When the summer heat kicks in, there’s nothing more refreshing than stepping into your own pool. But not everyone has the luxury of an in-ground pool or the budget for a costly installation. That’s where the INTEX 28141EH Inflatable Swimming Pool comes in — offering a budget-friendly, easy-to-set-up solution that brings the fun and coolness of a pool day right into your backyard.
In this review, we take a detailed look at its features, specifications, setup experience, build quality, usability, pros, cons, and who this pool is best suited for.
🧰 Product Overview
The INTEX 28141EH is part of INTEX’s Easy Set pool series, designed with simplicity and practicality in mind. This inflatable above-ground pool is made for families who want a quick, no-fuss swimming option. With a tough laminated PVC sidewall, quick-fill ring, and large water capacity, it’s a solid choice for backyard enjoyment.
📦 Key Features and Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pool Type | Inflatable, Above-Ground |
| Water Capacity | Approximately 2,282 gallons (at 80% full) |
| Dimensions | 12 feet (diameter) × 30 inches (height) |
| Material | Laminated PVC (3-ply) |
| Setup Time | ~10–15 minutes (excluding fill time) |
| Pump Included | No (pump sold separately) |
| Drain Plug | Yes, with garden hose adaptor |
| Color | Classic INTEX blue |
| Shape | Round |
| Age Recommendation | 6 years and up |
🎯 Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the INTEX 28141EH impresses with its minimalist round shape and bright blue finish. It’s classic and visually pleasing, fitting seamlessly into any backyard setup. The inflatable top ring is easy to inflate and helps the pool naturally rise as water fills in — a signature feature of INTEX’s Easy Set series.
The body is made of 3-ply laminated PVC, which includes two outer layers of heavy-duty PVC with a polyester mesh layer in between. This design ensures the pool resists minor punctures, abrasions, and the effects of sun and water exposure.
Additionally, the base is thick and sturdy, with seams reinforced to maintain structural integrity when the pool is full. Despite being inflatable, the structure remains reliably upright without sagging — a pleasant surprise for most first-time users.
🛠️ Ease of Setup and Use
One of the biggest draws of the INTEX 28141EH pool is how effortless it is to assemble:
- Find a flat, level surface — preferably grassy or soft-soil areas to prevent wear on the bottom.
- Lay out the pool — unfold the pool and spread it out evenly.
- Inflate the top ring — this takes a few minutes with an air pump.
- Begin filling — as water fills, the outer walls rise naturally into place.
No tools, frame assembly, or technical skills are needed. The pool will rise on its own once the water starts filling in, making it one of the most convenient models for summer use.
Draining is also made simple with a built-in drain plug that can be connected to a standard garden hose, allowing you to direct water away from your home or play area.
💦 Performance and Capacity
At 12 feet in diameter and 30 inches deep, this pool holds up to 2,282 gallons of water when filled to 80% capacity — enough for 3 to 5 people to enjoy at the same time. It’s deep enough for floating, wading, and some light swimming for kids and adults, but shallow enough to stay relatively safe for family use.
Since a pump is not included, users will need to invest in a filter pump for long-term hygiene and circulation. INTEX recommends their 530 GPH (gallons per hour) pump for pools of this size.
Despite that, even without a pump, the pool performs well for short-term use — such as weekend swims — and can be emptied and refilled as needed.
✅ Pros
- Quick setup — No tools required, ready in ~15 minutes
- Generous capacity — 2,282 gallons is perfect for small families
- Strong build quality — 3-ply PVC is puncture- and UV-resistant
- Simple draining — Hose-adaptable drain plug
- Affordable solution — Lower cost compared to framed or in-ground pools
- Great for small yards — Doesn’t require massive space
- Portable — Easy to store and transport during off-seasons
❌ Cons
- Pump not included — Requires separate purchase
- Not for diving or jumping — Wall height is not built for impact
- Needs level ground — Uneven ground can cause instability
- Water can get dirty fast without a pump — Frequent maintenance needed
- Requires adult supervision — Especially for young children
🧒 Who Is This Pool Best For?
This pool is best suited for:
- Families with kids aged 6+ — Ideal for splashing, floating, and casual play
- Homeowners with small yards — Fits in limited space without permanent installation
- Renters — Easy to set up, take down, and store seasonally
- First-time pool owners — Low investment and simple setup
- Traveling families — Can be used at campsites or holiday homes
It’s not ideal for:
- Households looking for deep swimming — 30-inch depth is better for play than laps
- Large families — 5+ people may feel cramped
- High-impact water play — Not built for jumping or rough activity
- People without a water pump — Maintaining clean water manually can be a hassle
💡 Maintenance Tips
- Use a tarp underneath the pool to protect the base
- Cover the pool when not in use to prevent debris
- Shock or treat water every few days if not using a filter pump
- Rinse out and dry before long-term storage to prevent mold
🏁 Final Verdict
The INTEX 28141EH Inflatable Swimming Pool checks nearly every box for affordability, simplicity, and backyard fun. It brings the joy of a summer pool day without the burden of permanent setups or expensive installations.
Though it lacks a filter pump and requires a bit of care, its easy setup, family-friendly size, and strong build quality make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious households or first-time pool owners.
If you’re looking to beat the heat with minimal fuss and a low price tag, this inflatable pool is a splash worth making.