Summer Escapes Pools Review
This 18' x 48" swimming pool from General Foam Plastics attracts a bevy of vocal critics who fault its build quality and the company's customer service.
Except for its user-friendly setup, the framed Summer Escapes 18' x 48" backyard pool disappoints. In Summer Escapes 18' x 48" pool reviews on Toys R Us, buyers compliment the easy, no-tools assembly of this pool, which can be a one-person job that takes several hours or a three-person job that goes much faster. But Summer Escapes 18' x 48" pool reviews on Amazon add mostly negative comments to the discussion. One Summer Escapes 18' x 48" pool review reports the liner sprung leaks immediately and the pump and a replacement soon broke. Another says leaks showed up as soon as water started flowing in and the ladder that comes with the pool isn't tall enough. Yet another reports the paint on the frame came off during its maiden season. Owners also gripe about customer service (apparently you can't get replacement parts during the winter because the company produces parts only during the warmer months) and the difficulty of finding replacement parts for the trademarked SkimmerPlus all-in-one filter pump system.
The metal frame of this 18' x 48" pool holds up a triple-layer PVC shell with polyester, inner-mesh sidewalls; there's also a laminated band that adds support for the walls. The Summer Escapes pool kit comes with a filter/pump/skimmer system, ground cloth, pool cover, ladder, and maintenance supplies.In appearance, the Summer Escapes pool seems comparable to Intex metal frame pools. But negative reviews outnumber the positive on this brand. If this is the look and size that appeals, step up to the higher-priced competition.
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Other Recommended Pools
Intex Metal Frame Pools
The round, metal-frame Intex 15' x 48" pool features a super-strong PVC lining and rust-resistant metal frame that's easy to assemble and withstands several seasons of use. Owners like the size and overall value but say it could use a larger pump. Read more »
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Intex Rectangular Pools
For a big crowd, Intex offers the 18' x 9' x 52" rectangular Ultra Frame pool. It wins fans for easy setup (look, no tools!) and durability, even through winters when left standing. Some carp about a flimsy filter, skimmer, and ladder. For more information, see our review of Intex Metal and Ultra Frame Pools.
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Heritage Round Pools
The Heritage 12' x 42" is one of the smaller framed pools with decent reviews but garners complaints about an inadequate pump and filter system. With its metal sides and frame, porthole, and vinyl liner, it could be a challenge for some to set up. Read more »
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Seaview Club Pools
Seaview Club offers this 18' x 42" above-ground metal-frame pool that appears similar to the same-size Heritage pool, right down to the description and instruction manual with a different logo on top -- but they're sold by different vendors. Opinion is divided about ease of setup and, as with other cheap pools, owners say this one would benefit from a larger filter and pump.
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