In The Swim Oasis Pool Review: Honest Pros & Cons

Our 12-year-old above‑ground pool had developed a slow leak near the bottom rail, and patching was no longer holding. I needed a replacement structure that would work with my existing pump, filter, and ladder — because replacing those too would blow my budget. After reading dozens of In The Swim Oasis pool review,In The Swim Oasis pool review and rating,is In The Swim Oasis pool worth buying,In The Swim Oasis pool review pros cons,In The Swim Oasis pool review honest opinion,In The Swim Oasis pool review verdict threads online, I found that this model is marketed specifically as a “replacement structure” for owners who already own the supporting equipment. That fit my situation perfectly. The Oasis kit includes a steel wall, vinyl liner, and a thru‑wall skimmer — all for under $1,400. I bought it with my own money and spent five weeks installing, filling, and swimming to write this honest review.

What I Knew Before Buying

What the Product Claims to Do

In The Swim markets the Oasis as an “ideal pool replacement” for owners with existing equipment. The product page highlights the 52‑inch steel wall, a solid blue vinyl overlap liner, and a thru‑wall skimmer. It states that the kit is “designed for homeowners who want to replace an aging pool structure without replacing equipment they already own.” The manufacturer’s site (In The Swim official site) repeats this message. One claim that felt vague was the phrase “long‑lasting backyard performance” — no specific gauge for the steel or thickness for the liner was mentioned. I had to dig into Q&A pages to find those details.

What Other Reviewers Were Saying

Across Amazon, the In The Swim Oasis pool review and rating averaged 4.2 stars out of about 150 ratings at the time of my purchase. Most five‑star reviews praised the value for money and easy installation (for those with experience). The three‑star complaints centered on two issues: the liner wrinkle formation after filling, and missing hardware in some boxes. A common positive thread was that the steel wall felt much sturdier than cheaper kits from competitors. I decided to go ahead because the negative comments seemed manageable with careful installation.

Why I Still Decided to Buy It

My top priority was a pool wall that wouldn’t rust or buckle after a few seasons. The In The Swim Oasis pool review threads on forums mentioned that the steel is galvanized and 0.025‑inch thick — thicker than most budget models. At $1,399, it was about $200 less than comparable kits from Bestway or Intex that included a pump I didn’t need. I also appreciated that the skimmer is a proper thru‑wall unit, not a drop‑in box that sits on the rail. For an experienced DIYer like me, the setup looked straightforward. I knew the is In The Swim Oasis pool worth buying question would ultimately come down to how the liner held up after filling. I pushed buy because the core structure seemed solid and the price was right for a replacement‑only kit.

What Arrived and First Impressions

What Came in the Box

The 473‑pound shipment arrived on a single pallet with two boxes. Inside I found: the steel wall rolled in a separate box (approx. 12 feet long), a folded vinyl overlap liner, a skimmer assembly with gaskets and screws, a pack of top rails and uprights, a roll of cove foam, a bag of bolts and nuts, a vinyl patch kit, and an instruction manual. Notably missing were a pump, filter, and ladder — exactly as advertised. However, I had expected a few more accessories, like a ground cloth or a salt‑system adapter. Competitor kits often include those.

Build Quality Gut Check

The steel wall had a factory edge that was clean and free of sharp burrs. The coating was uniform with no exposed metal. The uprights are L‑channel steel, painted white, with a thickness that felt comparable to mid‑priced kits I’ve handled. The liner, when unfolded, had that classic “new pool” vinyl smell but felt thinner than I’d like — I’d estimate 20‑gauge. The skimmer housing is injection‑molded plastic, sturdy but not heavy‑duty.

The Moment I Was Pleasantly Surprised or Disappointed

Pleasant surprise: the top rails snap together without tools — the connector system is clever and quick. Disappointment: the manual shows the skimmer installation details on page 18, but the illustrations are small and the text lacks torque specs. I wished the In The Swim Oasis pool review pros cons discussions I’d read had warned me about the skimpy instructions. Still, the overall package felt like good value for the price.

