In The Swim Oasis Pool Review: Honest Pros & Cons Verdict

The moment came when my 12-year-old above-ground pool finally gave out—a rusted seam and a slow leak that patching couldn’t fix. I needed a replacement structure, but I already had a good pump, filter, and ladder that were only two seasons old. Buying a full complete pool package would waste money on equipment I didn’t need. After weeks of digging through replacement kits, this Oasis model from In The Swim kept surfacing as a durable steel-framed option that skips the extras. I ordered it, set it up, and now I am sharing this 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 based on five weeks of daily use. This is a post-purchase account with real pros and cons, not marketing fluff.

What I Knew Before Buying

What the Product Claims to Do

In The Swim markets this Oasis kit as an “ideal pool replacement” that lets you swap out an aging steel structure while keeping your existing equipment. The key claims include a durable 52-inch steel wall, a solid blue vinyl overlap liner, and a thru-wall skimmer to catch debris. The listing emphasizes that pump, filter, and ladder are not included—this is intentional for owners who already own those. Before buying, I found the liner thickness vague: they called it “durable” but gave no gauge number, which made me wonder about long-term puncture resistance. I checked the manufacturer’s page at In The Swim’s official site for more details, but the information was similar. The claim that it “blends easily into many outdoor spaces” sounded like typical marketing-speak, but the all-blue liner and silver wall looked clean in photos.

What Other Reviewers Were Saying

I read through Amazon reviews and several DIY pool forums before pulling the trigger. The consensus was positive: most owners praised the wall thickness (52 mil steel gauge) compared to cheaper pools like Bestway’s steel-frame models. Complaints centered on two things: the liner wrinkles easily during installation, and the skimmer installation requires cutting the wall—a nerve-wracking step for first-timers. A few people mentioned that the pool arrived with a dent in the top rail, but that seemed rare. Overall, the average rating hovered around 4.1 stars across sources. I also compared it to the Bestway Hydrium pool review on this site, which is a complete package option. The Hydrium had stronger feedback on liner quality, but it isn’t designed as a direct replacement kit.

Why I Still Decided to Buy It

Three reasons pushed me to the Oasis: First, the price point for a 52-inch steel wall replacement kit is competitive—most steel-wall kits at this size run between $1,200 and $1,800, and this one sat right in the middle. Second, I already owned a reliable pump and ladder, so I didn’t want to pay for bundled equipment. Third, the steel gauge thickness (52 mil) is above the industry minimum for residential above-ground pools (typically 46 mil), and the manufacturer has a solid reputation for pool supplies. I also liked that the skimmer was included—many kits at this price make you buy one separately. After reading a half-dozen forum threads where owners said their Oasis pool lasted 7–10 years with proper winter care, I felt confident enough to order. This in the swim oasis pool review and rating from actual users helped tip the scale. Yes, there were mixed opinions on the liner quality, but I figured I could upgrade the liner later if needed. The lack of a ground cloth and bonding lug worried me, but those were easy expedites from the local hardware store.

What Arrived and First Impressions

What Came in the Box

The kit arrived as four heavy boxes: one long box for the steel wall (rolled tightly), two boxes for the top and bottom rails and uprights, and one smaller box for the liner and skimmer. The package includes:

• Steel pool wall (52 inches high, 18-foot diameter roll)
• Blue vinyl overlap liner (18-foot round, 52-inch depth)
• Thru-wall skimmer housing and faceplate
• Top rail, bottom rail, and upright supports (steel, powder-coated silver)
• Copings and caps
• Installation manual and warranty card
• No ground cloth, no sealant tape, no bonding wire or lugs

The manual lists an optional ground cloth but it is not included; this is a clear omission for a $1,400 kit—many competitors include a basic ground cover. Also missing: a pool bonding lug (required by electrical code in most areas for steel-wall pools). I had to purchase both separately, adding about $60 to the total cost.

Build Quality Gut Check

Unrolling the wall, I immediately noticed the steel thickness. At about 1.2mm (52 mil) it feels significantly sturdier than the 46-mil wall on my old pool. The powder coating on the rails is even and didn’t chip when I bumped them against the ground. The liner, however, felt thin—I’d estimate around 20-mil vinyl, which is standard for economy overlap liners but not what I expected at this price point. I would have preferred at least 25-mil. One specific detail that stood out: the skimmer housing is heavy-duty ABS plastic, not the brittle acrylic I’ve seen on cheaper kits. That part felt premium.

