Summer Waves vs. Intex is among the trending topics when it comes to the best above-ground pools. If you are torn between the two, you came to the right place. We have sampled the best above-ground pools from the two brands, analyzing their features and, importantly, the pros and cons.
There’s no doubt above ground pools are the most sought-after swimming pools compared to inground pools. Above-ground pools are favorites for several reasons. They are cheaper than inground pools, are easier to install and maintain, and are safer overall.
What’s more? Above-ground pools take up less space and can be moved anytime for storage or when you want to free up space in your backyard. So, if you have opted for an above-ground pool, you made the right decision.
Summer Waves vs. Intex Brand Comparison
There are dozens of above-ground pool brands, but Summer Waves and Intex are the household names, trusted brands known for quality and durable above-ground pools.
Summer Waves is among the brands owned and operated by Polygroup, a global industry leader that started as an artificial Christmas tree manufacturing company.
Just like in the Christmas trees niche, Polygroup has also left a mark in the swimming pools industry with its line of Summer Waves above-ground pools.
Intex is owned and operated by Intex Recreation Corp., a conglomerate known for recreational merchandise, including swimming pools, inflatable beds, toys, furniture, boats, spas, etc. Since launching the first above-ground pool back in 1997, Intex has continued to win consumers’ trust.
The company’s product range in the above-ground pools category includes Kiddie Pools, Easy Set Pools, Metal Frame Pools, Prism Frame Pools, Ultra XTR Frame Pools, and pool accessories.
Summer Waves is a great brand that focuses on offering consumers value for money. The brand is known for its high-quality choice of materials. On the other hand, Intex is known for technology and innovation. The brand goes an extra mile to combine technologies that offer consumers a better experience, for example, the programmable pump, and Patented HydroAeration Technology.
Top Recommendations
We understand that there are quick shoppers who want an easy purchase decision. The table below will guide you to pick the best above-ground pool for you and your family.
Why Summer Waves?
There are four main categories of above-ground pools; Quick Set® Pools, Active Frame Pools, and Elite Frame Pools.
1. Summer Waves Quick Set 14ft x 36in
The Summer Waves P1A01436E Quick Set is an above-ground swimming pool with a small footprint allowing it to be placed in tight backyards 14 x 14 ft. It provides more swimming area at a lower price.
Technically, round pools offer better value for money when you assess what you are paying vis a vis the gallons the pool can hold. Besides, round pools have better structural integrity now that there’s equal pressure on the walls.
This above-ground pool measures 14 feet in diameter and is 36 inches deep. One thing that makes this pool durable is the triple-layer poly-laminate PVC reinforced with polyester inner mesh sidewalls.
- The Quick Set takes just 10 minutes to set up
- It comes with an RX600 filter pump with GFCI
- Includes replacement filter cartridge
- The walls and ring are sturdy
- Stylish dark herringbone wicker pattern
- Requires a perfectly level ground
- The included pump is not very reliable
- The pump requires a stable base
2. Summer Waves Quick Set 15ft x 36in
For those who don’t want that dark herringbone bask weave wicker pattern of the Summer Waves P10012361, the Summer Waves P1001536A Quick Set is the best deal. It is blue, giving your backyard that beach ambiance, and is a little larger than the Summer Waves P10012361.
The P1001536A measures 15ft x 36in and holds 2,640 gallons. As a round-shaped pool, you also get better value for money considering the amount you pay vs. the water it can hold. Also worth mentioning is the more swimming space at a lower price and structural integrity.
- The Quick Set takes just 10 minutes to set up
- It comes with an RX600 filter pump with GFCI
- Includes replacement D-filter cartridge
- Sturdy walls and ring
- Convenient, quick release drain plug
- It needs to be set up on a perfectly level ground
- The included pump gets overwhelmed often
- The walls don’t retain heat
3. Summer Waves Active 12ft x 33in
The Summer Waves P20012331 Active is a great deal for larger families with active kids and hence the name Summer Waves Active. It has been reinforced with a rust-resistant galvanized steel frame with an easy snap-in design to make it sturdier, and easy to assemble. Here again, the pool has been finished with a dark herringbone bask weave wicker pattern reducing eye strain from the blue bob.
Summer Waves P20012331 Active measures 12ft x 33in and holds 1,600 gallons. One great thing about this model is the upgraded pump, so you can be sure of improved performance. It’s also a round-shaped pool, so you get all the advantages that pools of this shape tag along.
- Rust-resistant galvanized steel frame
- The steel frame reinforcement makes it best for playful kids
- It comes with a robust pump for efficiency
- The pump is attached to the pool’s wall
- Installation is not as easy as PVC-only pools
- The ground has to be perfectly level
4. Summer Waves Active 14ft x 40in
The Summer Waves P71408401 is an oval-shaped gray metal framed swimming pool. It is made from durable PVC outer material with a Dark Herringbone print, plastic liner, and sturdy steel frame. The pool size 13.9 ft. x 40 inches fits for six adults.
This pool is installed in 45 minutes; after that, you can add water there. You do not need to purchase an additional filter; this pool goes with an SFX600 filter pump, D filter cartridge, and skimmer for regular water maintenance. Also, the package includes a SureStep ladder for easy in-and-out access and a repair patch for several years without additional investments.
