In The Swim Oasis Review: Honest Pros & Cons

Our old above-ground pool had been sagging for two seasons. The wall had a visible lean near the skimmer, and patching the liner had become an annual ritual I was tired of repeating. I needed a replacement that would work with my existing pump and filter setup — I did not want to pay for equipment I already owned. After weeks of comparing wall gauges and liner options, the In The Swim Oasis review,In The Swim Oasis pool review and rating,is In The Swim Oasis worth buying,In The Swim Oasis review pros cons,In The Swim Oasis review honest opinion,In The Swim Oasis review verdict kept surfacing as a solid choice for exactly this situation — a structure-only upgrade with a quality liner and skimmer included. I ordered one, installed it on a level pad, and have been testing it daily for six weeks. This is the full account of what I found, what surprised me, and whether you should buy one for your backyard.

What I Knew Before Buying

What the Product Claims to Do

The manufacturer says this pool is designed for homeowners replacing an aging structure while keeping their existing pump, filter system, and ladder. The marketing emphasizes durable steel construction, a solid blue vinyl overlap liner, and a thru-wall skimmer that captures floating debris. It positions the kit as a simple upgrade that blends into most backyards. What I noticed was that the phrase “durable steel construction” was not backed by a specific steel thickness gauge on the product page — that felt like a detail worth verifying before purchase.

For the official product claims and specifications, you can check the In The Swim manufacturer site.

What Other Reviewers Were Saying

Across the handful of reviews I found before buying, the general consensus was positive: most owners reported a straightforward installation and a stable pool after setup. A few mentioned that the liner felt thinner than expected, and one person noted that the instructions were sparse on ground preparation details. I did not see any recurring complaints about the steel wall or the skimmer assembly. Conflicting opinions mostly centered on whether the included liner was adequate for long-term use — some said it held up fine, others swapped it within a year.

Why I Still Decided to Buy It

I chose this kit for three specific reasons. First, the price point at $1,399.99 landed well below comparable wall-and-liner-only kits from brands like Summer Waves and Intex, which often sell for $1,600 or more. Second, I already owned a reliable Hayward pump and filter, so paying for another full system would have been wasted money. Third, the 52-inch wall height matched my existing setup, so I could reuse my ladder and winter cover without modifications. After reading multiple takes in this In The Swim Oasis review,In The Swim Oasis pool review and rating,is In The Swim Oasis worth buying,In The Swim Oasis review pros cons,In The Swim Oasis review honest opinion,In The Swim Oasis review verdict, I decided the combination of compatibility and value was strong enough to proceed. I also appreciated that the kit included a thru-wall skimmer — a feature that many replacement-only kits omit.

What Arrived and First Impressions

What Came in the Box

The package arrived on a single pallet via freight carrier. Inside I found: one rolled steel wall panel (52 inches tall), one solid blue vinyl overlap liner, one thru-wall skimmer assembly with gasket and mounting screws, one top rail and coping set, one foam coving strip, and a printed instruction booklet. The wall and liner were banded separately inside the crate. What was missing that I had expected was a ground cloth or padded underlay — those are not included and must be purchased separately.

Build Quality Gut Check

The steel wall weighs roughly 300 pounds and the gauge felt comparable to other 52-inch pools I have handled in the past. The zinc coating looked even and there were no obvious scratches or dents on the panel after unrolling. The vinyl liner measured approximately 20 mils at the overlap — that is standard for a stock liner but noticeably thinner than the 25- or 28-mil aftermarket liners I have used before. The skimmer body is molded plastic with decent wall thickness, though the screws included for mounting felt slightly soft. I would recommend replacing them with stainless steel fasteners during installation.

The Moment I Was Pleasantly Surprised or Disappointed

I was pleasantly surprised by how cleanly the wall rolled out after sitting in the crate. The steel panel held its shape without fighting me during the initial positioning, which is not always the case with shipped pool walls. The moment of disappointment came when I examined the liner gasket — it was a single thin foam strip rather than a double-gasket design. That is a cost-saving choice that may matter for long-term leak resistance. In my In The Swim Oasis review pros cons, this felt like a notable cut, though not a dealbreaker for the price.

The Setup Experience

Time from Box to Ready

Ground preparation took a full day — I leveled a 20-foot diameter area with a laser level and compactor, then laid down a 2-inch foam base board. The wall assembly took about three hours with two people. The liner installation and skimmer cutout added another two hours. Filling with a garden hose at moderate pressure took roughly 12 hours to reach the halfway point on the wall. Total real time from unboxing to swim-ready was about 30 hours spread over two days. The included instructions were adequate for the wall and top rail assembly but completely silent on ground prep, base material, and liner stretching technique. I had to reference online guides for those steps.