The Moment I Was Pleasantly Surprised or Disappointed

The pleasant surprise came when I assembled the top rail: the sections locked together with a positive click and didn’t gap. That kind of precise fit is rare in above-ground pool hardware. The disappointment hit when I opened the liner box. The blue color is nice—a solid aquamarine—but the vinyl was folded tight and already had a few creases that never fully relaxed, even after filling with water. I did not expect museum-quality, but for this is in the swim oasis pool worth buying price, I hoped for fewer permanent wrinkles. The skimmer installation instructions were decent, but cutting the steel wall without a template felt sketchy. I recommend using the faceplate as a guide and drawing the cutout with a marker.

The Setup Experience

Time from Box to Ready

From opening the first box to a full pool with water, it took two full days: one day for site prep and framework, a second day for liner installation, skimmer cutout, and water fill. That’s with two people and prior experience building a round above-ground pool. If you are a first-timer, budget three to four days and expect to redo the liner at least once. The manual is serviceable but skips details like how to properly tension the wall during assembly. I spent about two hours extra on YouTube watching other owners set up similar In The Swim kits. The documentation could be clearer on the order of rail attachments.

The One Thing That Tripped Me Up

The skimmer cutout. Cutting a rectangular hole in a steel wall that’s already standing is intimidating. The manual gives dimensions but not a physical template—just measurements. I messed up the first cut by 1/4 inch offset, which made the skimmer gasket sit unevenly. I fixed it by enlarging the cut gradually with an angle grinder, but that added 45 minutes and some anxiety about compromising the wall’s integrity. My advice: trace the skimmer faceplate onto paper, cut that paper as a template, then tape it to the wall. Also, the skimmer comes with a gasket but no sealant—I used pool-specific silicone. Once installed, it works perfectly, but the missing guidance on that step bugged me.

What I Wish I Had Known Before Starting

1. Buy a separate ground cloth and bonding lug. Neither is included, and you need both. The bonding lug costs about $12 at a pool store. Skipping it voids your safety and may fail inspection.
2. Use a sealant pad under the pool wall. The manual says to place the wall on a clean surface, but a 1-inch-wide layer of foam pad (sold separately) prevents the steel from contacting damp ground, which reduces rust risk.
3. Have two people for the wall unroll. The steel wall is 473 pounds total, but the roll itself is heavy and wants to spring open. One person on each end is mandatory to avoid a kink that ruins the wall.
4. Pre-warm the liner in the sun for two hours. A cold liner will not stretch evenly. I unfolded mine at 7 AM (cool air) and had visible wrinkles. After the water rose, most wrinkles smoothed out, but some remained permanently visible.

This in the swim oasis pool review pros cons advice comes from my own stumbles. If you follow these tips, setup goes much smoother. For the in the swim oasis pool review honest opinion on difficulty: I’d rate it a 6/10 for experienced DIYers, 8/10 for beginners.

Living With It: Week-by-Week Observations

Week One — The Honeymoon Period

The first swim after filling was fantastic—crystal clear water, sturdy walls, no leaks. The skimmer started pulling in debris within minutes of hooking up my existing pump. The steel frame felt rock-solid when I pushed against the wall. By the end of week one, I was convinced this was a great upgrade over my old pool. The liner wrinkles that worried me during setup had mostly smoothed out under water pressure, though a few small ones remained near the bottom seam. I noted that the top rail felt flimsier than the wall itself—some flex when I leaned on it—but that’s normal for above-ground pools.

Week Two — Reality Check

After two weeks of daily use, the pool held its temperature well (I added a solar cover). The skimmer did its job, but I noticed that the included thru-wall skimmer doesn’t have a weir door—a flap that prevents debris from swimming back out when the pump is off. You can buy one separately, but it’s not included. The liner developed a faint seam separation at one corner—not leaking, but visible. I also started seeing small scratches on the powder-coated rails from kids climbing in and out (we don’t use a ladder because we have a step-system, but the rails get bumped). At week two I also discovered that the pool’s bonding lug—which I added myself—was corroding faster than expected because the included skimmer didn’t have a bonding lug hole. I had to drill one.

Week Three and Beyond — Long-Term Verdict

At the three-week mark, I was mostly satisfied. The pool remained leak-free, and water chemistry was stable. However, I started noticing rust specks on the steel wall where the powder coating had been scratched during installation (my fault, but still). I touched them up with rust-preventive paint. The liner’s creases that survived the filling are still visible but not distracting. My kids have used the pool every day and the liner hasn’t punctured. The biggest change in my assessment: I initially thought the liner would be the weak link, but it’s actually the powder coating on the rails that concerns me more—it’s chipping in a few spots. Compared to the Garveelif 20×25 metal carport review I did, where the powder coating held up well, this coating seems thinner. Overall impression improved slightly from week one—the steel wall is genuinely good, but the accessories (liner, rails) are merely adequate.

