Quick verdict
The narrow-yard rectangle — deep, sturdy XTR build in a shape that fits long spaces and suits lap-style swimming. A practical alternative to a round.
Ideal for
- Long, narrow yards
- Owners who prefer a rectangular shape
- Back-and-forth swimming
Not ideal for
- Maximum open water area (round holds more)
- Very small spaces
The full picture
Not every yard suits a big round pool, and not everyone wants one. The 18-by-9-foot rectangular Ultra XTR is deep (52 inches) at about 2,885 gallons, and its shape fits long, narrow spaces and lends itself to back-and-forth swimming better than a circle. It keeps the XTR dual-frame sturdiness and comes with a 1,500 GPH sand filter pump, ladder, cover, and ground cloth. It's a smart pick for a side yard or a household that prefers a rectangle — you trade some open water area for a shape that fits the space and the way many people actually swim.
Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool (18 ft x 9 ft x 52 in) at a glance
- Shape
- Rectangular
- Size
- 18 ft x 9 ft x 52 in
- Frame
- Ultra XTR dual steel frame
- Wall / liner
- SuperTough puncture-resistant
- Capacity (gallons)
- 2,885
- Setup time
- ~60 min
- Included pump
- 1,500 GPH sand filter pump
- Filter type
- Sand
- Ladder included
- Yes
- Cover included
- Yes
- Ground cloth included
- Yes
- People for setup
- 2
- Winterization
- Drain and store for winter in freezing climates.
Source: Compiled from manufacturer specifications, retailer listings, and aggregated owner feedback. Gallon figures are approximate (about 90% fill) — confirm exact specs and price with the retailer.
This is a research-based review — our analysis draws on manufacturer specifications, manuals, warranty terms, and verified owner feedback rather than our own hands-on testing, and we note where a detail couldn't be confirmed. How we review
Performance breakdown
Research-based editorial judgments from specs, warranty terms, and verified owner feedback — not lab measurements. How we score
Pros and cons
What works
- Rectangular shape fits narrow yards
- Deep 52-inch walls
- Sturdy XTR dual-frame build
- Complete set with sand pump
What doesn't
- Less open water than a round of similar length
- Modest 2,885-gallon volume
- Needs level ground
- Longer setup than shallow pools
Best alternatives to Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool (18 ft x 9 ft x 52 in)
Intex
Ultra XTR (14 ft x 42 in)
Intex
Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool (14 ft x 42 in)
Best small round (XTR)
The small end of Intex’s premium XTR line — a sturdy 14-foot round with the dual-frame build, for compact yards.
Intex
Intex Prism Frame Pool (18 ft x 48 in)
Best mid-size family pool
The mid-size sweet spot: real family swimming room at a price and setup effort most households can handle.
Intex
Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool (24 ft x 52 in)
Best full-size frame pool
The biggest mainstream frame pool: a full-size swimming footprint with a powder-coated steel frame and a sand filter pump in the box.
Intex
Ultra XTR (26 ft x 52 in)
Intex
Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool (26 ft x 52 in)
Best large round (XTR)
A big-family XTR — a 26-foot round holding roughly 14,000 gallons, with a high-flow 2,800 GPH sand pump.
Frequently asked questions
Why choose a rectangular pool over a round one?
A rectangle fits long, narrow yards a round can’t, and its shape suits back-and-forth swimming and clean side access. The tradeoff is that a round pool of similar footprint holds more open water.
How deep is it?
The full 52 inches like the tall round XTR pools, which is deep enough for adults to float and cool off — deeper than most rectangular starter pools.
How much water does it hold?
About 2,885 gallons at 90% fill — less than a large round because of the narrower shape, which also means it heats and treats a bit faster.
What’s included?
A 1,500 GPH sand filter pump, ladder, cover, and ground cloth — a complete set ready to fill and swim.
Does it need level ground?
Yes — level, cleared ground is essential for any deep frame pool. An unlevel base stresses the frame and can cause leaning; prep the site carefully before setup.
Can two people set it up?
Yes — about an hour with two people. The frame assembles tool-free; filling and connecting the pump take most of the time.