Having fun in a swimming pool is one of the most popular ways for kids and parents to have leisure time in summer. Not all homeowners have a place or can afford an inground pool with all pumps, filters, and maintenance for the whole year. The vinyl portable pools are less expensive to install, come in different sizes and shapes, can be framed or inflatable, and can be easily removed for winter storage.
Vinyl portable pools are above-ground pools that can be erected on a surface with minimum preparation. For construction, you need an hour or two, an access to fresh water and electricity. Such a pool is excellent for having fun for kids of all ages and parents, can include special colorful lighting, and can be combined with a spa.
There are plenty of portable vinyl pool manufacturers, such as Intex, Funsicle, Bestway, Summer Waves, Doughboy, and many more. We will compare two Brands popular in the seasonal pools niche – Funsicle and Summer Waves. We will compare brands and the top three pools and find out what pool is the best choice.
Funsicle vs. Summer Waves Brand Comparison
Funsicle is a brand of Polygroup North America company that is a global manufacturer of outdoor recreational products. They produce products for play and relaxation – above-ground pools, inflatable pools, pool floats, pool accessories (including skimmers and pumps), and water games.
The above-ground pools are presented in different sizes, forms, and colors. You can choose the quickset or sea-thru pool. The company cares about the future and produces TerryCycle inflatable pools and floats that can be recycled.
You can easily find a swimming pool and all replacement parts for your pool on their official website or on Amazon. All products have a 1-year warranty for repairs and replacements. The company has helpful technical support working during business hours, which is available by phone or email.
Summer Waves is another brand owned by the Polygroup family. They produce premium products for outdoor entertainment as well. You can purchase almost the same product categories as from Funsicle: framed above-ground pools, inflatable above-ground pools, kids’ pools, filtration systems, and pool floats.
All marketplaces, including Amazon, have a wide choice of vinyl pools with high reviews and are available at affordable prices. You can purchase not only the pool but also all required equipment for its maintenance from the Summer Waves brand. Moreover, the brand has a deluxe maintenance kit with a telescopic pole, skimmer net, vacuum adapter, and brush to keep the water sparkling for the whole swimming season.
The 1-year warranty and reliable technical support with service around the USA is a nice addition.
verdictFunsicle and Summer Waves are famous brands from Polygroup company. Both brands produce high-quality vinyl pools that last for years. You can rely not only on quality but also on after-sales support and replacement based on your warranty and product registration. Summer Waves is slightly more famous than Funsicle, but in reality, all products are quite similar to each other.
Funsicle vs. Summer Waves Main Difference
In this article, we reviewed the exact models of two brands, and we will compare them to provide you with a list of their characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and differences. The main differences between these pools are:
- The Funsicle pools always come with a deluxe maintenance set, ladder, ground cloth, and a cove, while some Summer Waves pools come only with a ladder, and all other accessories should be purchased separately. Meanwhile, one of the pools described in Summer Waves has a repair patch.
- The Funsicle pools are equipped with cartridge filter C type, while some Summer Wave has D type filters. The difference between C and D is the size of the connection flange.
- The Funsicle pools have blue hexagons on the inner PVC layer, while Summer Wave has blue squares like tile inside.
- The Summer Waves filter/pump/skimmer device also has a chlorinator, which the Funsicle does not have.
For sure, these pools differ in size, shape, and print on the PVC materials, which we will discuss further in a detailed review of each model.
Funsicle vs. Summer Waves Comparison table
Funsicle 14ft x 48in Round Oasis Designer Above Ground Pool – the most affordable model
Funsicle 14 ft. x 48 inches is a spacious luxury pool for families, parties, and swimmers with space for 6-7 persons. It has an ultra-strong metal frame with an anti-corrosive mat finish and a durable liner, stronger than other similar pools. The frame is easy to assemble with several clicks using SmartConnect joints to manage the oval shape form. The pool materials consist of three layers –two heavy gauge PVC layers around a polyester mesh – to prevent wear and tear. The interior side looks like hexagon honeycombs colored in blue for a stylish look.
You can enjoy the clean water for the whole summer with a unique built-in combined skimmer, filter, and pump (SkimmerPlus system) included in the package. In the skimmer, large debris, such as leaves and insects stay, and the filter captures small particles. Such a combined filter pump is installed on the side of the pool to simplify regular maintenance; inside the pool, there is a special inlet and outlet for water intake and outtake. Also included in the package is the SureStep Ladder for easy climbing in and out.
There are several print decors for this size of the pool; you can choose the one that best suits your lawn. The 2-in-1 drainage plug on the bottom of the pool is used to assemble and disassemble the pool without tools. To minimize solid particles damaging the bottom of the pool, you may use the ground cloth from the package. To prevent the water from any debris while you are not swimming, you may use a pool cover from the package.