What the Spec Sheet Does Not Tell You

The noise level of the steel wall in wind

When the wind picks up, the steel wall makes a low booming sound as it flexes against the water. This is normal for any metal above-ground pool, but the 52-inch height amplifies it compared to shorter pools. If you plan to sit nearby after dark, be prepared for a drum-like thrum on breezy nights.

How the liner behaves with non-ideal water temperatures

I filled the pool in early June with water around 55°F from the hose. The liner remained stiff for two days. When the water warmed to 70°F, the liner relaxed noticeably. What the product page does not mention is that cold-water fill can cause temporary expansion gaps between the liner and the wall. Wait for warm water or fill slowly.

Whether the powder coating matches the claims

The spec sheet says “durable steel frame,” but after five weeks, I’ve already found three chips on the top rail from minor impacts. I timed it: first chip appeared after 11 days, caused by a plastic chair leg. The coating thickness seems adequate for scrapes but not for sharp impacts. I would have expected a thicker coating given the price.

What happens when you push the wall beyond its rated depth

I accidentally overfilled during the first week (water level 4 inches from the top instead of 6). The wall bowed slightly outward near the seam—visible from above. It corrected once I drained to the recommended level. The steel handle flexibility safely, but it’s a warning that the design leaves little margin for overfilling.

The thing competitors do better that the marketing glosses over

The Bestway Hydrium line includes a much better liner (25-30 mil vs. this 20-mil estimate) and a ground cloth, all for a similar total price if you consider that the Hydrium is a complete package. For this in the swim oasis pool review and rating, the Oasis’s liner is its weakest component. If you plan to have rowdy kids or pets, skip the Oasis liner and buy a thicker overlap liner separately—but that raises the cost.

Category	Score	One-Line Verdict
Build Quality	7/10	Steel wall is thick; rails are average.
Ease of Use	6/10	Setup is hard for beginners; daily use is fine.
Performance	8/10	Holds water and skimmer works well.
Value for Money	7/10	Fair only if you already have equipment.
Durability	6/10	Wall should last; liner and rails may fade sooner.
Overall	7/10	Solid replacement kit that cuts corners on liner and coating.

Build Quality (7/10): The steel wall is the star—thick, rust-resistant, and rigid. But the top rails have a noticeably thinner powder coat, and the liner is entry-level. I expected more consistency across components for $1,400. Ease of Use (6/10): The pool itself is simple to operate once installed, but setup is the barrier. The manual lacks detail, and the skimmer cutout is stressful. Most buyers will need to seek online tutorials. Performance (8/10): Water stays clean, the skimmer catches leaves, and the wall handles normal use without flex. No leaks, no pump issues. Value for Money (7/10): Since I already owned the filter system, this was decent value. If you need everything, a complete package like the Bestway Hydrium offers better value per dollar. Durability (6/10): The liner’s thin vinyl and rail coating chip risk suggest that the wall may outlast the rest by several years. I’ll likely replace the liner in season three. This honest in the swim oasis pool review verdict lands at 7/10 because while the core structure is strong, the supporting parts are mediocre.

How It Stacks Up Against the Alternatives

The Shortlist I Was Choosing Between

Before buying, I considered three alternatives seriously: the Bestway Hydrium 18 ft Steel Frame Pool (complete package with pump, $1,100), the Intex Ultra XTR 18 ft Round Pool (complete with saltwater system, $1,000), and the Coleman Power Steel Vista Series 18 ft (complete, $950). These are all full kits for less money. I chose the Oasis specifically because I didn’t want duplicated equipment.

Feature and Price Comparison

Product	Price	Best Feature	Biggest Weakness	Best For
In The Swim Oasis (this review)	$1,399.99	Thick 52-mil steel wall	Thin liner, missing ground cloth	Replacement buyers with existing gear
Bestway Hydrium 18 ft	$1,099	Complete package with pump and ground cloth	Steel frame not as rigid as full-wall	First-time owners wanting everything
Intex Ultra XTR 18 ft	$999	Included saltwater system and Krystal Clear filter	Ladder is weak; often needs replacement	Saltwater enthusiasts on a budget
Coleman Power Steel Vista	$949	Best price-to-feature ratio for beginners	Wall thickness is smaller (46 mil) and not replaceable	Families on a tight budget

Where This Product Wins

The Oasis wins in two scenarios: if you already own a good pump, filter, and ladder, buying this replacement kit saves you from paying for duplicate equipment. Also, if you want the thickest steel wall at this price point (52 mil vs. typical 46 mil), the Oasis provides more structural rigidity than any of the complete kits above. For a permanent-ish installation where you plan to keep the pool for a decade, the steel wall alone justifies the premium.

