Blue Wave Martinique Pool Review: Honest Pros & Cons

Last spring, I stood in my backyard with a shovel and a vague sense of optimism. My kids had been asking for a pool for two summers, and every cheap inflatable I tried had either leaked within a month or been shredded by a stray branch. I wanted something that would actually last—something that wouldn’t become a sagging plastic eyesore by August. That’s when I started looking seriously at above-ground pools with steel walls. A quick search led me to the Blue Wave Martinique pool review,Blue Wave Martinique pool review and rating,is Blue Wave Martinique pool worth buying,Blue Wave Martinique pool review pros cons,Blue Wave Martinique pool review honest opinion,Blue Wave Martinique pool review verdict, and I decided to give the 18-ft round model a try. I ordered one, set it up with a couple of friends, and spent the whole summer swimming in it.

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If you are in a hurry, you can check the current price of the Blue Wave Martinique pool here.

I have also reviewed the Blue Wave Montilla pool if you are comparing models.

What This Thing Is and Is Not

The Blue Wave Martinique is a hard-sided above-ground pool with a galvanized steel wall and a vinyl liner. It’s 18 feet in diameter, 52 inches deep, and holds about 7,200 gallons once filled. This is not an inflatable or a soft-sided frame pool. It belongs to the same category as semi-permanent pools that you install on a single site and leave up for years.

It is not an in-ground pool, despite its depth and steel wall. You cannot walk into it via a platform; you need a ladder (sold separately). It is not designed for diving or high-impact water sports. The liner is a standard gauge overlap type, which means replacing it later is straightforward but not as simple as a beaded liner.

Blue Wave is a brand with over 33 years in the pool industry. They manufacture above-ground pools, liners, and accessories. The Martinique series sits in the mid-range of their lineup – above basic steel-frame pools but below premium aluminum or resin models. You can read more about the company on their official website.

In the market, this pool competes with other 18-ft round steel wall pools from brands like Intex, Summer Waves, and Doughboy. It is priced higher than Intex Ultra Frame models but lower than Doughboy’s premium offerings. The Martinique strikes a balance between durability and affordability.

What You Get When It Arrives

The box weighs 332 pounds – a beast to move. Inside, you find the steel wall panels (pre-curved), top seats, vertical supports, the blue overlap liner, a skimmer, and a hardware kit with bolts, nuts, and instructions. Notably absent: any pump, filter, ladder, or ground cloth. You will need to buy those separately if you do not already have them. The packaging is robust – double-walled cardboard with foam inserts that kept all steel parts dent-free despite rough shipping.

First physical impressions were positive. The galvanized steel feels thick and rigid, with a smooth zinc-aluminum coating. The resin top caps are solid, not brittle. The liner looks thinner than I expected for a pool at this price point, but it held up fine through the season. The skimmer is a basic widemouth type – functional but nothing fancy.

You also need to buy a pump and filter (recommended sand filter for this size), a ladder, and optionally a winter cover if you live in a cold climate. That adds roughly another $500 to the total cost, depending on what you choose. Keep that in mind when comparing prices.

Getting Started: What the First Week Was Actually Like

The Setup

We followed the instruction manual closely. Leveling the ground took a full day – we used a laser level and compacted sand. The actual pool assembly took about six hours with three able-bodied adults. The instructions are decent but not perfectly clear; some steps required re-reading. I have built a few above-ground pools before, so that experience helped. I would not recommend this as a first-time DIY project without professional help.

The Learning Curve

The hardest part is getting the wall perfectly round and level before tightening the top seats. If you rush that step, the liner will wrinkle. We had to re-tighten several bolts after filling. The skimmer installation was straightforward. Once filled, the pool held water without leaks. Adding the first batch of chemicals was standard.

The First Result

The first swim happened two days after we finished filling – we had to wait for the chlorine level to drop. The water was clear, the wall felt solid, and the liner fit snugly. The depth (52 inches) was right for adults to swim without touching bottom, and my kids (ages 8 and 11) could stand in the shallow part where the floor curved. It was exactly what I hoped for: a real swimming pool in my backyard.

If you are considering this pool, you can buy the Blue Wave Martinique pool from Amazon to see the setup experience yourself.

