You’re standing in the middle of a big-box store, staring at a giant box with a picture of a crystal-clear blue oasis. It looks perfect. The price tag is even better. But then you start wondering: Is this thing actually going to last more than one summer? Or am I just buying a giant, watery headache?
Coleman above ground pools have become the unofficial mascot of the American backyard summer. They’re everywhere. From the classic round Power Steel models to those fancy ones with the "Swim Vista" windows, they've basically democratized the idea of having a pool. You don't need to drop $60,000 on an in-ground installation. You just need a level patch of grass and a long garden hose.
Honestly, though? People get a lot of stuff wrong about these pools. They think they’re "set it and forget it." They aren't. They think they’re indestructible. They’re definitely not. But if you know what you’re actually getting into, a Coleman pool can be the best investment you make for your sanity during a 100-degree July heatwave.
The Reality of the "Two-Hour" Setup
Let’s talk about the setup first. The box usually says something optimistic, like "Ready for water in 45 minutes!"
That is a lie.
Technically, sure, if you have five professional athletes and a perfectly laser-leveled concrete pad, you might snap those poles together in 45 minutes. But for the rest of us? It’s a weekend project. The "Seal & Lock" system Coleman uses is actually pretty decent—it prevents metal-on-metal friction which stops rust—but those pins can be finicky.
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If your ground is even a tiny bit off—we’re talking an inch or two across the span of an 18-foot pool—you’re in trouble. Water is heavy. A 22-foot Coleman pool holds about 10,000 gallons. That’s roughly 80,000 pounds of pressure pushing down and out. If the ground isn't level, the frame will lean, the liner will stretch, and eventually, the whole thing could fail.
Expert Tip: Don’t just "eye it." Rent a plate compactor. Use a transit level. If you skip the ground prep, you’re basically just renting the pool for a month until it collapses.
Why the Pump is the Weakest Link
Here is the honest truth that most reviewers gloss over: the stock pumps that come with Coleman pools are usually... well, they're kind of trash.
They’re designed to be "just enough" to keep the water moving. Most of these sets come with a cartridge filter system. They work, but you’ll find yourself rinsing that filter every single day if you have kids jumping in with sunscreen and grass on their feet. If you want a pool that stays clear without you becoming a full-time pool slave, you’ve basically got to upgrade to a sand filter.
A 1,500 or 2,000 GPH (gallons per hour) sand filter will change your life. It filters out smaller particles and, more importantly, you just "backwash" it to clean it. No more slimy cartridges. It’s an extra $200–$300, but it’s the difference between a sparkling blue pool and a swampy green pond.
The Safety Recall Nobody Talks About Enough
If you’re looking at older models or buying used, you need to know about the 2025/2026 safety discussions. There was a major recall involving 48-inch and taller pools from several brands, including Coleman (manufactured by Bestway).
The issue wasn't the water—it was the compression strap.
That nylon band that wraps around the bottom of the pool to keep the legs stable? It turns out it’s the perfect size for a toddler to use as a "step." Kids were using the strap as a foothold to climb over the side of the pool, even when the ladder was removed. If you have one of these models, you need the repair kit. It’s basically a rope system that replaces the strap’s function without providing a place to step. Safety isn't just about the fence; it's about the design of the pool itself.
Coleman vs. Intex: The Great Backyard Rivalry
People always ask: "Is Coleman better than Intex?"
It's a toss-up. Coleman pools are actually made by Bestway. In many ways, they are identical to the Bestway Power Steel line.
- Materials: Coleman uses "Tritech" or "DuraPlus" liners—three layers of reinforced PVC. It’s tough. It feels like a heavy-duty tarp.
- Frames: Coleman tends to have a slightly more rugged, powder-coated frame. The grey or "stone print" aesthetics often look a bit more "premium" than the basic blue Intex liners.
- Availability: Since Coleman is a massive brand at Walmart and Target, finding replacement parts or local advice is usually easier.
However, Intex’s high-end "Ultra XTR" line is widely considered the gold standard of the "temporary" pool world. But you’ll pay for it. Coleman hits that sweet spot of "good enough to last 5 years" without costing a fortune.
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The "Secret" Costs of Owning a Coleman
The pool set might cost $500, but your "out the door" cost to actually swim is going to be higher. You’ve got to factor in:
- Chemicals: You’ll need chlorine (tabs and shock), pH increaser/decreaser, and alkalinity up. Budget about $150 for the season.
- Water: Depending on where you live, filling 10,000 gallons isn't free.
- Electricity: Running that pump 8–12 hours a day will bump your power bill by $30–$50 a month.
- The "Extras": A better ladder (the ones in the box are notoriously wobbly), a pool vacuum, and a solar cover to keep the heat in at night.
How to Make It Last 5+ Years
Most people get two seasons out of a Coleman pool and then throw it away because the liner gets a hole or the poles rust. You don’t have to be those people.
First, baby powder is your best friend when taking the pool down. When you drain it at the end of the year, let it dry completely. Then, as you fold it, sprinkle cornstarch or baby powder on the liner. This prevents the PVC from "sticking" to itself and tearing when you try to unfold it next June.
Second, watch out for the "T-joints." These are the plastic or metal pieces that connect the top rail to the vertical legs. This is where rust starts. A quick spray of WD-40 or a silicone lubricant inside those joints during assembly can add years to the frame’s life.
Maintenance: The 15-Minute Rule
If you spend 15 minutes a day on the pool, you’ll never have to spend 5 hours "fixing" it.
- Test the water every other day. Don't wait for it to look cloudy.
- Skim the surface. Getting the leaves out before they sink and rot saves your chlorine.
- Empty the baskets. A clogged skimmer basket kills your pump’s motor.
It’s not rocket science. It’s just consistency. The "lifestyle" of a pool owner is basically just being a very amateur chemist who likes to splash around occasionally.
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Actionable Next Steps
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on a Coleman above ground pool, do these three things before you even open the box:
Order a Sand Filter Upgrade Immediately
Don't even bother with the cartridge pump that comes in the box. Sell it on Facebook Marketplace for $40 and buy a 10-inch or 12-inch sand filter. It is the single biggest factor in whether you enjoy your summer or spend it scrubbing algae.
Prepare Your Ground Two Weeks Early
Dig out the sod, level the dirt, and put down a layer of leveled sand or "gorilla pad" fabric. Let the ground settle before you put the pool up. If you set up on fresh, loose dirt, the pool will tilt as soon as it gets heavy.
Buy a Real Test Kit
Throw away those cheap paper test strips. They are notoriously inaccurate. Buy a Taylor K-2006 liquid test kit. It’s what the pros use, and it’ll tell you exactly what’s happening in your water so you aren't guessing with expensive chemicals.