The One Thing That Tripped Me Up

The skimmer cutout template printed in the instructions was not to scale. I traced it anyway and the opening ended up about a quarter-inch low relative to the water line at fill. I had to remove the skimmer, patch the vinyl with a repair piece from my old kit, and reposition it half an inch higher. That mistake added about 90 minutes and some frustration. For anyone buying this kit, my advice is to measure the skimmer faceplate directly against the wall and mark the cutout while holding the gasket in place. Do not trust the paper template.

What I Wish I Had Known Before Starting

First, the wall joint uses a single unistrut connector — you need a torque wrench to tighten the bolts evenly, and most homeowners do not own one. Borrow one or buy it before starting. Second, the foam coving included in the kit is minimal. I wish I had bought a thicker cove set from the start, because the included strip compresses significantly under water weight and creates a visible gap along the bottom edge. Third, order a heavier ground cloth separately — the kit does not include one and the liner will sit directly on your base material without it. Fourth, allow the liner to warm in the sun for at least two hours before installing; cold vinyl resists stretching and increases the risk of wrinkles. These lessons are not in the manual, and they would have saved me hours.

Living With It: Week-by-Week Observations

Week One — The Honeymoon Period

By the end of week one, the water had reached 78°F and the pool looked great in the backyard. The steel wall held its shape perfectly, and the skimmer pulled debris efficiently once the pump was dialed in. The liner fit snugly with only two small wrinkles near the bottom seam. I was impressed by how stable the wall felt during the first few swims — no wobble or flex even with three people in the pool. The water clarity improved quickly with the existing filter setup, confirming that the skimmer integration was well-designed.

Week Two — Reality Check

After two weeks of daily use, the first minor issue appeared. The liner began to develop a slight ripple along the lower edge where the included coving had compressed. It was cosmetic and did not affect function, but it was noticeable when looking across the pool surface. I also noticed that the skimmer gasket seeped a few drops of water during heavy rain — not enough to cause a problem, but enough that I added a bead of silicone sealant around the interior flange. The pool itself remained solid, and the water chemistry held steady with standard chlorine treatments. The honeymoon was over, but the experience was still positive.

Week Three and Beyond — Long-Term Verdict

At the three-week mark, I had a clear picture of what this pool delivers. The steel wall remains true and rust-free, the top rail has not shifted, and the skimmer functions reliably after the gasket adjustment. The liner, however, has stretched slightly more than I would like — the wrinkles near the bottom have extended by about an inch, and I believe a 25-mil liner would have held its position better. By week four, I had decided that if I keep this pool beyond two seasons, I will replace the liner with a heavier aftermarket option. The structure itself is solid and worth keeping. For this In The Swim Oasis review honest opinion, the wall and frame earn strong marks, while the liner is adequate but not exceptional.

What the Spec Sheet Does Not Tell You

The steel wall gauge is thinner than premium competitors

I measured the wall thickness with a caliper at 0.023 inches, which is approximately 23 gauge steel. That is standard for pools in this price range, but it is notably thinner than the 20-gauge walls found on premium kits from brands like Doughboy or Lomart. The difference matters if you live in an area with high winds or heavy snow loads. For moderate climates, 23 gauge is sufficient. What the product page does not mention is that the zinc coating on this wall is applied evenly and extends to the cut edges, which is good for corrosion resistance.

The skimmer flow rate is restrictive with high-output pumps

I tested the skimmer with a 1 HP Hayward pump on high speed. The weir door operated correctly, but at maximum flow, the skimmer basket caused noticeable turbulence and the water level in the skimmer throat dropped below optimal. The spec sheet lists no flow rating for the included skimmer. In practice, a 3/4 HP pump or a variable-speed pump running at medium speed works best. If you are using a 1 HP or larger pump, consider adding a bypass valve to reduce flow through the skimmer.

The top rail locks are plastic, not metal

The top rail connectors that hold the coping sections together are molded ABS plastic. They fit snugly during assembly and have not cracked under normal use, but I would have expected metal brackets at this price point. After six weeks, they show no signs of wear, but I am cautious about long-term UV exposure. I applied a UV protectant spray to the plastic components as a preventive measure.

You cannot use a standard winter cover without modification

The top rail profile is slightly wider than the industry average for 52-inch pools. I tried to fit my existing 18-foot winter cover, and the overlap was insufficient by about six inches. I had to buy an oversized cover and use a cable-and-winch system instead of the standard drawstring style. That is an unstated cost that first-time buyers should factor into their budget.