- Durable and strong materials
- Easy setup ladder
- Fits 6 adults
- Stylish outer pattern
- Included filter pump with skimmer and cartridge
- Installation is more complicated than inflatable pools
- Expensive model
5. Summer Waves Elite
The Summer Waves P42412521 Elite is an excellent choice for large families with big backyards. This is a rectangular above-ground swimming pool. The advantage of rectangular pools is that they allow for swimming laps and are the competition standard. Summer Waves Elite covered by a dark herringbone bask weave wicker pattern.
It measures 24ft x 12ft x 52in and can hold 8,393 gallons. Interestingly, this pool features a more powerful water pump and tags along with a maintenance kit.
- Best for large families and facilitates competition
- It comes with a larger and more powerful pump for efficiency
- The Deluxe Maintenance Kit makes maintenance easier
- The A-frame tread ladder makes it family and pet friendly
- The pool cover is very thin and frail
- Set up can be a challenge for a non-handy installer
Why Intex?
Intex has a wide range of pools. In this Summer Waves vs. Intex pools comparison review, we have focused on the Easy Set, Metal Frame, Prism Frame, and Ultra XTR Frame.
1. Intex Easy Set
The Intex 28131EH Easy Set is similar to the Summer Waves P10012361 Quick Set. It’s also a round-shaped pool designed for small families and homes with small backyards. One great thing about this pool is the easy installation process. You can be ready for the water in just 10 minutes.
The Intex Easy Set measures 12ft x 30in and can hold 1,485 gallons when 80% full. The inflatable pool has sturdy puncture-resistant 3-ply material and needs to be installed on perfectly flat ground. One great thing is the inclusion of the Krystal Clear cartridge filter pump that features an auto timer with preset 2 to 12 hr cycles.
- It offers more simple toolless and effortless installation
- Best for homes with small backyards
- It comes with a reliable pump with cartridge filters
- Patented HydroAeration Technology enhances water circulation
- Auto timer with preset 2 to 12 hr cycles
- The PVC material only doesn’t guarantee sturdiness
- Requires a perfectly level installation ground
2. Intex Metal Frame
The Intex 28201EH Metal Frame is ideal for small families looking for a sturdier above-ground pool. It’s slightly smaller than the Intex 28131EH Easy Set and has PVC walls reinforced using metal frames. Unlike the Easy Set, the Metal Frame can take longer to install, but the process is very easy. It should take you around 30 minutes.
Intex 28201EH is a 10ft x 30in above ground pool with a 1,185 gallons capacity when 90% full. It also features the same 3-ply PVC wall but considering it’s reinforced, it’s ideal for playful kids. The Intex Metal Frame also comes with the Krystal Clear cartridge filter pump with programmable cycles.
- Much sturdier than the Intex Easy Set
- Ideal for buyers with small backyards
- Patented HydroAeration Technology improves water circulation
- The pump has an auto-timer with preset 2 to 12 hr cycles
- The pump, even though programmable, gets overwhelmed
- The metal frames make installation a bit of a challenge
3. Intex Prism Frame
The Intex 26701EH Prism Metal Frame is a great choice for those who want something unique. It is also a pool designed for tight spaces, and unlike the Intex 28201EH, which is round-shaped, this one is prism. Besides being stylish, a prism-shaped pool is much sturdier, and remember, it has also been reinforced using metal frames. The installation is easy, but the metal frames will definitely make the process much longer, about 30 minutes.
The Intex 26701EH Prism Metal Frame measures 10ft x 30in and can hold 1,185 gallons when 90% full. The main wall material is a 3-layer PVC which Intex claims to be an anti-puncture. It also tags along with the Krystal Clear cartridge filter pump with preset 2 to 12 hr cycles.
- The prism shape makes it stylish and sturdier
- Suitable for buyers with small spaces to set up the pool
- The pump comes with an intelligent programmable timer
- Patented HydroAeration Technology improves water circulation
- The pump is not as reliable as those used in other models
- Installation can be a little tricky if you are not a handyman.
4. Intex Ultra XTR Frame
The Intex 26325EH Ultra XTR Frame Pool is the best choice for those who want to go big. This is a round-shaped pool designed for the whole family. It boasts a PVC wall reinforced with galvanized steel frames with inner and outer powder coating that stand on rubber leg end caps. While it features T-Joint Connectors and an easy-lock system, installation is not that easy and can take 45 minutes.
The Intex Ultra XTR Frame measures 16ft x 48in and can hold 5,061 gallons at 90% capacity. One exciting thing about this pool is the Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump, which can also be programmed. It’s also packed when it comes to accessories.
- Best above ground pool for the whole family
- Come with a ladder for safe entry and exit
- Includes a 16ft pool cover and ground cloth
- Features a Krystal Clear sand filter pump
- The installation process is quite complicated
Summer Waves Quick Set vs. Intex Easy Set
Summer Waves Quick Set P1A01436E and Intex Easy Set 28131EH are two excellent choices for buyers with a small family and a small backyard. They are both easy to set up and come with a 3-layer PVC wall.
