From the stands

What readers say

We settle fights about backyard gear — and we name a SKIP in every one, which is the part that tends to get a reaction. Anything on this page is verbatim, attributed, and published with permission. We don't pay for feedback, we don't edit it into something nicer, and we don't write it ourselves.

• thank you for this recommendation! Ive been holding out on upgrading from the cartridge filter to sandfilter only bc of cost. However I followed the link you provided and it recommended the intex sx2100 as the "winner" for performance and because it's "all-in-one" (tank,pump,hoses,etc) … Im so excited for my new setup to arrive. Im tired of algae and the headache from a stock cartridge filter!

  Darlene Turner · Facebook comment, August 2026

  after reading this showdown

• great stuff...just emailed my pool company.... they swear they recently cleaned the salt cell.... Thanks so much for this...

  Jeff Diehl · Facebook comment, August 2026

  after reading this guide

• thank you, this is the best information I have seen anywhere. I'm glad that it says all soft sided pools come down completely unless you're in Florida lol. Once the water drops and stays 60° or below

  Elizabeth McCarther · Facebook comment, August 2026

  after reading this guide

• super detailed that was a very cool thing to do. I might be asking the same questions soon. Almost exactly but without salt water. Very nice Brad! Good people.

  Walter Belchine · on a detailed Pool School answer in the thread, not reviewing the site · Facebook comment, August 2026

• LOVEEE our Purple Leaf! So sturdy, excellent quality!!

  Tanja K Myers · confirming the pick, not reviewing the site · Facebook comment, August 2026

  after reading this showdown

• Thank you. That was very helpful.

  Vikki Gore · Facebook comment, August 2026

  after reading this guide

• this is super helpful. Thank you so much!!!

  HopefulLemur9225 · Facebook comment, August 2026

  after reading this showdown

• Brad Smith you know Brad, I've been wondering for awhile, who's this guy posting the Backyard Showdown all the time? But I started reading your stuff and it's pretty good! I'm a fan

  Ron Davis · All-star contributor, Pool Care for Dummies group · Facebook comment, August 2026

• Brad Smith I'm a fan now!! I started with the phosphates and got deep into the cya and FC😂🤣 it's good information!! Thank you for putting this on here.

  Roderick Davis · Pool Care for Dummies group · Facebook comment, August 2026

  after reading this guide

• Brad Smith thank you! Great information, this helps a lot!!

  Justin Smith · Asked the original question in an above-ground pool group for beginners · Facebook comment, August 2026

  after reading this showdown

Looking for what owners say about a specific product? Those verified-purchase quotes sit on the product cards inside each showdown and on every gear page — sourced from real buyers, chosen to match the star average rather than flatter it, and never written by us.