There are only so many card games, freezer pops, and indoor obstacle courses you can throw at kids before they start climbing the walls. This was roughly the state of our household in late June when my sister-in-law, Aunt Tini, saved us all with a text:
“Pool’s up. Come over.”
We didn’t ask questions. We packed towels, sunscreen, and every flotation device we owned and headed straight to her backyard.
The Backyard That Became a Resort
Tini had gone big. Right in the middle of her yard was the Intex Ultra Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool, standing 20 feet across and 4 feet deep like a backyard resort that appeared overnight.
And somehow, it kind of had.
She told me it took just about an hour to set up. No tools, no cursing—just a smart frame that locks together with a click. Even the kids were impressed that the whole thing felt solid and didn’t wobble like the inflatable pools we’ve tried (and popped) in the past.
Where the Rules of Physics No Longer Apply
Stella (13) immediately staked her claim on a float and declared she wasn’t moving for the next four hours. Greyson (10), on the other hand, treated the pool like a training ground for stunt work—cannonballs, dives, spins, all of it.
And it held up.
The sides didn’t flex. The material didn’t even flinch. That’s when I learned the walls are made of a triple-layered PVC reinforced with polyester. I don’t know what that technically means, but I know it took everything my kids could throw at it.
What Makes This Thing Actually Work
The real MVP might’ve been the sand filtration system. The water looked clean, felt clean, and didn’t have that sharp chlorine smell you get from some other pools. Tini mentioned the pump has six settings—filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate, drain, and close—and it does the job well enough that she hasn’t had to constantly babysit it.
She did mention some folks online had issues with the pump, but hers ran fine. Just one quick backwash and it kept everything flowing like it should.
Small Backyard, Big Win
By the time we wrapped up that first visit, Stella had invented a synchronized swim routine, Greyson had bruised at least one elbow, and I had completely lost track of time. We only went over for a quick dip and ended up staying until dinner.
Is it the biggest pool in the world? No. But for a suburban backyard, it fits just right. Tini said it holds just under 8,000 gallons, and with the round shape, it somehow feels bigger when you’re in it.
Would We Do It Again?
We went back three times that week. Not because it’s flashy, but because it works. It’s solid, looks good, doesn’t take forever to maintain, and—most importantly—it gave my kids somewhere to be besides the couch.
If you’ve been on the fence about getting something for your yard, take a cue from Aunt Tini.
You can check it out here: Intex 26333EH Ultra XTR on Amazon
Your summer self will thank you.