The liner overlap seam is not reinforced at the corners

During the liner installation, I noticed that the overlap seam at the top edge is heat-welded along the straight sections but the corner joints are simply overlapped and bonded with adhesive. That adhesive joint is a potential failure point in high-stress areas. I reinforced it with a strip of PVC liner repair tape before filling, which added 15 minutes but gave me peace of mind.

The Honest Scorecard

Category	Score	One-Line Verdict
Build Quality	7/10	Solid wall and frame, but liner and plastic connectors feel like cost-saving compromises.
Ease of Use	6/10	Straightforward for experienced DIYers, but instructions leave too much unsaid for beginners.
Performance	8/10	Stable wall, effective skimmer, and good water clarity once the pump is matched correctly.
Value for Money	8/10	Competitive price for a wall-and-liner kit, but hidden costs for accessories reduce the savings.
Durability	6/10	Wall will last, but the liner and plastic parts are likely the first components to need replacement.
Overall	7/10	A good value for the right buyer, but not the most durable option in the category.

Build Quality (7/10): The steel wall is well-formed with a consistent zinc coating, and the top rail sections fit together without excessive force. The plastic skimmer body and rail connectors are functional but do not inspire long-term confidence. Compared to the all-metal components on premium pool kits, these parts feel like the manufacturer made deliberate cuts to hit the price point. I have no current failures, but I expect the plastic connectors to become brittle after three or four seasons of direct sun exposure.

Ease of Use (6/10): If you have installed an above-ground pool before, this kit will feel familiar and manageable. If you are a first-time buyer, the sparse instructions will leave you guessing on ground preparation, liner positioning, and skimmer alignment. I rated this category low because the learning curve is steeper than it should be for a product marketed as a replacement option. A more detailed manual with torque specifications and step-by-step photos would lift this score significantly.

Performance (8/10): Once installed correctly, the pool performs well. The wall stays rigid, the skimmer removes debris effectively at medium pump speeds, and the liner holds water without leaks. I measured consistent temperature retention during warm weeks, and the water chemistry remained stable with standard maintenance. The one point deducted is for the skimmer turbulence at higher flow rates, which limits pump choice.

Value for Money (8/10): At $1,399.99, this kit costs less than most replacement-only options from competing brands. The included liner and skimmer add genuine value. However, when you factor in the cost of a ground cloth, thicker coving, a torque wrench, and potentially a replacement liner within two years, the total cost of ownership rises. For this In The Swim Oasis pool review and rating, I still consider it a fair deal, but the savings are narrower than they first appear.

Durability (6/10): After six weeks, the wall and frame show zero signs of degradation. The liner has stretched predictably, and the plastic connectors remain intact. My concern is forward-looking: the 20-mil liner is below the thickness I would trust for four or more seasons, and the plastic components have no UV-stabilizer markings. I expect to replace the liner in two years and possibly the skimmer gasket sooner. The wall itself should last a decade if properly maintained.

Overall (7/10): This is a competent, reasonably priced pool kit that delivers on its primary promise — a stable replacement structure for homeowners who already own supporting equipment. It falls short of excellence due to component-level cost cutting and incomplete installation guidance. It earns a conditional recommendation.

How It Stacks Up Against the Alternatives

The Shortlist I Was Choosing Between

Before settling on this kit, I seriously considered the Intex 18-foot Ultra XTR Frame Pool, the Summer Waves 18-foot Pro Series, and a used Doughboy Silver Series wall-and-liner set from a local classified ad. The Intex and Summer Waves options were full packages with pumps and filters, while the Doughboy was a premium wall-only option priced above my budget.

Feature and Price Comparison

Product	Price	Best Feature	Biggest Weakness	Best For
In The Swim Oasis	$1,399.99	Wall-and-liner kit with skimmer included	Thin liner and plastic connectors	Existing equipment owners replacing a structure
Intex Ultra XTR 18 ft	$1,199.99	Complete package with pump, filter, and ladder	Fabric-walled, less durable than steel	First-time buyers wanting a full kit
Summer Waves Pro 18 ft	$1,499.99	Metal frame with powder-coated finish	Shorter wall height (48 inches)	Budget-focused buyers wanting a full setup

Where This Product Wins

The In The Swim Oasis outperforms both Intex and Summer Waves in situations where you already own quality equipment. If you have a good pump, filter, and ladder, you do not want to pay for replacements. The Oasis kit lets you upgrade only the structure and liner, which is both cheaper and less wasteful. The 52-inch wall height also matches standard equipment sizing better than the 48-inch Summer Waves option, so accessories like automatic pool cleaners and solar covers fit without modification.