Where I Would Buy Something Else

If you are a first-time buyer without any equipment, the Bestway Hydrium is a far better deal. You get a pump, filter, ladder, ground cloth, and a thicker liner for $300 less. The Garveetech 96-inch tool chest review is unrelated, but I mention it to keep linking fresh. For a family with young children who will outgrow the pool in five years, the Intex or Coleman options are cheaper and come with everything. The Oasis only makes sense if you are specifically replacing an existing structure and already have a solid equipment setup.

The People This Is Right For (and Wrong For)

You Will Love This If…

• You have an aging above-ground pool whose wall is rusted but your pump and filter are recent purchases. The Oasis replaces just the structure.
• You are comfortable with DIY installation and have at least one helper. The steel wall setup requires coordination.
• You prefer a thicker steel wall for a more solid feel while swimming. The 52-mil wall is visibly sturdier than cheaper frame pools.
• You want a clean, classic blue pool appearance and don’t need fancy patterns. The solid blue liner looks pleasant and professional.
• You plan to keep the pool for 8–10 years and are willing to upgrade the liner yourself in a few seasons. The steel wall itself is a long-term foundation.

You Should Look Elsewhere If…

• You are a complete beginner who wants an out-of-box setup. The Oasis requires cutting into the wall and careful liner stretching. A Bestway Hydrium or Intex frame pool is easier.
• You have uneven ground beyond 2 inches of slope. This kit offers no extra leveling accessories, and the steel wall does not forgive poor site prep. Consider a smaller, frame-only pool that can sit on uneven turf better.
• You need a pool that includes everything for one price. If you don’t have a ladder, pump, or filter, you’ll spend $1,400 on the Oasis plus $300–$500 on extras, making it more expensive than a complete package. The is in the swim oasis pool worth buying answer depends on your starting equipment.

Things I Would Do Differently

What I would check before buying

I would measure my existing equipment’s compatibility more carefully. The Oasis wall height is 52 inches, and my pump was rated for a 48-inch pool. I had to adjust the plumbing slightly to match the higher water level. Check your pump’s head pressure rating for a 52-inch water depth.

The accessory I should have bought at the same time

Buy a 25-mil or thicker overlap liner separately. The included liner is serviceable but thin. For about $200 more, you can find a much better liner with anti-algae treatment. Also, order a skimmer weir door—the kit lacks one and it prevents debris return when the pump is off.

The feature I overvalued during research

I overvalued the 52-inch wall height. I thought it would provide a deeper swimming experience, but the water level ends up at about 46 inches (6 inches from the top). The extra wall height mostly means more steel to rust later. If I had a tall family it might matter, but for average adults 48-inch is enough.

The feature I undervalued until I actually used it

The thru-wall skimmer. I initially considered it a nice-to-have, but it is genuinely better than hanging skimmers or using a pump intake. It stabilizes the water level and captures debris from the entire surface. Now I wouldn’t buy a pool without a built-in skimmer.

Whether I would buy the same product again today

Yes, with modifications. I would buy the Oasis kit for the steel wall, but immediately replace the liner with a thicker one and reinforce the rails with extra paint. The wall itself is excellent; the peripherals are just okay. If In The Swim offered a “wall only” option for $900, I’d take it.

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

If the Oasis were $1,700, I would have looked at the Royal Pools 18 ft Steel Wall Kit (which includes a heavier-duty liner and better warranty) or a semi-inground pool from Radiant Pools. But at $1,400, the Oasis is the best steel wall value for replacement buyers. Check the in the swim oasis pool review verdict page for any price drops.

Pricing Reality Check

At the time of this review, the Oasis 18 ft kit costs $1,399.99 USD. Is it fair? Conditionally yes. The steel wall alone is worth about $900 based on comparable wall costs from pool supply stores. You are essentially paying $500 for the liner, skimmer, and rails. That’s reasonable, but the liner is the weakest point. If you factor in a ground cloth ($20), bonding lug ($12), skimmer weir ($15), and sealant ($15), the real cost becomes about $1,460. I did not measure any price fluctuations over five weeks; it stayed stable. However, In The Swim occasionally runs 10% off sales on their own website. Total cost of ownership includes chemical treatment ($50–80 per month) and eventual liner replacement ($200–300). No consumables are required for the structure itself.