The advantage of the Summer Waves Quick Set is the dark herringbone bask weave wicker pattern, which means the blue bob won’t be a bother. Another thing is, Summer Waves hold more water. The recommended maximum capacity is 2,200 gallons, while Intex’s is 1,485 gallons. The pump is also more efficient as it can push 600 gallons per hour, while Intex can push 530 gallons per hour.
On the other hand, Intex Quick Easy Set has an auto timer with preset 2-12 hour cycles. Also worth mentioning is Patented HydroAeration Technology and Advanced Filtration and Circulation, which increase water freshness and improve clarity.
verdictWhile Summer Waves holds more water and has a slightly powerful pump, Intex carries the day courtesy of the exclusive technologies that enhance water purity and clarity. The filter pump’s auto-timer feature is also an invaluable addition.
Summer Waves Active Frame vs. Intex Metal Frame
Summer Waves P20012331 Active Frame and Intex 28201EH Metal Frame come with a metal frame reinforcement that makes the pool sturdier. This is a great feature for families with active kids. They also come with a 3-layer PVC wall and a filter pump with dual suction outlets.
The advantage of Summer Waves is that it comes with a dark herringbone bask weave wicker pattern, so you won’t have to struggle with the blue bob. Another reason to go for Summer Waves is the larger capacity. It can hold 1,600 gallons, while Intex can hold just 1,185 gallons. Also, Summer Waves’ pump, rated 600 GPH, is better than Intex’s, rated 330 GPH.
On the other hand, Intex offers much simpler installation courtesy of the new innovative T-Joint design for a toolless setup. The metal frames have also been made from UV stabilized polymer for durability. Even though the pump is weaker compared to Summer Waves, the auto timer feature comes in handy for swimming enthusiasts with tight schedules. Water in Intex pools also has increased freshness and improved clarity.
verdictIt’s hard to call a winner here. If you want raw performance, get the Summer Waves Active Frame, but for those after convenience, the auto timer with preset 2 to 12 hr cycles is a deal maker.
Summer Waves Elite Frame vs. Intex Prism Frame
Summer Waves Elite Frame and Intex Prism Frame are two popular models from the two brands. So, how do they compare?
Summer Waves P42412521 Elite is the best choice for those with large families that often compete. This is a rectangular pool with a dark herringbone bask weave wicker pattern for eye comfort. It measures 24 feet x 12 feet x 52 inches, can hold 8,393 gallons, and has a pump rated 1,500 GPH. Other unique features include a ladder, ground cloth, and a maintenance kit.
On the other hand, the Intex 26701EH Prism is a small pool measuring 10ft x 30in. Its advantage is the easy setup and the fact that it can fit small backyards and is easily movable. Intex’s HydroAeration Technology and Advanced Filtration and Circulation increase water freshness and improve clarity. You will also love the programming feature of its water pump.
verdictAs long as you have the space and the budget, the Summer Waves Elite Frame is the best choice. This is a pool for the whole family and tags along with several extras.
Summer Waves Elite Series vs. Intex Ultra XTR Frame
As seen above, the Intex Prism Frame is not a match for Summer Waves Elite. The best match for Summer Waves is the Intex 26363EH Ultra XTR Frame, also a rectangular swimming pool. The two are ideal for large families and tag along with several extras, including sand pool filters. But then, one must be the best.
Summer Waves Elite Series is a great choice as it comes with a dark herringbone bask weave wicker pattern that shields swimmers from the strenuous blue bob. Measuring 24ft x 12ft x 52in, it offers a large swimming area and can hold 8,393 gallons, to be precise. The extras included are a pool cover, 4 step ladder, maintenance kit, and ground cloth.
On the other hand, Intex has a slightly higher capacity, and its pump is much more powerful than Summer Waves’. It can push 2,100 GPH, while Summer Waves can push 1,500 GPH. Hydro Aeration Technology is also worth mentioning as it enhances water freshness. The Intex Ultra XTR Frame also comes with a pool cover, 4-step ladder, and ground cloth.
verdictBoth Summer Waves and Intex excel here. Go for Summer Waves if you dislike the blue bob and you really want the Deluxe Maintenance Kit. However, if you want a powerful pump that pushes water faster, Intex is the best choice. It also has a proprietary technology to improve water freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a sand filter with My Intex pool?
Yes. There are Intex models that come with sand pool filters. The advantage of sand pool filters is the result; clear, sparkling water. It’s also possible to hook up a separate sand filter to an Intex pool.2. Do Intex pumps work on Summer Waves pools?
3. Can you use saltwater in an Intex pool?
4. How long do Summer Waves pools usually last?
Wrapping Up
That’s it, folks, a Summer Waves vs. Intex above ground pools comparison. As you have seen, both brands offer consumers a wide variety of options, from pools that accommodate small families and can fit in small backyards to models that support large families with expansive backyards. So, what’s the best choice? Well, it’s hard to call a winner as it all depends on individual needs. Overall, Summer Waves offers the best value for money for those looking for a large pool on a budget, while Intex flexes its muscles when it comes to innovation.
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.