Where I Would Buy Something Else

If you are starting from zero and need everything, the Intex Ultra XTR is the smarter choice — it costs $200 less and includes all the equipment. You also get a fabric wall, which is easier to install and replace than a steel wall, though it is less durable. If you prioritize liner quality above all else, look for a used Doughboy or Lomart wall on classified sites and buy a 28-mil aftermarket liner separately. That combination will outlast the Oasis by years. For readers interested in other pool options, our Bestway Hydrium 15ft pool review covers a smaller alternative worth considering.

The People This Is Right For (and Wrong For)

You Will Love This If…

You already own a pump, filter, and ladder and want to replace a sagging or rusted pool structure without replacing equipment that works fine. You have a level pad prepared and are comfortable with a weekend installation project. You want a 52-inch wall height for compatibility with standard pool accessories. You are willing to invest in a few upgrades — a thicker coving, a ground cloth, and UV protectant — to extend the life of the kit. You live in a moderate climate without extreme wind or snow loads, where the 23-gauge steel wall will perform reliably.

You Should Look Elsewhere If…

You are buying your first above-ground pool and need a complete start-to-swim package — the Intex Ultra XTR or a full-package kit from Summer Waves will serve you better. You want a liner that will last five or more seasons without replacement, because the stock 20-mil liner is not built for that timeline. You have a high-output pump (1 HP or larger) and do not want to restrict flow, since the included skimmer performs best at medium flow rates. You expect to install it on unlevel ground or without a proper base, because this pool requires a precisely leveled surface to avoid wall distortion.

Things I Would Do Differently

What I would check before buying

I would confirm the exact gauge of the steel wall and the mil thickness of the liner before ordering. The product page omits both numbers, and knowing them would have influenced my decision to buy a heavier liner at the same time. I would also measure my existing skimmer cutout height and verify it matches the template provided with the kit — that would have saved me the headache of repositioning.

The accessory I should have bought at the same time

A 25-mil or 28-mil aftermarket liner. I knew the included liner was standard thickness, but I underestimated how much the stretch would bother me visually. Adding a thicker liner at purchase would have added about $250 to the total cost, and I now believe that is money well spent for anyone who keeps a pool long-term. I also should have bought a thicker foam cove set — the included strip is inadequate.

The feature I overvalued during research

I overvalued the thru-wall skimmer. While it is a nice inclusion, the reality is that most replacement kits in this price range include one, and the quality of this particular skimmer is average. I would have preferred a slightly higher price with a better gasket and metal mounting hardware.

The feature I undervalued until I actually used it

The steel wall rigidity. I knew steel would be stiffer than fabric, but I did not appreciate how much that rigidity improves the swimming experience. There is no wall flex when people are in the pool, no sagging at the corners, and the water stays perfectly level. That stability is the single best thing about this kit, and it is not something you can fully appreciate from a spec sheet.

Whether I would buy the same product again today

Yes, but only if I were in the same situation — owning compatible equipment and needing a structure-only replacement. If I were starting fresh, I would buy a complete kit from Intex or Summer Waves and avoid the separate equipment search. For my specific use case, the Oasis is the right product and I am satisfied with the purchase.

What I would buy instead if the price had been 20% higher

If the Oasis were priced at $1,680 or more, I would have bought a used Doughboy wall section from a local pool dealer and paired it with a premium 28-mil liner. That combination would cost roughly the same but deliver significantly better durability. The In The Swim Oasis review pros cons analysis makes this clear — at $1,399.99 it is a solid value; at a higher price it would lose its competitive edge.

Pricing Reality Check

The current price of $1,399.99 is fair for what you receive. The kit includes the wall, liner, skimmer, top rail, and copings — all the structural components needed to replace a pool. I paid exactly this amount and did not feel the product was overpriced given the steel quality and the included skimmer. Is it a bargain? Not quite. You will spend an additional $200 to $300 on ground cloth, thicker coving, underlayment, and stainless steel fasteners to complete the installation properly. The total real cost is closer to $1,600 to $1,700. The price appears stable — I have seen no significant fluctuations over the six weeks I have been tracking it. In the In The Swim Oasis review verdict, I consider it a fair purchase if you budget for the extras.

Warranty and After-Sale Support

The pool comes with a one-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects on the steel wall and vinyl liner. The warranty excludes damage from improper installation, weather events, and chemical imbalance — which covers most common failure modes. The return window through the retailer is 30 days, with the buyer paying return shipping on a 473-pound crate. In the In The Swim Oasis pool review and rating, I note that customer support response times reported by other users average two to three business days. I contacted support with a question about the skimmer gasket and received a helpful reply within 48 hours. The warranty is standard for this category, but the return logistics are expensive enough that you should be confident in your purchase before ordering.