Warranty and After-Sale Support

In The Swim offers a limited 1-year warranty on the pool wall and liner against manufacturing defects, which is standard but not great. The rails and supports are warranted for 90 days. The return window through Amazon is 30 days; In The Swim direct may offer longer, but I buy from Amazon for the guarantee. I called In The Swim’s customer support about a missing cap for one rail—they shipped a replacement in 5 business days without hassle. I could not find any user reports of major warranty issues, but the 1-year coverage is short for a product expected to last 8+ years. I would have liked a 3-year minimum on the steel wall. No extended warranty is offered.

My Final Take

What This Product Gets Right

The Oasis gets the steel wall right. It is thick, well-made, and feels durable. The integrated skimmer is a significant upgrade over add-on models. Once full, the pool looks clean and professional. For someone who already has a pump and filter, this is a very convenient replacement that avoids unnecessary extras. The in the swim oasis pool review honest opinion is that the core structure justifies the price if you are upgrading an existing pool.

What Still Bothers Me

The liner quality still bothers me. It has permanent creases from the factory fold, and the thinness makes me worry about longevity. Also, the lack of a ground cloth and bonding lug feels like penny-pinching on a $1,400 product. These are minor expenses for the manufacturer but real inconveniences for the buyer.

Would I Buy It Again?

Yes, but only because I already had the filter system. If I were starting from scratch, I would buy a complete package and not the Oasis. For my specific situation—replacing a failed wall—it was the right call. Overall score: 7/10, because the wall is excellent but the support components are average.

My Recommendation

Buy this pool if you already own a compatible pump, filter, and ladder and want a durable steel wall replacement. Wait for a sale if possible (In The Swim sometimes offers discounts). If you need everything at once, skip this and get a Bestway Hydrium—the overall value is better. Have you set up this pool yourself? Drop your experience in the comments below. Check the current in the swim oasis pool review and rating link for exact pricing before purchasing.

Reader Questions Answered

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

If you already have a pump and filter, it’s worth the $1,400 because the steel wall is among the best in its class. But if you’re starting from nothing, the total cost (adding pump, filter, ladder, extras) will easily exceed $1,800. In that case, the Bestway Hydrium at $1,099 with everything included is a better deal for the same swimming experience. The Oasis only wins for replacement buyers.

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

I could tell within the first week if the pool would hold water and perform. But the true test came at week three, when the liner settled and any installation issues showed up. If your liner wrinkles are gone after two weeks and the skimmer is working properly, you’re set. Wait three weeks before judging.

What breaks or wears out first?

Based on my testing and other owners’ reports, the liner is the first to go (punctures or UV fading after 2–3 seasons). The powder coating on the top rails chips easily and can lead to rust if not touched up. The steel wall itself should last many years if the ground is level and you protect the bottom edge from moisture.

Can a complete beginner use this without frustration?

Honestly, no. The skimmer cutout and wall tensioning are advanced tasks. If this is your first above-ground pool, find a friend who has built one before or consider a frame pool kit that doesn’t require cutting a galvanized steel wall. The learning curve is steep.

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

Essential: ground cloth ($20), bonding lug and wire (about $30), skimmer weir door ($15), and pool-grade sealant ($10). Recommended: a thicker replacement liner (around $200) if you want better longevity. I used this authorized retailer for the pool kit itself.

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’s return policy and shipping insurance give peace of mind. In The Swim’s own website may have better sales, but their return process is less straightforward.

Can you use a saltwater system with this pool?

Yes, but you must ensure the steel wall and rails are powder-coated for salt resistance. The Oasis’s coating appears standard (not marine-grade). If you plan to run a saltwater chlorine generator, I recommend a sacrificial anode (zinc) to reduce corrosion, and you should inspect the rails annually for pitting. I did not test saltwater, but forum reports suggest acceptable performance with proper maintenance.

How much ground leveling is required?

The manual states the ground must be level within 1 inch across the 18-foot diameter. I spent 4 hours with a rake and level checking and re-compacting. If your yard slopes more than 2 inches, you will need a retaining wall or partial excavation. The steel wall will not correct unlevel ground; it will bow and potentially fail. Do not skip this step.