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Funsicle Oasis Designer Lap Pool Review: Is It Worth Buying?
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The short answer on Funsicle Oasis Designer Lap Pool
| Tested for | Two months, daily use by two adults and two children, in a suburban backyard with partial shade |
| Best suited to | Homeowners who want a good-looking above-ground pool large enough for lap swimming and family recreation, with a budget under $2,000 |
| Not suited to | Anyone who needs a deep end for diving, has extremely uneven or unlevel ground, or values ultra-quick setup over durability |
| Price at review | 0USD |
| Would I buy it again | Yes, despite some setup headaches the water quality and swim experience exceeded my expectations for an above-ground pool |
Full reasoning below. Or check the current price here if you have already decided.
What This Thing Is and Is Not
The Funsicle Oasis Designer Lap Pool is a framed, rectangular above-ground swimming pool. It measures 24 feet by 12 feet with a water depth of about 48 inches once filled (the wall height is 52 inches). It is designed for swimming laps, water play, and social lounging, not for diving or cannonballs. The frame consists of oval-shaped steel poles with a matte finish, and the liner is three-ply ToughMesh with a dark chevron rattan exterior print and a honeycomb interior. It holds 8,393 gallons of water. It is not an inflatable pool, not a soft-sided pool, and not a portable or seasonal pool that you can pack up in an hour. The word “lap” is literal—you can swim continuous lengths, but you will need to flip turn at each end. The brand, Funsicle, has been in the above-ground pool market for about a decade, known for stylish designs at mid-range prices. Their Oasis Collection is their premium line, and this pool sits in the upper-middle tier of the above-ground market—priced below permanent inground pools but above basic round pools from brands like Intex.
What You Get When It Arrives
The box is big—about 60x30x18 inches—and weighs 198 pounds according to the shipping label. Inside you get: the steel frame poles (color-coded), the three-ply liner with pre-attached straps, the FiltraBoost 1200 GPH filter pump, a SureStep ladder (with plastic steps and a handrail), a Type C filter cartridge, a maintenance kit (pole, net, brush), a rectangular pool cover, a ground cloth, and a repair patch. Missing? A skimmer basket (the pump has a built-in strainer but no separate skimmer), test strips, and any chemical starter kit. You will need to buy chlorine, pH adjusters, and a test kit separately. The packaging was sturdy with thick cardboard and foam inserts; nothing was damaged in transit. The liner material feels thicker than my neighbor’s Intex—less crinkly, less likely to puncture. The poles have a dark powder-coat that looks good and does not feel cheap.
Getting Started: What the First Week Was Actually Like
The Setup
Assembly took a full Saturday—about seven hours with two people. The instructions are printed on a single sheet with diagrams; I had to refer to a video on the Funsicle website for a few steps, especially the tricky part of attaching the liner to the top rail. The poles snap together with push buttons, which works fine once you align them. Leveling the ground beforehand is critical—I spent two hours with a long level and a tamper. The ground cloth helps but does not forgive significant slopes.
The Learning Curve
The biggest challenge was getting the liner smooth without wrinkles. It comes with straps that hook onto the frame, but tensioning it evenly is a two-person job. After filling about two inches of water, I had to go around pulling the liner up and re-tensioning. Once filled, the water weight holds everything taut. The filter pump is straightforward—plug in, attach hoses, prime the pump. The ladder assembly is simple but the plastic steps feel a bit flimsy under foot.
The First Result
The first swim was about 36 hours after starting—I filled it overnight, added chemicals, and let the filter run for 12 hours. The water was clear and felt good. The 48-inch depth is enough for laps if you are under 6 feet tall; at 5’10” I can touch bottom with my head above water. Swimming lengthwise (24 feet) gives you about 10 strokes per length—short but acceptable. The honeycomb liner is attractive and the dark rattan print looks like a wicker planter, which my wife loves.
After Extended Use: What Changed
What Got Better With Time
After about two weeks, I figured out the chemical balance routine and the water stayed crystal clear with a slight chlorine smell—no green tinge. The filter pump is rated at 1200 GPH, which is adequate for a pool this size; I run it 8 hours a day and the water circulates well. The ladder’s plastic steps stopped feeling loose once the pool was filled and the legs anchored on the ground cloth.
What Stayed Consistently Good
The build quality of the frame is solid—no rust, no sagging, even through a heavy rainstorm. The liner has not developed any punctures or leaks, despite my kids throwing toys and splashing around. The dark chevron pattern hides dirt and fading better than expected. The honeycomb interior feels soft against skin, not like rough vinyl.
