Last updated: July 2026 • Reviewed by the YardFit Pools team
| ⭐ Quick Verdict: Funsicle Oasis Above Ground Pool YardFit Setup-Difficulty Score: 3/5 — Two adults, 3–4 hours. Frame assembly is straightforward; liner installation takes care at this size. YardFit Liner-Durability Score: 4/5 — Cold-weather rated liner with enhanced UV and temperature-flex tolerance. Best cold-climate liner score in this price range. Yard-Fit Tag: Standard flat yards. Available in 14ft (18x18ft min.) and 18ft (22x22ft min.). Best size for most buyers: 14ft for families of 3–4 in short-season climates. Who it’s for: Northern US and Canadian buyers who deal with short summers, cold springs, and early-fall temperatures. Who should skip it: Buyers in warm year-round climates — the Intex Ultra XTR offers more size variety at similar quality. Overall rating: ★★★★☆ 4.0/5 ➜ Check current price on Amazon |
What Is the Funsicle Oasis?
The Funsicle Oasis is a steel-frame above ground pool manufactured by Pacific Recreation (the same company behind Summer Waves) but positioned at a higher quality tier and distributed specifically through channels serving northern US and Canadian markets. It’s less widely known than Intex or Bestway in the US market but has a strong following in Canada where its cold-weather liner specification is a genuine differentiator.
The defining feature is the liner material: the Oasis uses a PVC compound specifically formulated for low-temperature flexibility. Standard pool liners become brittle and crack-prone when temperatures drop — a common failure point for pools that are filled early in spring or drained late in fall when ambient temperatures are still low. The Oasis liner maintains its flexibility down to temperatures that would stress a standard pool liner significantly.
Full Specifications by Size
| Spec | 14ft Round | 16ft Round | 18ft Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depth | 48″ | 48″ | 48″ |
| Water capacity | ~5,765 gal | ~5,765 gal | ~7,646 gal |
| Min. yard space | 18×18 ft | 20×20 ft | 22×22 ft |
| Liner material | Cold-flex PVC, UV-stabilised | Cold-flex PVC, UV-stabilised | Cold-flex PVC, UV-stabilised |
| Frame material | Powder-coated steel | Powder-coated steel | Powder-coated steel |
| Included pump (GPH) | 800–1,000 GPH | 1,000 GPH | 1,500 GPH |
| Ladder included | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| Typical price (2026) | $350–500 | $430–580 | $550–750 |
Cold-Weather Liner: What Makes It Different
Standard above ground pool liners use a PVC compound optimised for performance in the 60–85°F temperature range that covers most of the US pool season. The material remains pliable and strong across this range. Below 50°F, standard PVC begins to stiffen; below 40°F, it becomes brittle and susceptible to cracking under the stress of installation, filling, or draining.
This matters for short-season climates in two specific scenarios:
- Early-season fills: buyers in the northern US and Canada who want to get the pool up before Memorial Day often face ambient temperatures in the 45–55°F range. A standard liner installed and filled at those temperatures is at higher crack risk than the same liner installed in July.
- Late-season draining: draining a pool in October in Minnesota or Ontario means handling a cold liner. A standard liner stored folded when cold develops crease cracks at the fold points. The Oasis liner’s cold-flex formulation tolerates lower-temperature handling significantly better.
| The cold-climate liner advantage in plain terms If your pool season runs May through September in the northern US or Canada: the Oasis liner handles spring installation and fall teardown at lower temperatures without the brittleness risk of standard liners. If your pool season runs June through August only: the temperature advantage is less relevant — you’ll rarely handle the liner below 60°F. An Intex Prism Frame or Bestway Power Steel is adequate. If you live in a year-round warm climate (Florida, California, Southern states): the Oasis offers no advantage over the Ultra XTR or Bestway Hydrium and has a smaller size range. |
How the Oasis Liner Scores 4/5 vs. Competitors
The Funsicle Oasis earns a 4/5 Liner-Durability Score — the same as the Intex Ultra XTR — based on:
- Cold-flex PVC formulation: maintains flexibility at temperatures that stiffen standard PVC, reducing installation and storage crack risk.