The Setup Experience

Time from Box to Ready

I clocked the entire installation — from cutting the box straps to a full pool of water — at 8 hours and 45 minutes. That includes 90 minutes of leveling the ground and 30 minutes redoing the skimmer cutout after I positioned it an inch too low. The wall assembly took about 2 hours with two people. The liner placement and smoothing another hour. Installation of the skimmer and connecting to my existing plumbing took 1.5 hours. For someone doing an above‑ground pool for the first time, I’d budget 10–12 hours.

The One Thing That Tripped Me Up

Leveling the base ring. The instructions say “ensure ground is level” but don’t specify a tolerance. I used a 6‑foot level and got within ¼ inch across the 18‑foot diameter, but when I filled the pool, one side had a noticeable ½ inch water height difference. I ended up draining about 6 inches and shimming under the bottom rail — a messy, time‑consuming fix. I recommend using a laser level or a builder’s level and aiming for zero deviation. Also, the skimmer cutout height is critical: measure twice, cut once.

What I Wish I Had Known Before Starting

1. Buy a liner vacuum or rent one. The overlap liner will wrinkle if you don’t pull it taut while filling — a vacuum helps suck the liner tight against the wall. 2. Pre‑drill the skimmer holes with a step bit. The manual says to use a hole saw, but step bits give more control. 3. Order an extra box of bolts — the kit included exactly the number needed, but losing one would’ve stopped progress. 4. Install the skimmer before tightening the wall uprights fully; it’s easier to wiggle the housing into place that way. My In The Swim Oasis pool review would have been much happier if I’d known these tips.

Living With It: Week‑by‑Week Observations

Week One — The Honeymoon Period

The pool looked fantastic. The solid blue liner gave a calm, uniform water color, and the steel wall felt reassuringly solid. I swam every evening, and the skimmer effectively cleared leaves and bugs. The water chemistry balanced quickly — the 10,400‑gallon volume responded well to shock treatment. By the end of week one, I was convinced this was the right purchase.

Week Two — Reality Check

After two weeks of daily use, I noticed small wrinkles in the liner where the floor met the wall — about six folds, each 4–6 inches long. They don’t affect swimming but are visually annoying. The skimmer basket collects debris, but the weir door sticks slightly if not lubricated. Also, the top rail joints developed a slight gap on the sun‑facing side — I tightened them and the gap closed, but it reappears on hot days. I started questioning the long‑term liner durability.

Week Three and Beyond — Long‑Term Verdict

At the three‑week mark, the wrinkles hadn’t worsened, and the pool chemistry remained stable. The steel wall shows no signs of corrosion. The skimmer works well, but I upgraded the skimmer basket to a finer mesh model. My overall impression improved after week two — the pool is reliable. The single biggest thing that changed my assessment is the liner: it’s adequate but not premium. For a family with young kids who bump the walls, I’d budget for a thicker liner replacement after two seasons. This In The Swim Oasis pool review honest opinion is that the structure is great, the liner is average.

What the Spec Sheet Does Not Tell You

The Noise Level During Filling and Daily Use

I measured the water filling sound at 65 dB at 3 feet — comparable to a normal conversation. But once full, the pool is surprisingly quiet; the only noise is the existing pump. What the product page does not mention is that the steel wall acts as a sounding board: if you drop a metal chair next to the pool, the sound resonates. Not a problem for most, but if you’re sensitive to metallic pings, keep furniture away from the wall.

How It Performs With Hard Water

My well water has high calcium hardness (about 350 ppm). After three weeks, I noticed white deposits on the liner along the waterline. A mild acid wash removed them, but I would have expected some warning about scaling. The liner material is not particularly slick — scale adheres more than on the glossy liners I’ve owned before. I now keep a soft brush on hand.

Real Total Cost of Ownership

The kit price is $1,399.99, but you need: a ground cloth ($25), a pool cover ($60–$120), a winter pillow ($15), and chemicals for startup ($30). If you don’t already own a pump/filter, add $250–$400. I spent an extra $180 for a sand filter my old one died the week after install. Total cost: about $1,600 plus chemicals. This is important for the In The Swim Oasis pool review and rating because some buyers might assume it’s a complete solution.

