Last Updated on July 9, 2023
EDITOR’S NOTE: Updated for 2023. Also note: in 2020 and in 2021, Aldi sold the Intex Easy Set Pool, which looks nearly identical to the 2019 Summer Waves pool.
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In late spring, Aldi sells a number of swimming-related items, including swimming pools. Among them is a mid-sized name-brand pool at a cheap price.
The Summer Waves 10′ by 30″ Quick Set Pool is an Aldi Find, meaning it’s only in stores for a short time. This pool is not an Aldi exclusive — it is available at a number of other outlets, including hardware stores, big box stores, and Amazon.
According to Aldi, the pool’s features include:
- A 1,052-gallon water capacity
- A filter pump
- 3-ply puncture resistant material
- PVC construction
- A “SkimmerPlus Filter Pump” for a “powerful cleaning action.” Dirty pool water and debris (leaves, insects, other impurities) enter the SkimmerPlus Filter. Large debris are caught in the removable built in skimmer.
The pool cost $59.99 in May of 20232. That’s more than the $39.99 it went for in May of 2019. [EDITOR’S NOTE: In 2020 the Intex pool cost $49.99.] Still, the Aldi price is as cheap as we can find anywhere else.
Walmart also sells this Summer Waves 10′ by 30″ Quick Set Pool for $130 in May of 2023. Walmart’s site states the pool’s filter pump also includes a cartridge with built-in chlorinator, and that the filter cartridge should be replaced every two weeks.
A quick glance at the reviews of this pool on Walmart’s site, though, gives us pause. It has three and a half out of five stars, and a large majority of reviewers complained about the pool leaking, both from the inflatable top ring and/or from the lower section, and many times the leaking happened the first time they used the pool. Some people bought patches, but often the patches did not solve the problems.
Reviewers on Walmart’s site also talked about how important it is to set up the pool on a perfectly level surface, and how difficult it is to achieve that. A few also mentioned the pump seems a bit on the small side for the size of the pool. But the sheer number of complaints about this pool leaking are, by far, the biggest deterrent to my family purchasing it. A quick look over at Amazon shows similar complaints.
The Verdict:
The Aldi Find Summer Waves 10′ by 30″ Quick Set Pool is not exclusively sold at Aldi. Other outlets sell it, including Walmart and Amazon, although Aldi has the best price. However, based on the majority of the pool’s reviews on Walmart and Amazon — with many users complaining of multiple leaks that patch kits are unable to fix — I will be staying away from this pool. If you have experience with this pool, please leave us a comment and let us know how it’s worked for you.
Mine was setup and filled with water at sunrise. In the morning we realized that the pool was leaking from two areas under the pool. It was placed on a concrete patio with thick clear sheeting under it. They jerks made me waste 1100 gallons of water. Every year we buy a new one just to stay cool. Each year they’re made cheaper and cheaper. Never again will I buy another Summer Waves 10′ x 30″ dough pool or any other product from Polygroup. It waste of time and water. I would have loved to take that 1100 gallons and poured it on their heads in their office.
I purchased this pool from Aldi and unfortunately have had problems with the inflated rim…it has leaked since day one and I have to pump it up sometimes 2-3 times a day. It’s a great sized pool and I love it except for the leaking and small filter
I bought an eight foot round/30-inch tall Intex Easy-Set pool from Ebay this year. I know it is not exactly what was offered at Aldi. Mine has worked out wonderfully. I don’t know why I never got one before; I’m a person that always sets up a splash pool in the summer. This easy-set pool is far superior to hard-sided kiddie pools and to blow-up pools like the rectangle one I bought from Aldi this year.
One tip is to immediately buy a larger filter pump. They always provide an inadequate pump. Even better is if you can find a pool that doesn’t even come with a pump, so you don’t have to throw away or get rid of the inadequate pump. Just buy one larger than recommended for the pool size. Change out or wash the filter frequently. Keep a cover on your pool when not in use, and skim off and vacuum up dirt. Keep the pool properly treated with chlorine. You should not have to empty it until the end of the season.
Also, make sure the ground is very level and smooth. I leveled a spot by digging away from higher areas, then put down cardboard to keep grass or weeds from growing through, then put down a layer of closed-cell foam for comfort, then put the pool on top of that.
It sounds like the quality of these pools is hit-or-miss; if you get a good one, that’s great, and if not, you might have problems. Happily, Aldi is great about returns. Sadly, when things go wrong with special buys like this, the manufacturer is normally quite useless for getting it fixed; best bet is to just return it to the store for money back and try again.
Like I said, I bought my 8-foot pool from a different retailer, but if Aldi offers the 10-foot pool next year I will definitely buy one from them (the 8-foot is only good for one adult or two kids at a time, no matter that they show a family of four in the picture!)
I did buy my pool float at Aldi and loved it! I especially love the hole in the foot area that allows you to put your feet in the water or keep them out, as needed to keep cool. A very comfortable lounge what with the high back, headrest, and armrests. No leaks. I will say, the cup holder/can holder was absolutely useless. Too small to fit a can or water bottle. The pool float took up almost the whole diameter of the pool, but that was not a problem. It was so relaxing to float in the pool.
If the pool is dried out well and stored indoors over the winter, it should be fine for several seasons. Don’t store it outdoors or in an unheated garage or shed, or the vinyl can crack.