July 7, 2025 ·

Plastic Pond Life: Back in the Pool Game! Coleman 22’ x 52” Review & Pool Favorites

Well, we did it, we’re officially back in the pool game… or as I like to call it, plastic pond life.

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When our boys were growing up, we always had a pool of some kind. 

They started off with the classic little kiddie pool, those blow-up ones that hold maybe one foot of water and a whole lot of memories. 


Eventually, we upgraded to and Intex easy-set inflatable top ring pool.

At one point, we actually had two of those going at once, both pools were 15'x42". 

One was a hand-me-down from my parents, but if we had two, why not put them both up, right? 

Later, we moved up to the sturdier Intex Prism Frame Pool, a 20-footer that lasted us years. 

We used that thing constantly and loved every minute of it. 

But when our youngest graduated high school, and left for college, we decided to take a few summers off from pool life.

Turns out… we kind of missed it.

There’s nothing quite like jumping into cold water after a morning of farm chores or yard work. 

So, this summer, Paul (the hubs) and I decided to get back in the pool game.

The New Pool: Coleman Power Steel 22' x 52" Round Frame Pool

Here’s the one we picked this summer:

(Note: I’m linking to Amazon because I am part of the Amazon Assocaites Program— but heads up, it’s usually overpriced there.)

Real Life Review:

  • Setup: Took a few hours between the two of us. Nothing too hard, but it’s heavy.

  • Filling: Took about 3 days total with the garden hose. We’re on a well, so we gave it plenty of breaks during the filling period. I think it holds close to 10,700 gallons of water (when 90% full).


  • Size: 22 feet wide and 52 inches deep. It’s BIG. Feels roomy and perfect for floating and stretching out for under water dips.

  • Pump: Uses Type B filters. The pump’s not bad at all! After we shocked the water, it took about three days to clear our well water from a coffee brown to crystal clear. During that time, we cleaned the filter several times by spraying it off with the hose and gave the pump a few cooldown breaks, just to be safe.



  • Interior & Exterior Color: Okay… not my favorite part. The bottom has that fun blue rock print, but the sides are just plain white. I really wish they’d carried the blue pattern all the way up, it would’ve added more visual interest and helped disguise the brown ring that showed up after that first shock treatment. Yep, the initial pool shock left a stain around the top of the liner. Still, not a dealbreaker. As for the exterior, it’s actually not bad. I thought I’d hate it based on the box image, but I ended up liking it more than the exterior on the Intex pools we’ve had in the past.


Can you see the stain?


Overall? It's been great.

The frame feels solid, it’s holding up great, and it fit right on our old leveled pool pad, plus it's next to the catio and the cats love lounging in their while they watch us swim.

It’s not fancy, but it makes these hot summer days feel a whole lot better.



A FEW POOL FAVORITES

Here are a few things we’re using and loving this year. 

They’re nothing wild, just the little extras that make “plastic pond life” even better:





  • Aqua 4-in-1 Monterey Hammock Pool Float – We’re loving these and actually plan to grab a few more — Paul thinks they’re the best! You can float on them in so many different positions, from a lounge chair to fully laying flat. They’re super easy to inflate, and just as easy to deflate and store when you’re done. Definitely one of our favorite pool finds this summer!



  • SwimWays Spring Float Hammock Lounger - This one’s my favorite for lounging and sun soaking. you feel like you’re floating on nothing. It’s got just enough support to keep you up, but still lets the water in to keep you cool. Super easy to inflate, folds flat, and stores away without any hassle.


  • Intex River Run Tubes – Ok, these are the tubes we always use when we go floating down the river. You’ve probably seen them in my Instagram stories, perks of living just 10 minutes from a tube-able river! But they’re also great for pool lounging. Super durable, and they hold up season after season. 

So that’s the update from our backyard: Plastic Pond season is officially back, and honestly? I’m not mad about it.

Not perfect, not polished — just peaceful and splashy. 

And here’s the deal

After setting this one up, I’ve gotta say, you don’t need anything fancy or permanent to make summer memories happen. 

My kids made so many of their best summer memories in all the plastic pools we’ve had over the years.

These kinds of pools get the job done just as well as the big ones that cost thousands. 

And when the kids grow up, or you decide you’re not a pool girl (or guy) anymore, they’re easy to take down, pass along, or let go of.

Thank you so much for stopping by Farm Dust and Paint today.

It means the world to me and my little farm.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @farmdustandpaint.

XOXO

Emily


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    written by FARM DUST AND PAINT
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