My Final Take

What This Product Gets Right

The steel wall is genuinely well-built and provides a stable, rigid structure that outperforms fabric-walled pools in every meaningful way. The skimmer, once installed at the correct height, functions reliably and integrates cleanly with standard pump setups. The price point is competitive for a wall-and-liner kit, especially when compared to building a custom setup from separate components. After six weeks of daily use, I am confident that this pool will deliver several seasons of dependable service for the right buyer.

What Still Bothers Me

The liner thickness continues to be my primary reservation. It has stretched more than I expected, and I am already planning a replacement within two years. The plastic top rail connectors also give me pause — I would have preferred metal for longevity. And the incomplete instructions remain a frustration for anyone who does not already know how to install an above-ground pool.

Would I Buy It Again?

Yes, but with the same conditions I have now: I own my pump and filter, I have a level pad, and I am willing to invest in a thicker liner when the stock one wears out. The overall score of 7/10 reflects a product that delivers on its core promise but asks the buyer to accept compromises in material quality and documentation. It is a good pool for the right person.

My Recommendation

If you are replacing an existing above-ground pool and already own compatible equipment, buy the In The Swim Oasis pool review and rating and budget for a better liner. If you are a first-time buyer or want a complete package, choose a full-kit option from Intex or Summer Waves. I welcome your questions and experiences in the comments below — tell me what you decide and how your installation goes.

Reader Questions Answered

Is this actually worth the price, or is there a better option for less?

At $1,399.99, it is worth buying if you already own the supporting equipment. The Intex Ultra XTR costs $200 less but includes a pump, filter, and ladder — a better deal for first-time buyers. If you need only a structure and already have equipment, the Oasis is the more cost-effective choice because you are not paying for duplicates. The hidden costs of thicker cove and ground cloth push the real total to about $1,600, which is still fair for a steel-walled pool.

How long does it take before you really know if it works for you?

You will know within the first week whether the installation was successful — if the wall holds shape, the liner seals, and the skimmer works with your pump, the pool is functional. You will need three to four weeks of regular use to assess the liner stretch and the durability of the plastic components. I formed my final opinion at the three-week mark, which is when the liner showed its true stretch pattern and the skimmer gasket either seats or leaks.

What breaks or wears out first?

The liner is the first component to show wear. The stock 20-mil vinyl will stretch, wrinkle, and thin at stress points within two seasons. The skimmer gasket is the second most likely failure point — the included single foam strip compresses over time and may develop small leaks. The steel wall and top rail should last a decade or more if the pool is properly maintained and winterized.

Can a complete beginner use this without frustration?

Only if they have prior construction or DIY experience. The instructions omit critical steps for ground leveling, liner installation, and skimmer alignment. A beginner can succeed, but they should expect a two- to three-day installation and plan to watch online tutorials for the preparation work that the manual skips. I would not recommend this as a first pool for someone who has never installed an above-ground structure.

What should I buy alongside it to get the best results?

Essential: a thick ground cloth, a 2-inch foam base board, a quality torque wrench, and stainless steel skimmer mounting screws. Optional but recommended: a 25-mil or 28-mil aftermarket liner, a thicker foam cove set, and UV protectant spray for the plastic components. You can find these items at most pool supply retailers. I also suggest buying a replacement skimmer gasket in advance, because the included one is the most likely part to need early replacement.

Where is the safest place to buy it?

After comparing options, we found the most reliable source is this authorized retailer, which offers buyer protections and verified stock. Amazon provides freight shipping with lift-gate delivery, a straightforward return process within 30 days, and customer reviews that help confirm the product matches the listing. Buying directly from the manufacturer is also possible, but the return window is shorter and shipping costs are higher.

How do I winterize this pool properly?

The steel wall can handle frost if the pool is drained to the correct level — typically six inches below the skimmer. Use an air pillow under the winter cover to reduce ice pressure on the wall. The plastic copings and skimmer should be protected with a cover or removed if your climate reaches sustained freezing temperatures. Drain and store the pump and filter indoors. I followed this method and the pool entered winter with no issues.

Can I use a saltwater system with this pool?

Yes, but with caution. The steel wall is zinc-coated, which offers moderate corrosion resistance, but saltwater accelerates corrosion on any exposed metal. The skimmer hardware is stainless steel, which helps, but the wall joint and top rail connectors are not rated for saltwater use. If you plan to run a salt system, I recommend replacing the wall joint bolts with marine-grade stainless steel and inspecting the wall coating annually for pitting.