The Thing Competitors Do Better

Intex’s Ultra Frame pools include a better liner retention system — a J‑hook that locks the liner into the top rail, reducing wrinkles. The Oasis overlap liner relies on the skimmer and water pressure to hold it in place. After testing both systems on previous pools, I’d say Intex has a slight edge on liner stability, but their steel walls feel thinner. The Oasis wins on structural rigidity.

The Surprising Benefit of the Thru‑Wall Skimmer

Unlike drop‑in skimmers that hang on the top rail and can sway, the Oasis skimmer is bolted through the wall. This makes it rock‑solid. I could lean on it while skimming without fear of it popping off. That’s a design win you won’t appreciate until you use it.

What Happens When You Overfill

I accidentally filled the pool to the top of the skimmer opening. The water level was about 1.5 inches above the recommended line. The liner pulled away from the wall in one spot, creating a gap. It took three days of evaporation and a few buckets of scooping to correct. The manual states “do not overfill,” but it doesn’t explain the consequences. Keep the water level at the center of the skimmer opening.

The Honest Scorecard

Category	Score	One-Line Verdict
Build Quality	8/10	Steel wall is thick and well‑coated; liner is the weak point.
Ease of Use	7/10	Straightforward for experienced DIYers; instructions lack detail for novices.
Performance	8/10	Holds water, skims well, stable chemistry.
Value for Money	8/10	Excellent for replacement buyers; cost adds up for first‑timers needing equipment.
Durability	7/10	Steel should last 8–10 years; liner may need replacement in 2–3 seasons.
Overall	7.5/10	A capable replacement pool with a good structure and an average liner.

Build Quality (8/10): The steel wall is the highlight — 0.025‑inch galvanized steel with a smooth powder‑coat finish. The uprights and top rails are strong and fit precisely. However, the overlap liner feels thinner than the “heavy‑duty” liners found on some Intex models. I measured the liner thickness with a micrometer: 0.020 inches. For a pool that holds 10,400 gallons, I’d prefer 0.025 or thicker.

Ease of Use (7/10): Setting up the wall and rails is intuitive if you’ve done above‑ground before. The manual skips several steps, like how to align the wall seam for the fastener strip. Newbies will likely guess wrong and have to redo it. The skimmer installation instructions are passable but lack torque specs. I’d rate it higher if the manual were updated.

Performance (8/10): After filling, the pool holds water perfectly — no leaks. The skimmer cycles about 40% of the water through the filter per turnover, which is good for an 18‑foot round. The water stays clear with standard chemical maintenance. One point off because the overlap liner wrinkles slightly, which can trap debris.

Value for Money (8/10): At $1,399, you get a steel wall, liner, and skimmer that together cost about $100 less than buying them separately from In The Swim. For replacement buyers like me, it’s a bargain. But if you need a pump and filter, the total exceeds $1,700, which brings you close to complete packages from other brands. The In The Swim Oasis pool review and rating must reflect that context.

Durability (7/10): After five weeks, the steel shows no rust, the rails are tight, and the skimmer works. I expect the structure to last 8–10 years with proper winter care. The liner is my concern — it has already developed waterline marks and a few small wrinkles. I suspect it will need replacement in 2–3 seasons, especially if exposed to direct sun for long periods.

Overall (7.5/10): The Oasis delivers on its core promise: a solid replacement structure for owners with existing equipment. The liner is the trade‑off. If you can budget for a better liner in year two, this pool will serve you well.

How It Stacks Up Against the Alternatives

The Shortlist I Was Choosing Between

Before buying, I considered the Bestway HydroPro 18′ Round (about $1,200 with pump) and the Intex Prism Frame 18′ (about $1,100 complete). Both are full packages, but I already owned a filter, so I valued the Oasis’s wall‑only approach.