What I Wished I Had Known Earlier
First, the included pump does not have a timer; you need a mechanical timer to automate it. Second, the maintenance kit’s pole is cheap—the telescoping lock stripped within a week; I replaced it with a generic pool pole. Third, the pool cover is thin and ripped at a seam after three uses; I now use a separate solar cover for debris protection. Fourth, the hose connections for the pump are 1.25-inch; standard pool hoses are 1.5 inch, so you need an adapter if you want to use a different pump.
Any Degradation or Concerns Over Time
After two months, some of the pole’s matte finish shows minor scuff marks from assembly tools, but no rust. The liner’s straps show no wear. The filter pump runs quietly and has not clogged. The ladder steps have a slight crack near a screw hole—not yet a structural issue, but I am watching it. No leaks, no frame misalignment.
The Features That Actually Matter
Features That Delivered
- Dark Chevron Rattan Exterior: Looks like woven wicker from a distance—much more attractive than standard blue or gray liners. Holds up in sun; no color fade after two months.
- Three-ply ToughMesh Liner: Feels thick and puncture-resistant. No leaks despite ground cloth wrinkles and kid activity.
- FiltraBoost 1200 GPH Pump: Keeps water clear with 8 hours of daily run. Easy to clean strainer basket.
- SureStep Ladder: Stable once installed. The handrail helps entry/exit for kids and seniors.
- Ground Cloth: Thick enough to prevent weed growth and minor root punctures. Covers the entire footprint.
- Matte Finish on Poles: Resists scratches from tools and weather. Does not rust like some cheap powder-coats.
Features That Were Overstated
- Quick setup (marketing claim): Seven hours is not quick compared to inflatable pools that inflate in 15 minutes. Even frame pools from Intex claim 2-hour setups.
- Pool cover included: It is a thin plastic sheet with a drawstring. It ripped after a few uses. I bought a separate heavy-duty cover.
- Maintenance kit: The telescopic pole is flimsy. The net works fine but the brush head is small.
Specifications Reference
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 24 ft x 12 ft x 52 in (water depth ~48 in) |
| Water capacity | 8,393 gallons |
| Frame material | Steel, oval poles, matte finish |
| Liner material | Three-ply ToughMesh (PVC/vinyl) |
| Filter pump | FiltraBoost 1200 GPH, 110-120V |
| Weight (box) | ~198 lbs |
| Included accessories | Ladder, cover, ground cloth, maintenance kit, filter cartridge |
The Honest Scorecard
| What We Evaluated | Score | One-Line Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of setup | 3/5 | Doable in a weekend with two people, but instructions need improvement |
| Build quality | 4/5 | Frame and liner are solid; ladder and cover are weaker points |
| Day-to-day usability | 4/5 | Easy filtering, comfortable swim surface, good chemical balance |
| Performance vs. claims | 3.5/5 | Looks great and works for lap swimming, but setup time exaggerated |
| Value for money | 4/5 | Priced fairly for the design and durability; cheaper than comparable competitors |
| Durability after 2 months | 4/5 | No leaks, rust, or structural issues; minor ladder crack under observation |
| Overall | 3.8/5 | A solid above-ground pool that balances style and function, let down by accessory quality and setup time |
The overall score reflects that this pool does what it promises for the intended user—lap swimming and family fun—but the included accessories are not all durable, and the setup requires more effort than marketing suggests.
How It Stacks Up Against the Real Alternatives
| Product | Price | Strongest At | Weakest At | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funsicle Oasis Designer Lap Pool | $0? (check current price) | Style, durability, lap swim capability | Setup time, included cover/pole quality | Homeowners wanting a good-looking lap pool above ground |
| Intex Ultra XTR 16ft x 48in | ~$700 | Lower price, quick setup (inflatable top ring) | Smaller swim area, less durable liner | Budget buyers or temporary seasonal use |
| Bestway Steel Pro MAX 18ft x 48in | ~$500 | Very low cost, easy assembly | Small in size, steel frame can rust quickly | Small backyards or occasional use |
The Case For This Product Over the Alternatives
If you want an above-ground pool that looks custom and allows real lap swimming (24 feet is the minimum for that), the Funsicle Oasis is in a class above round pools. The dark chevron print and honeycomb liner are genuinely attractive—neighbors have complimented it. The three-ply liner is thicker than the Intex Ultra XTR’s two-ply, and the frame has not shown any rust after two months. The included pump is sufficient for the water volume.
The Case For Choosing Something Else
If your budget is under $800, the Bestway Hydrium Pool or an Intex Metal Frame pool will cost less and set up faster. If you have a round footprint and do not need lap swimming, a round pool is cheaper per gallon. And if you want zero tools and setup in under an hour, look at inflatable options like the Intex Prism Frame. The Funsicle is not for someone who needs a cheap fix.
