Intex 55236 vs Intex 54402 vs Intex 55238 vs Bestway Fast Set 305 vs Bestway 2.44m: Which Easy Set Pool Wins?
Inflatable pools5 products
Quick verdict
The Easy Set Showdown: Bigger Isn't Always Better (But It Might Be Smarter)
If you want maximum splash for minimum euros and don't mind replacing it next summer, grab the Intex 244cm at 32,99 EUR. For a true bargain, the Intex 183cm is unbeatable at 23,95 EUR and has the best longevity reviews. If you've got the space and patience for a 305cm pool with actual filtration, the Bestway Fast Set at 46,99 EUR (currently 40% off) includes a pump and beats the Intex 305cm on durability.
A sweet spot between tiny and huge: 244cm diameter holds 1,942 litres and fits two adults comfortably. The 3-layer PVC is sturdy for the price, but buyers warn that chlorine and pet claws will shorten its lifespan to one summer, maybe two if you're lucky.
The tiny titan: 183cm diameter, 880 litres, and the cheapest ticket at 23,95 EUR. SuperTough 3-layer material proves its worth with customers reporting 3+ summers of use, making it the actual money-saver despite being smallest.
The Intex 305cm offers 3,077 litres and genuine space for three people, but buyer reviews reveal troubling seam failures and ring deflation issues. At 52,99 EUR with no included pump, it sits awkwardly between budget and premium without excelling at either.
The Bestway Fast Set 305cm is the only 305cm pool that includes a filter pump, holds 3,800 litres (the most of all five), and sits at 46,99 EUR with a hefty 40% discount. TriTech material is robust, though some buyers report tube failures after a season or two.
What We Liked 👍
Pump and filter included
3,800 litre capacity
40% discount currently
Easier maintenance
What Could Be Better 👎
Tube seals can fail
Ground prep tricky
Instructions unclear
Bestway 2.44m (244cm)Our pick
Long-term pool owners
A sleeper hit: 244cm diameter, 1,880 litres, includes a pump, and boasts the longest lifespan of all five (6+ summers reported). At 51,70 EUR, it costs more upfront but outlasts three Intex 244cm pools, making it the true value play over time.
What We Liked 👍
Lasts 6+ summers typically
Pump included
244cm diameter
Solid durability
What Could Be Better 👎
Higher upfront cost
Pump replacement needed over time
Sparse product data
The Great Size Debate: Shoebox or Splash Pad?
Your first real choice is diameter: the Intex 183cm is a cozy splash pad for toddlers and the odd cooling-off dip; the Intex 244cm and Bestway 244cm are the Goldilocks zone for families who want actual swim-around space without a garden the size of a football pitch; and the 305cm pools (Intex and Bestway) are for people who've measured twice and have genuinely committed to pool season.
Here's the plot twist: bigger doesn't mean better value. The Intex 183cm costs 23,95 EUR and lasts three summers. The Intex 305cm costs 52,99 EUR and typically lasts one. Do the maths, and the little one laughs all the way to the bank. If you're set on 305cm, the Bestway Fast Set at 46,99 EUR (currently discounted 40%) includes a pump that the Intex 305cm doesn't, which tips the scales in Bestway's favour for maintenance headaches.
The Filtration Elephant in the Room
Only two pools ship with a pump: the Bestway Fast Set 305cm and Bestway 244cm. The Intex models have filter connections but require you to buy a separate pump (typically 50-100 EUR more). If you're filling and draining weekly, you're fine. If you want to keep water clean and swimmable for weeks, a pump becomes non-negotiable. Parents who've skipped the pump report algae blooms and green water by week two, so factor that into your 'budget' calculation.
Chlorine and the sun are the real villains here. Multiple Intex buyers complain that even proper chemical maintenance degrades the plastic faster than expected. The Intex 183cm's SuperTough material holds up better; the larger Intex models show weaker seams. Bestway's TriTech reinforced material performs similarly, though some users report seal failures. Bottom line: if you're serious about water chemistry, invest in the pump. If you're casual, accept that your pool is a one-season wonder and pick the cheapest option.
Who Gets Dunked in This Pool Party?
Pick the Intex 54402 (183cm) at 23,95 EUR if you're a first-time buyer, have small kids, or run a strict 'drain and refill weekly' operation. It's the true budget champ with the best longevity-to-price ratio and 16,000+ five-star reviews prove parents trust it.
Pick the Bestway 2.44m (244cm) at 51,70 EUR if you want a pool that will actually outlast your children's interest in it. Yes, it costs double, but six seasons versus one season makes it the wisest long-term investment. Plus, the pump is included.
Pick the Bestway Fast Set 305cm at 46,99 EUR (on discount) only if you have the garden space, patience for ground prep, and commitment to water maintenance. It holds the most water and includes filtration, but seals can fail and setup is trickier than Intex promises.
Skip the Intex 244cm and Intex 305cm. They're caught between budget and premium pricing without excelling at durability or features. You're better off going smaller and lasting longer, or spending the extra few euros on Bestway's proven lifespan.
