid. Now-the 1 star I gave it did earn because of the price. If it weren't such a pain to set up you could just buy another one and restart because it is cheap. I wouldn't mind getting another one every couple summers but it's not worth the hassle. If you plan on using this for a short time then this is yours.

Pump stopped working after less than a month.
The 800 number is useless.
The "limited warranty" requires you to take the defective item to an "appropriate Intex Service Center listed in the separate Authorized Service Centers sheet, who will determine the validity of your claim. If the Service Center directs you to return the product, please carefully package the product and send with shipping and insurance
prepaid to the Service Center. Upon receipt of the returned product, the Intex Service Center will inspect the item and determine the validity of the claim. If the provisions of this warranty cover the item, the item will be repaired or replaced at no charge." So you may or may not get a replacement.
We've had Intex pools before and never had problems like this. If you get a non-defective pool it's a great option. But when you have a problem, you have a major problem.
Amazon will replace it or refund me if I drain it, pack it, and ship it, which sounds like a difficult and expensive project.
Major disappointment Intex.

I cannot even say enough good things about this pool!! My mom and I LOVE to lay out, but it gets so hot without a pool. We've been using little baby pools, but we decided to take a shot at this pool, and we do not regret it!! I was worried about taking care of it because I've never owned a pool before, but after reading the reviews, I felt like I had enough sense to manage it. It was very easy to set up, and it took about 3-4 hours to fill it up. I bought chlorine tablets, clear balance tablets (Arm & Hammer), test strips, pH balance, a chlorine floater, a net, and a cover. We placed it on top of a tarp, and the ground is not 100% level, so it is a little deeper on one side, but it doesn't bother us. So far, so good!! The pool is still standing (I was so worried after reading some reviews), and the water is still clear. I run the filter about 3-4 hours a day. I've had it set up for about a week now. I've had to put air in the top ring a couple of times because it does deflate every couple of days, but my dad has an air compressor so it's not an issue.

As far as the use of the pool, it is big enough to put two adult sized floats in and float around. My mom and I also put our beach chairs in it to sit in, and it was PERFECT!! The water stays fairly cool, but of course as the temperature gets higher, the water does warm up a tad, but it's sill enough to keep you cool. I also have an 11 month old nephew who LOVES it!! It is the perfect size for him to float around in with his baby float. It's also perfect to just hold him and let him splash around and play. He can touch the bottom when he is in his float. Overall, if you are hesitant about buying this, I would recommend it! You will spend a little bit more money buying the things that go with it, but it is totally worth it if you love the sun and being outside!! I am very very pleased with my purchase...so much that if it doesn't make it to next summer, I will buy another one!