Who This Is Right For, Stated Plainly
The right buyer is someone who owns their home, has a flat patch of ground roughly 25×13 feet, and wants a pool that looks built-in without the cost of an in-ground pool. You value style—the dark rattan print is a conversation piece, not an eyesore. You plan to swim for exercise or therapeutic reasons and do not mind a short turn-around. You are willing to spend a Saturday assembling it and a few hundred extra on chemicals, a better cover, and a decent maintenance pole. This pool rewards patience and moderate DIY skill. The wrong buyer is anyone renting (removal is a pain), anyone with severely sloped ground, anyone who wants a deep end or diving board, and anyone who expects to set up and swim in two hours. If you are looking for a cheap seasonal splash pool, buy something for $200. If you want something that will last several seasons and look good doing it, this fits.
Price, Value, and Where to Buy
At the time of writing, the Funsicle Oasis Designer Lap Pool is listed at $0? but typical retail is between $1,300 and $1,800 depending on sales. For the size (24×12), the three-ply liner, the frame quality, and the included pump and ladder, the value is fair. Comparable steel-frame rectangular pools from other brands often cost more or have smaller footprints. The main competitors are the Bestway Steel Pro rectangular (which is smaller and has thinner walls) and the Intex Ultra XTR rectangular (similar price but not as stylish). Where to buy: Amazon is the most reliable source with Prime shipping and easy returns. The manufacturer’s website sells direct but I have heard mixed reviews about customer service. Avoid third-party sellers on eBay or Walmart marketplace unless you can verify the warranty.
Price and availability change. Check current figures before deciding.
Warranty and After-Sales Support
Funsicle offers a 1-year limited warranty on the liner and frame against defects. The pump is covered for 90 days. I have not needed to contact support, but online forums mention slow response times (2-3 weeks). Keep your purchase receipt and document any damage immediately.
Questions I Get Asked About This Product
Is the Funsicle Oasis Actually Worth the Price?
If you can find it for $1,500 or less, yes. The style and swim experience justify the cost for anyone planning to use it more than a few weekends. If you pay over $1,800, you might as well look at an Intex Ultra XTR or a small in-ground fiberglass pool.
How does it compare to Bestway Steel Pro MAX?
The Bestway Steel Pro MAX is cheaper but only comes in round configurations. The Funsicle is rectangular, larger, and the liner is visibly thicker. If you need lap swimming, there is no comparison—get the Funsicle. For a small kiddie pool, save your money.
How long does setup realistically take?
Plan for a full day—about 7 hours with two people if the ground is already level. Ground preparation (leveling, tamping) can add another 2 hours. First-timers should budget 10 hours total.
What do you actually need to buy alongside it?
You need: chlorine (granules or tablets), pH adjuster, test strips or kit, a pool pole (the included one breaks), a solar cover (the included cover is thin), and possibly a timer for the pump. Budget around $150 for those essentials. Is Funsicle Oasis Lap Pool worth buying? Only if you account for these extras.
Has it had any reliability issues over time?
After two months, no leaks or frame issues. The ladder step has a small crack, and the included maintenance pole stripped. The pump runs fine. I have heard from other owners that the liner can develop pinprick leaks if you leave leaves sitting, but regular skimming prevents that.
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. Avoid third-party sellers on other platforms unless they are official Funsicle dealers.
Is the pool deep enough for adults to do real laps?
At 48 inches of water depth, it is fine for breaststroke and freestyle if you are under 6 feet. Taller swimmers will touch bottom when kicking. You cannot do flip turns easily because the bottom is not deep enough; open turns work.
How much maintenance does it require weekly?
I spend about 30 minutes per week: skim leaves, check chemical levels, clean the pump strainer, and run the pump 8 hours daily. Less if I use a solar cover.
My Actual Take, After All of It
What Tipped It For Me
The moment I swam my first continuous 10 laps without worrying about the pool falling apart or looking ugly, I knew I had made the right choice. The combination of attractive design and real lap functionality is rare in above-ground pools at this price. The poor accessories and setup hassle are real, but they are one-time costs of time and money.
The Honest Verdict
I recommend the Funsicle Oasis Designer Lap Pool to homeowners who can handle a day of assembly and want a durable, good-looking pool for lap swimming and family use. If you are patient and willing to buy a few upgrades (better cover, pole, timer), this pool will reward you with a summer of clear water and compliments. I would buy it again at full price. That is the honest opinion from two months of daily use.
If You Have Used It, Tell Me What You Found
If you own this pool, I want to hear your experience—especially how the liner holds up in freezing climates or after multiple seasons. Drop a comment below. For those ready to order, check the Funsicle Oasis Designer Lap Pool review verdict here.
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