- Many additional parts in the package
- Heavy-duty material and frame
- Built-in pump, filter, and skimmer
- Easy assembling and disassembling
- Stylish inside and outside look
- High capacity for 6-7 people
- A maintenance kit for quick cleaning and assembling is included
- Material is not for pets
Funsicle 24 Foot x 12 Foot x 52 Inch Oasis Designer Rectangular Frame Outdoor Above Ground Pool – The most convenient model for large families and groups of friends
This large pool is very similar in appearance to the previous Round Oasis pool; it is made from the same three-layer materials and frame. However, the shape and size of this model are significantly higher to give families and friends more space for fun and swimming in almost 8000 gallons of water. It can accommodate up to 13 people with enough space for each one.
On one of the long sides, you need to install the 3-in-1 skimmer, pump, and filter that will perform regular maintenance of your swimming pool water. The pump is bigger for this model (1500 GPH), as the pool contains more water than the previous model.
The same optional accessories are included: a cover, removable ladder for this height of the pool, deluxe maintenance kit, and ground cloth. To improve your pool experience, you may purchase a foot bath, pool canopy, hip-sip cup holder, volleyball or basketball set from Funsicle. We also recommend using chemicals once per month or in case of frequent use – a floating chlorine dispenser is a good helper.
- All required accessories are included in the package
- Heavy-duty material and frame
- Built-in pump, filter, and skimmer
- Quick assembling and disassembling
- Modern outside and an inside look
- High capacity for 13 people
- Maintenance deluxe kit
- Material is not for pets
- Very expensive
Funsicle 16 Foot x 48 Inch Oasis Designer Outdoor Round Above Ground Swimming Pool – the most stylish model
This Funsicle is a stylish above-ground pool but with a larger size than the first described option. This model size is for 8 people. The outer PVC material looks like oak herringbone, but inside, it is the same hexagons with blue color.
The 16-foot model comes with the same accessories as the other two models, a 3-in-1 pump, filter and skimmer, ladder, ground cloth, and a cover. The assembly process, maintenance, and all other parameters are the same for all these Funsicle Oasis Designed Pools.
The described Funsicle pools are from the same series, so all materials and accessories are the same. Differences are only in the shape, size, and color of the outer linen. Moreover, because of the different water capacities, the size of the 3-in-1 pump should be different; the first model has the smallest pump, while the other two models have the same one.
- Durable PVC materials
- Easy-set metal frame
- Built-in pump, filter, and skimmer
- All accessories for maintenance and installation are included
- Stylish look matching all lawns perfectly
- Capacity for 8 people
- Maintenance deluxe kit
- Material is not for pets
Summer Waves 14 Foot x 48 Inch Round Metal Frame – The most convenient in operation and installation
Summer Waves 14 Foot x 48 Inch is a perfect example of a middle-sized swimming pool with enough space for 8 people to relax and splash. It has a high-strength galvanized steel frame that has a snap-in design for quick and easy setup of oval frame tubes and t-joints.
The pool material is also a triple-layer durable material consisting of heavy-gauge PVC and a polyester mesh inside to withstand hot temperatures in summer and prevent damage. The outer layer of this PVC material is called dark herringbone basket weave, which will give a lot of elegance to your backyard. The inner layer looks like blue tiles of regular concrete pools.
The package of this model includes an SFX1000 filter pump that combines the features of a skimmer and has a cartridge filter D inside. The filter cartridge for all pools of such kind should be replaced every 2 weeks. It also has a chlorinator for regular chemical treatment of pool water. This complete pump and filtration system includes all hoses and fittings (2 ft. hoses) to connect to the round opening in the liner. The pump is connected to one of the sidewalls for easy maintenance without trips. You also receive a ladder that helps you get in and out.
- Durable materials and construction
- Easy setup and maintenance
- Built-in filtration and pump system
- A ladder is included
- Capacity for 8 people
- Elegant dark herringbone stain
- Only 90-day warranty
- No maintenance kit is included
- No ground cloth and cover
- Material is not for pets
Summer Waves P42412521 Elite 24 Foot x 12 Foot x 52 Inch – the most spacious model
This Elite Summer Waves rectangular model is very close in parameters to Funsicle 24 Foot x 12 Foot x 52 Inch Oasis Designer Rectangular Pool in size, capacity, and construction capabilities. The materials are the same as for Summer Waves 14 Foot x 48 Inch Round pool described in item 4; it also has Dark Grey Herringbone Wicker Pattern outer linen for an elegant look.
As this pool is larger than the previous one, it is equipped with a larger all-in-one pump – 1500 GPH. Moreover, it has a ground cloth and pool cover to make the pool safer on uneven surfaces and to protect the pool water from debris while you are not swimming in it.
To get into the pool safely, a four-step ladder is provided; it is easily assembled and is designed especially for above-ground swimming pools of such specific height. Its durable steel frame does not float in the water. For cleaning purposes, you can find the Deluxe Maintenance Kit in the package (the same as for Funsicle pools), including a vacuum adapter, skimmer net, telescopic brush, and vacuum brush.
