What Is the Difference Between Plastic & Metal Intex Pools?

Metal Frame

• The metal frame pool is a bag liner with a band that runs around the pool about halfway up the liner. The band holds the metal legs between the liner and the band to keep the structure stable. The top of the liner has channels the metal pieces slide into, and the pieces connect to T-joints at each end. The joints then connect to the legs. This creates a structure that holds the walls up. When the pool is full of water, the water presses the legs to keep them in place.

Easy Set

• The Intex Easy Set pool is the quickest to set up and tear down. The pool has an inflatable ring along the top that keeps the water inside. The biggest difference between the Metal Frame and the Easy Set is the actual liner. The Easy Set pool liner curves inward as it reaches the inflatable ring offering less swimming area than the Metal Frame pools. Metal Frame pool walls are straight, since the framework runs through the liner.

Wood Frame Pool

• Intex also offers a wood grain shell installed over the standard Metal Frame pool that gives the pool an attractive exterior. This kit contains numbered panels that drop into a frame to create a facade that looks like treated wood. Holes are already cut for the hoses, and there is an additional smaller box that houses the filter pump. This shell gives the impression of a more traditional permanent pool structure and requires no tools to install.

Filters and Pumps

• Intex filters, pumps and salt-water systems are all interchangeable no matter which pool you have. Obviously, the larger the pool the larger the filter and pump will need to be. Most of the pools Intex sells online or in stores come with a pump, so the buyer can install and use it the same day. Larger pumps with higher gallons-per-hour ratings can reduce the amount of time the pump needs to run to clean the pool, which saves money.