Summer is here, it's hot, the kids school summer vacation has begun and they need entertained. What better than a pool, some friends and a few toys to keep them cool and happy for hours in the back yard?

These days pools come in a vast number of shapes and sizes, to aid you in your choice I have reviewed the 3 best selling Intex pools.

My first choice, is fairly inexpensive but you must definitely add the cost of an electric pump if you don't already have one!

Intex 117-by-76-by-53-Inch Rainbow Ring Pool Play Centre.

It is divided into 2 parts. There is the "wading pool" and a slightly larger pool in which the water-slide is located. It comes with a water sprayer - which need to be attached to a garden hose and a couple of games are included also - a ring toss game and a ball roller or toss ball game (the hoops and balls are included.)

Basically, what you see on the box is what you get, this was a big plus for parents who have bought this Intex pool, there were no disappointments regarding size etc.

Intex states that the pool is best suited to children between the ages of 3-7 years. However, a number of parents felt that by the time their kids had reached the age of around 5 years whilst they still enjoyed the pool, the features games etc. had lost their appeal. The slide too is fairly little and not much good for older or taller youngsters.

Using an electric pump the pool can be inflated fairly quickly. Without an electric pump? You are in for a long job because there are a fair number of parts with individual valves for inflating. So buying a high power electric pump is probably a good idea. Some parents made the mistake of assuming that a pump was included with this Intex pool - not in this case.

The most common complaint about this pool is the lack of a plug or two to allow the water to drain. This pool will hold up to 77 gallons of water so tipping it up to empty it is no easy task and bailing it out with a bucket is a very long job! The other complaint was regarding cleaning - especially under the slide which was difficult to access to allow a thorough clean.

Negative points aside the kids I spoke to all totally loved this Intex pool and would spend hours playing happily. In fact, a couple of parents even brought the pool indoors in the winter months and turned it into a massive ball pit - brilliant idea for a party!

My next review is a metal framed Intex pool. This one is a bit more expensive than the last, but highly recommended and is a semi-permanent structure - depending on your location it can be left in position all year round!

Intex 12-Foot-by-30-Inch Family Size Round Metal Frame Pool Set.

As you would expect from the name this Intex pool is constructed from strong metal pipes which interlock and are then passed through and extremely strong vinyl casing which runs round the top edge of the main body of the heavy duty vinyl pool. A large number of the people I spoke to did say that they had been very worried that the pool structure was not "solid" enough. All of them admitted however, that this was definitely not the case on completion, particularly after it had been filled with water.

The biggest difference with this pool is that you will undoubtedly have to do a bit of work first. The piece of ground where it is to be placed has to be completely level and debris free, i.e. no sharp twigs, stones etc. Depending on the type of yard you have this could mean a lot of hard work - or you could pay a contractor to do it for you! Whatever you decide it is necessary that you are aware of this before you invest in this pool because unless you are replacing an older pool from the same spot you cannot just take it from the box and get building!

Another point to consider, this is a semi permanent pool and will require regular maintenance and cleaning and chemicals just like a regular swimming pool. Also keep in mind that depending on the part of the country you live in this Intex pool might have to be dismantled and stored over the winter months. It will not withstand extremely cold temperatures.

The overall consensus from owners I have spoken to would seem to be this pool is easy to construct and keep clean. One consistent moan was that the pump which is included with the pool is not strong enough. However, because the pool itself was so reasonably priced no-one seemed bothered about paying to upgrade it too much.

Another problem for some was that this Intex pool did not come with a ladder, making exiting the pool for shorter adults and children a bit awkward - you can purchase a suitable ladder separately. Whilst a couple of buyers were sent an incomplete kit, it was sorted out eventually but it was precious pool time wasted!

Everyone who has bought one of these Intex pools appears to love it, form couples who just want to laze on a float on a hot day to families whose kids fill the pool with friends everyday during the summer vacation from school.

To sum up this Intex pool is sturdy, durable and a firm favourite with all family members and at a very affordable price.

So, the next Intex pool is not inflatable or vinyl - it is even more durable and has a metal frame.

Intex Ultra Metal Frame Pool with New Child Safety Barrier Ladder - 18' x 52" complete set.

Invest in one of these Intex pools and you are really in with the big boys! However, there are a few things you have to consider before making such a purchase.

First of all, a very important point - the ground on which the pool will sit must be level and free from any debris such as stones - remember this thing holds about 6,981 gallons of water and will compress the ground beneath it. Getting this first step absolutely right is vital and it may be worth hiring a contractor to do this for you mechanically.

Construction of the pool may seem a daunting task but everyone I have spoken to has said the same thing that the instructions are very clear and concise and the parts fit together extremely easily and snugly. In most cases, the actual construction of the pool took about an hour and a half from start to finish. Before you fill the pool with water be sure to give careful consideration to the positioning of the pump etc. This is where quite a few the owners made mistakes. Once full of water the structure is solid - the youngsters can hang on to the sides without any worries.

This is a semi permanent pool and will regular maintenance. Once again Intex have come up trumps with owners praising the cleaning kit and skimmer which comes with the pool. The pump also gets the thumbs up although upgrades are available at an additional cost. One happy owner suggested hosing the filter regularly every few days you can cut down the number of times it needs replaced.

The ladder has also been improved and now comes with a child safety barrier.

Everyone who has bought this Intex pool who I have spoken to absolutely loved it, the size is brilliant and means it can fit into fairly small back yards. Yet, it can hold several kids and a few adults to swim/play about at any one time.

Intex recommends this pool for youngsters aged 6 years and up and it goes without saying that with any of these Intex pools adult supervision is essential at all times. However, with an adult in the pool and with adequate floats younger children can also have hours of fun in this pool.