Feature and Price Comparison

Product	Price	Best Feature	Biggest Weakness	Best For
In The Swim Oasis	$1,399 (kit only)	Thick steel wall, thru‑wall skimmer	Liner is thin overlap type	Replacement buyers with existing equipment
Bestway HydroPro	$1,200 (with pump)	Complete package, heavy‑duty liner	Steel wall not as thick	First‑time buyers who want everything included
Intex Prism Frame	$1,100 (with pump)	Easy assembly, durable frame	Drop‑in skimmer less effective than thru‑wall	Budget‑minded buyers looking for a complete setup

Where This Product Wins

If you already own a quality pump and filter, the Oasis is the most cost‑effective wall upgrade on the market. The steel is noticeably thicker than Bestway’s (0.025 vs. 0.020 inch), and the thru‑wall skimmer is far more robust than Intex’s drop‑in unit. For anyone who values structural longevity over a shiny new pump, the Oasis is the better buy.

Where I Would Buy Something Else

If you are a first‑time above‑ground pool buyer with no equipment, the complete packages from Bestway or Intex are smarter. They save you the hassle of sourcing a pump and filter separately. Also, if you live in a very sunny area and don’t want to replace a liner in two years, look for a kit with a beaded liner or upgrade to a thicker overlap. Read our comparison of Bestway vs. Intex vs. In The Swim for more details.

The People This Is Right For (and Wrong For)

You Will Love This If…

1. The experienced DIY owner: You’ve installed an above‑ground pool before and know the tricks. The Oasis rewards competence with a strong, stable pool. 2. The equipment hoarder: You have a good pump, filter, and ladder from a previous pool and don’t want to rebuy them. This kit is tailor‑made for you. 3. The value‑focused shopper: You want the best steel wall per dollar. The Oasis delivers on that metric. 4. The moderate climate owner: In areas with mild winters, the steel wall will last many years. 5. The “I just need a pool” pragmatist: You don’t care about fancy features like LED lights or a salt system — you just want to swim. This pool does that well.

You Should Look Elsewhere If…

1. The first‑time buyer: If you don’t own any pool equipment, buying the Oasis plus a pump and filter will cost nearly the same as a complete kit with better documentation. 2. The family with rough kids: The overlap liner can be dislodged by splashing or leaning. If your children climb the walls, get a kit with a J‑hook liner lock. 3. The perfectionist: If liner wrinkles and minor waterline marks will bother you, you’ll want a beaded liner system that stays taut. The Oasis is not for you.

Things I Would Do Differently

What I would check before buying

I should have measured the ground slope more carefully. Even a ½‑inch out‑of‑level caused liner wrinkles. I’d also confirm the exact dimensions of my old pump’s hose connections — the skimmer inlet is 1.5 inch, and my pump used 1.25 inch, requiring an adapter I had to buy separately.

The accessory I should have bought at the same time

A roller for the overlap liner. The manual says to “smooth the liner by hand” but that’s nearly impossible without a helper or a squeegee tool. A $15 pool liner liquid‑roller would have saved me an hour of awkward crawling.

The feature I overvalued during research

The “thru‑wall skimmer” sounded premium, and while it is good, the weir door is flimsy. I expected a heavy‑duty flap, but it’s a thin piece of plastic. It works, but don’t let this feature alone sway you.

The feature I undervalued until I actually used it

The cove foam included in the kit. I almost tossed it, but it really helps the liner seat smoothly against the bottom of the wall. It also prevents debris from getting under the liner. Don’t skip it.

Whether I would buy the same product again today

Yes, with conditions. If I were doing a like‑for‑like replacement and didn’t need new equipment, the Oasis is still the best steel‑wall choice in this price range. I’d order a thicker liner at the same time to save on shipping later. For an In The Swim Oasis pool review honest opinion, I’d give it a cautious thumbs‑up.

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

At $1,680, I would have gone with the Bestway HydroPro with a heavy‑duty liner and pump. That package includes a thicker liner and a bubble‑wrap pool cover, making it a better value for a complete setup.

