Quick verdict
The big-group XTR — near-in-ground room for a fraction of the cost, with a high-flow sand pump. Just prep a large, level site.
Ideal for
- Large families and entertaining
- Owners with room for a big pool
- Maximum above-ground swimming space
Not ideal for
- Small yards
- Owners wary of higher running/heating cost
The full picture
When you want serious room, the 26-foot Ultra XTR steps up to about 14,364 gallons at 52 inches deep — enough water for a crowd to swim and play. It uses the same sturdy XTR dual-frame construction as the smaller sizes, scaled up, and ships with a high-capacity 2,800 GPH sand filter pump to keep that volume clear, plus a ladder, cover, and ground cloth. A pool this size demands a large, carefully leveled area and more chemicals and heating energy, but for a big family or frequent entertaining, it delivers close to in-ground room at a fraction of the cost.
Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool (26 ft x 52 in) at a glance
- Shape
- Round
- Size
- 26 ft x 52 in
- Frame
- Ultra XTR dual steel frame
- Wall / liner
- SuperTough puncture-resistant
- Capacity (gallons)
- 14,364
- Setup time
- ~90+ min
- Included pump
- 2,800 GPH sand filter pump
- Filter type
- Sand
- Ladder included
- Yes
- Cover included
- Yes
- Ground cloth included
- Yes
- People for setup
- 3
- 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
- Huge ~14,000-gallon capacity
- High-flow 2,800 GPH sand pump
- Sturdy XTR dual-frame build
- Complete set with ladder/cover/cloth
What doesn't
- Needs a large, level area
- Higher chemical and heating costs
- Longer setup (helpers recommended)
- Premium price
Best alternatives to Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool (26 ft x 52 in)
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 (32 ft x 16 ft x 52 in)
Intex
Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool (32 ft x 16 ft x 52 in)
Best extra-large rectangular
The near-in-ground XTR — a huge 32-by-16-foot rectangle for lap swimming and big gatherings, with a 2,800 GPH sand pump.
Intex
Ultra XTR (18 ft x 52 in)
Intex
Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool (18 ft x 52 in)
Best mid-size round (XTR)
The sweet-spot XTR — a deep 18-foot round with real swimming room for a family, in the sturdy dual-frame build.
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.
Frequently asked questions
How big a yard do I need for a 26-foot pool?
A large, cleared, and carefully leveled area at least a few feet bigger than the pool on all sides. Level ground is critical — an unlevel base is the most common cause of big-pool failures.
How much water does it hold?
About 14,364 gallons at 90% fill. That’s a lot to heat and treat, so plan for more chemicals and, if you want warm water, a properly sized above-ground heat pump.
Is the pump big enough for that volume?
Yes — it ships with a high-capacity 2,800 GPH sand filter pump matched to the size, plus a ladder, cover, and ground cloth. Run it enough hours daily to turn the water over.
How many people to set it up?
Three is ideal at this size — the frame and liner are large and heavy, and helpers make leveling and assembly much easier. Budget 90+ minutes.
Can I add a salt system or heater?
Yes — a 14,000-gallon pool pairs well with an above-ground salt chlorinator and a heat pump. See our salt-system and heater categories for compatible picks.
Will it cost a lot to run?
More than a small pool — the large volume means more chemicals and higher heating energy. A solar cover and diligent pump scheduling help keep costs reasonable.