After Extended Use: What Changed

What Got Better With Time

After a few weeks, the liner stretched taut and the wrinkles we initially saw smoothed out. The water chemistry became easier to manage as I learned the quirks of this size pool. The pump (I paired it with a 1,500 GPH sand filter) had no trouble keeping the water clear. The steel wall held up perfectly against wind and summer storms.

What Stayed Consistently Good

The structural rigidity never degraded. Even when the kids had wild pool games, the wall showed no flex or wobble. The resin top caps did not crack or fade despite direct sunlight. The skimmer worked reliably every day.

What I Wished I Had Known Earlier

First, the ground preparation is non-negotiable – even a slight slope causes the wall to lean and the liner to shift. Second, buying a separate ground cloth cost extra, but it prevents the liner from tearing on small stones. Third, the pool came without any hose fittings or adapters for the pump; I had to buy those separately. These three things would have saved me a trip to the hardware store and an extra day of work.

Any Degradation or Concerns Over Time

By the end of the season, I noticed a small area of rust on one vertical support where the coating had scratched during installation. I sanded it and painted with rust inhibitor – problem solved. The liner showed no signs of wear except a slight fading of the blue color where the sun hit hardest. Overall, I am satisfied with how it held up.

The Features That Actually Matter

Features That Delivered

• Hot-dip galvanized steel wall: The triple-layer coating (zinc-aluminum + enamel) resists rust well. After a season, only one scratch-related spot appeared.
• 7-inch steel top seats and 6-inch verticals: These kept the frame rigid during heavy use. The pool did not distort even with four adults splashing simultaneously.
• Overlap liner design: Replacement liners are easy to find and cheap (around $150). The standard gauge was sufficient for regular family use.
• Widemouth skimmer: It captured leaves and debris efficiently. The basket is large enough that I only emptied it twice a week.
• Resin top caps: Unlike some pools that use bare metal caps, these resin ones protected the joints from rain and sun. No cracking or fading.

Features That Were Overstated

• 25-year limited warranty: The coverage is only on the steel structure, not the liner or accessories. Many parts of the pool wear out before 25 years. It is a marketing number, not a realistic lifespan guarantee.
• 7,200-gallon capacity: That is accurate, but to reach it you need a perfectly flat, level surface. Any slope reduces usable water volume slightly. In my case, we got about 7,000 gallons.

Specifications Reference

For a detailed buying guide on above-ground pools, see our comparison of Blue Wave models.

The Honest Scorecard

The scores reflect honest use. The pool performs well structurally, but the setup barrier and need for extra accessories stop it from being a straightforward recommendation for everyone. If you are handy and have helpers, it is a great value.

How It Stacks Up Against the Real Alternatives

The Case For This Product Over the Alternatives

The Blue Wave Martinique offers the best mix of steel wall rigidity and price. Compared to the Intex Ultra Frame, the Martinique feels more permanent and will likely last twice as long if cared for. Against the Doughboy Catalina, you save nearly a thousand dollars while still getting a hard-sided pool that does not sag or bulge. For families who plan to stay in their home for several years, this is the sweet spot.

The Case For Choosing Something Else

If your ground is not perfectly level or you cannot get helpers for installation, the Intex Ultra Frame is far easier. It inflates and assembles in a few hours alone. Also, if you have a larger budget and want a pool that can stay up for a decade with minimal fuss, the Doughboy Catalina’s aluminum/resin construction will not rust at all. The Martinique is a compromise – better than Intex, less than Doughboy.

For a deeper comparison of these options, read our Blue Wave Montilla review which covers another model in the same family.

You can order the Blue Wave Martinique pool here and compare with Intex and Doughboy.

Who This Is Right For, Stated Plainly

This pool is for the homeowner who wants the feel of an in-ground pool without the excavation and concrete bill. You are comfortable with a weekend-long project and you have a flat spot in your yard. You plan to stay in your house for at least 3-5 years and want a pool that will survive multiple summers. You are willing to spend a bit more on a pump, ladder, and maintenance gear because you know the pool itself will hold up.

This pool is not for you if you have rocky or sloped ground that you cannot flatten. It is not for renters or those who want something they can take down and store. If you are on a tight budget and need everything included in one box, look at Intex or Summer Waves. Also, if you are alone and cannot get any help, the 332-pound package and heavy steel panels will be overwhelming.