- 4 step ladder is included
- Capacity for 13 people
- Easy set-up and maintenance
- Built-in filtration and pump system
- Elegant dark herringbone color Durable materials and construction
- Very expensive
- Material is not for pets
- Only 90-day warranty
Summer Waves Active Metal Frame 16 Foot x 48 Inch Round – the most attractive price
This last model is almost the same as the Funsicle 16 Foot x 48 Inch Oasis Designer Outdoor Round model (item 3). Again, the differences are in small details only. It includes an all-in-one pump/filter/skimmer/chlorinator with the type C filter cartridge (not D as other Summer Waves models), and for cleaning, it is a regular maintenance kit (only net, vacuum brush, and telescopic pole).
The ladder, the capacity of a pump, ground cloth, and a cover are the same as for the rectangular Summer Waves model. The color of this model is unique: natural gray rattan compliments any backyard décor.
The height of the pool perfectly suits kids of 6 years and older; for small kids, it might be too deep. Even though all kids should be under an adult’s observation while swimming. Interestingly, you can purchase the model with the same size but also with a glass window to make the swimming experience even more fun.
- A ladder, ground cloth, and cover are included
- Capacity for 8 people
- Easy setup and maintenance
- Built-in filtration and 1500 GPH pump system
- Elegant grey rattan color
- No deluxe kit is included; only regular kit
- Material is not for pets
- Only 90-day warranty
Funsicle vs. Summer Waves Installation
The setup process for Funsicle and Summer Waves Pools are absolutely the same and consists of the 4 easy following steps:
Before swimming in the pool, be sure that the water level has proper pH and chlorine levels; use the test strips. You need to change the water several times per season, at least.
The installation process of Summer Waves and Funsicles takes about 60 minutes without time for water filling and liner stretching.
verdictThere is no difference in assembling Funsicle and Summer Waves pools. There is no winner in this part of the Summer Waves vs. Funsicle pool comparison.
Funsicle vs. Summer Waves Frame Pools
Funsicle and Summer Waves Frame Pools are perfect examples of steel frame pools. They obtain all the advantages of frame pools compared to inflatable pools:
- Consists of several pieces – steel framework and liner.
- It has a large size, many shapes, and the ability to hold a lot of water.
- More stable frame with less risk of collapse and water spill.
- More durable material for less risk of puncturing from sharp objects.
- Quick assembling/disassembly process.
- The affordable price of the pool and its accessories.
- Low maintenance.
There are minor disadvantages, such as:
- Many parts are easy to lose or break. But all parts can be purchased separately.
- The necessity to have required accessories – ladder, filtration system, and sanitization parts.
With proper maintenance and change of damaged details, the pool from both brands can last up to 20 years, while the inflatable above-ground pools can last up to 5-10 years. Even though Funsicle and Summer Waves Frame Pools can hardly increase home value, they do not look cheap because of high-quality materials and nice printed patterns. You can quickly disassemble such a pool for winter and do not spend time and money on winter storage and pool preparation before the new season.
verdictThere is no difference in the construction characteristics of Funsicle vs. Summer Waves Frame Pools. They both are the best examples on the market.
Who is the winner in this Battle?
The comparison of Funsicle vs. Summer Waves showed that there is almost no difference between these pools. Both brands produce reliable framed pools of different shapes and capacities. Funsicle for all models has all the required accessories, while Summer Waves has no ground cloth, cover, or maintenance kit for small pools. The availability of chlorinators makes the Summer Waves filtration system preferable. Also, you may choose the color of the pools; these brands have different inner and outer patterns. We can’t recommend any of these brands as, in terms of quality, they are the same as both companies are part of one PolyGroup Corporation. Your choice should be based on the availability of accessories and colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a framed pool in winter?
Funsicle and Summer Waves pools are not designed for low temperatures. The usage in winter can cause damage to linen and metal frames. You need to store the disassembled pool in a closed, warm room.Can I change the Funsicle filtration system to the sand filter?
Do I need to use a pool cleaner for the above-ground Summer Waves pool?
What do I need to use the skimmer net from my Deluxe Maintenance Kit?
Do I need to purchase additional equipment for the Funsicle or Summer Wave pool?
Conclusion
The detailed deep characteristics of Funsicle vs. Summer Waves pools showed that there are almost no differences between their pools. You can use their spare parts between these brands, only checking that the pool size fits. You have the choice of high-quality metal frames not only from one brand but also from two. If you want to purchase a small swimming pool for eight people, consider what is more essential for you: a chlorinator or accessories. The nice advantage of Funsicle pools is that they have a 1-year warranty, while Summer Waves only have 90 days. But, no matter which swimming pool you choose from the described options, with proper maintenance and installation, it can live in your family for up to 20 years.
Hi! I’m Markus Robertson, and water is my passion.
Five years ago, I graduated from the University of California-Los Angeles and was going to become a professional marine biologist. However, my fate had other plans for me, and due to family problems, I had to find a more stable and well-paid job. I had only one wish for my job to be connected with water.
During this period of my life, I worked as a sales manager at Olympic Pool & Spa Supplies. The job helped me learn everything about swimming pools and related pool equipment, as well as how to choose the best option and what to pay attention to.