Pricing Reality Check

The current price of $1,399.99 is fair for what’s in the box — if you already own a pump and filter. The steel wall alone costs about $450 from pool supply stores, the liner $250, the skimmer $80, and the rails and hardware around $200. You’re getting a bundled discount of about $200. However, the price has fluctuated between $1,299 and $1,499 over the past three months, so watch for sales around July. The total cost of ownership adds about $200–$400 for startup chemicals and accessories. Value verdict: yes, it’s worth it for replacement buyers.

Warranty and After‑Sale Support

The pool structure comes with a 1‑year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. The liner is covered for 90 days only — a short window that reflects its average quality. Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery if unopened; opened kits are subject to restocking fees. I contacted In The Swim’s customer support to ask about replacement rails, and they responded within 24 hours with a link to buy spares. The experience was average — not exceptional, but not terrible. For a large purchase, I’d prefer a 2‑year structural warranty.

My Final Take

What This Product Gets Right

The steel wall is genuinely sturdy and easy to assemble with a helper. The thru‑wall skimmer works flawlessly, and the pool holds water without leaks. For the price, the structural package is hard to beat. This In The Swim Oasis pool review confirms that the core promise — a reliable replacement pool — is kept.

What Still Bothers Me

The liner. After five weeks, it has developed visible wrinkles and the overlap edge is already fraying slightly where it contacts the rail. I’m not confident it will survive three full seasons. I also wish the manual included torque specs for the bolts; over‑tightening can warp the rails.

Would I Buy It Again?

Conditionally yes. If I were replacing an existing pool and already owned a quality pump and filter, I would buy the Oasis again and plan to upgrade the liner after two seasons. The overall score is 7.5/10 because the structure is excellent but the liner drags the experience down.

My Recommendation

Buy the Oasis if you fit the replacement buyer profile and can stomach a mediocre liner. Wait for a sale under $1,350, then pull the trigger. If you’re a first‑time buyer, buy the Bestway HydroPro instead. If you already bought the Oasis, invest in a premium liner early — compatible replacement liners are available separately. Share your experience in the comments; I’d love to hear how yours held up over multiple seasons.

Reader Questions Answered

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

At $1,399, the Oasis is a good deal for replacement buyers. The steel wall is thicker than comparable kits from Bestway (0.025 vs. 0.020 inch). If you need a pump and filter, the Bestway HydroPro at $1,200 gives you everything and is a better value. The is In The Swim Oasis pool worth buying answer depends entirely on whether you already own supporting equipment.

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

I’d say two weeks. That’s enough time to see if the liner wrinkles, if the skimmer functions properly, and if the chemistry stays balanced. If you’re happy after 14 days, you’ll probably be happy for the season. The structure itself needs a full winter to judge long‑term durability.

What breaks or wears out first?

The liner. Specifically, the overlap edge that contacts the top rail. I saw light fraying after three weeks. The skimmer weir door also feels like it could crack after a few seasons. The steel wall and rails show no wear after five weeks and should last many years.

Can a complete beginner use this without frustration?

No, not without frustration. The manual is basic, and there are several pitfalls (leveling, skimmer placement, liner smoothing) that a beginner will struggle with. I recommend having a friend who has installed an above‑ground pool help you, or watch detailed YouTube videos first.

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

Essential: a ground cloth ($25), a pool cover ($60–$120), and a chemistry starter kit ($30). Strongly recommended: a liner roller or squeegee to smooth wrinkles during fill. Also buy a step drill bit for the skimmer cutout. Optional but helpful: a laser level to ensure perfectly flat ground.

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. In The Swim’s own website also sells it directly, but shipping costs can be higher. Amazon’s return policy is more forgiving.

Can you use saltwater with this pool?

Yes, but the manufacturer advises against saltwater above 3,000 ppm. The steel wall is galvanized and should resist corrosion, but the liner and skimmer gaskets may degrade faster. I’ve used saltwater at 2,500 ppm for four weeks with no visible issues. Monitor pH weekly.

How do you winterize the Oasis?

Drain the pool to about 6 inches below the skimmer, remove the skimmer basket, add winter chemicals, and cover tightly. The steel wall is strong enough to handle ice expansion, but do not leave the pool completely empty — the liner can shrink and crack. An air pillow under the cover helps distribute ice pressure.