Price, Value, and Where to Buy

At $1,542.12, the Martinique sits in the middle of the above-ground pool market. For a hard-sided 18-ft round pool with a steel wall, that is a fair price. You get a structure that will last many years if you maintain it. Compare that to the ~$800 Intex that might last two seasons, and the Martinique offers better long-term value for a permanent installation.

Where to buy: I got mine from Amazon – free shipping with Prime, and the return policy was standard. I also saw it at Lowe’s for a similar price, but availability varies. Be cautious of third-party sellers on Walmart.com that may ship damaged goods. Amazon’s customer service handled a small missing bolt issue quickly.

Warranty and After-Sales Support

The 25-year limited warranty covers the steel wall and frame against rust-through, but not the liner, skimmer, or labor. I have not needed to test the support, but online reviews suggest Blue Wave is responsive for parts under warranty. Keep your receipt and registration card.

Questions I Get Asked About This Product

Is Blue Wave Martinique pool actually worth the price?

Yes, for what it is. The steel wall is thick, the liner is replaceable, and the frame is solid. You are paying for durability. The extra $500 you will spend on pump, ladder, and accessories is typical for this category. If you want a pool that lasts beyond two years, the Martinique is worth it.

How does it compare to Intex Ultra Frame 18×52?

The Intex is cheaper (~$800), lighter, and sets up in two hours alone. But it uses a softer metal frame that can warp, and the liner is thinner. The Martinique is in a different league for rigidity and longevity. If you plan to keep the pool up permanently, choose Blue Wave. If you need something temporary or movable, Intex wins.

How long does setup realistically take?

With two to three people and a perfectly level site, plan on two full days: one for ground prep, one for assembly and filling. The instructions are not great; I recommend watching YouTube videos beforehand. Our first time took six hours for the wall assembly, plus filling overnight.

What do you actually need to buy alongside it?

You need a pump and filter (sand filter recommended, about $200), a ladder (about $100), a ground cloth ($40), a winter cover if you live in cold climates ($60), and basic chemical test kits. The pool does not come with any hoses or adapters – I spent another $30 on those. Total extra: roughly $500. Get the pool kit here and budget accordingly.

Has it had any reliability issues over time?

One small rust spot developed on a vertical where the coating was scraped. Easily repaired. The liner faded slightly but remains intact. The top seats and resin caps are still like new. I have seen online reports of liner folds causing tears if the ground is not level, but that is user error.

Where should I buy it to avoid fakes or poor service?

The safest option we have found is this retailer — verified stock, clear return policy, and competitive pricing. Amazon also has reliable shipping and customer support for defect claims. Avoid third-party marketplaces that list “refurbished” above-ground pools – that is usually just damaged returns.

Does it need a winter cover? How do you winterize it?

Yes, if you live where temperatures drop below freezing. Lower the water level below the skimmer, add winterizing chemicals, cover the pool with a heavy-duty winter cover, and drain the pump lines. I used a cover pump to keep rainwater from pooling on top. The steel survived winter just fine.

Can you install it on grass?

Only if the grass is perfectly flat. But you should remove the grass and lay sand or a ground cloth first. Grass will rot under the liner and cause uneven pressure. I recommend leveling the area with a sand base. Do not skip this – it is the most common cause of failure.

My Actual Take, After All of It

What Tipped It For Me

Two things made this pool a keeper: the way it never moved during a summer thunderstorm, and how easy it was to keep the water clear with a decent pump. The steel wall gave me confidence that an inflatable never could. That feeling of a permanent backyard feature justified the extra effort of assembly.

The Honest Verdict

I would buy this pool again if I stayed in the same house. It is not perfect – setup is hard, and you need to buy many extras – but the core structure is excellent for the price. If you are willing to invest a weekend and a few hundred extra dollars, the Blue Wave Martinique will serve your family well for years. I recommend it with the caveat that ground prep is everything.

If You Have Used It, Tell Me What You Found

Have you owned this pool? Drop a comment below with your experience. I am curious how it held up for others, especially if you used a different installation method. If you are ready to buy, check the current price here.