- Enhanced UV stabilisation: the UV inhibitor package in the Oasis liner is heavier than standard pool liners, which compensates for the fact that short-season climates often have more intense UV exposure per swimming day (summer sun in Canada and the northern US is strong even when the season is short).
- Seam construction: fully welded seams at all stress points including drain fitting, ladder cutout, and bottom seam. Comparable to the Intex Ultra XTR seam quality.
- Wall thickness: slightly heavier gauge than the Bestway Power Steel’s TriTech liner at equivalent sizes.
Setup Experience: Straightforward but Needs Two Adults
The Funsicle Oasis earns a 3/5 Setup-Difficulty Score. The frame uses a push-and-lock connector system that sits between Intex’s snap-lock (easiest) and Bestway’s bolt system (slower) in terms of speed and effort. At 14ft, two adults can complete the full setup including filling in 3–4 hours on pre-leveled ground.
One Oasis-specific setup note: the cold-flex liner is slightly stiffer than standard pool liners at room temperature. This is by design — the stiffness reflects the formulation that gives it cold-weather flexibility. In warm weather, the stiffness is minor. If you’re installing on a cold day (below 60°F), warm the liner in direct sunlight for 30–45 minutes before installation to make it more pliable.
| Funsicle Oasis setup tips Warm the liner in sunlight before installation if ambient temperature is below 65°F. The cold-flex formulation is more pliable when warm. The frame connector system uses a push-and-turn lock. Turn until you feel a click — partial engagement looks correct but can come apart under load. The included pump hose uses standard 1.5-inch fittings compatible with most aftermarket pumps. If upgrading, any 1.5-inch above ground pool pump will connect directly. At 18ft: the liner is heavier gauge than most competitors at this size. Two adults are required for liner installation — the extra material weight makes solo liner installation at 18ft genuinely difficult. |
Pump Assessment
| Pool Size | Included Pump | Adequate? | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14ft (~5,765 gal) | 800–1,000 GPH | Marginal | Upgrade to 1,500 GPH recommended |
| 16ft (~5,765 gal) | 1,000 GPH | Marginal | Upgrade to 1,500 GPH recommended |
| 18ft (~7,646 gal) | 1,500 GPH | Marginal at full volume | Upgrade to 2,000 GPH for better performance |
Funsicle Oasis vs. Intex Ultra XTR: Cold Climate Head-to-Head
| Factor | Funsicle Oasis | Intex Ultra XTR |
|---|---|---|
| Setup-Difficulty Score | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Liner-Durability Score | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Cold-weather liner rating | ✅ Specifically rated for cold temps | ❌ Standard PVC formulation |
| Available sizes (round) | 14, 16, 18ft | 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32ft |
| Oval option | No | Yes (13×20, 16x26ft) |
| Depth options | 48″ | 48″ and 52″ |
| Price at 18ft (approx.) | $550–750 | $600–800 |
| Availability | Amazon, Canadian Tire, select US retailers | Amazon, Costco, Intex direct |
| Best for | Northern US, Canada, short-season climates | Warm climates, year-round sun states, large size needs |
For buyers in northern US states (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, upstate New York, New England) and Canada: the Funsicle Oasis is the better pick. The cold-flex liner is a real advantage for a pool that will be installed in May and drained in September. For buyers in warm climates where the pool season runs 5–6+ months in temperatures consistently above 65°F: the Intex Ultra XTR offers more size variety at comparable quality.
Winterizing the Funsicle Oasis in Cold Climates
The Oasis’s cold-flex liner makes it easier to handle during winterization, but the process is the same as any above ground pool in a cold climate:
- Begin winterizing when nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 50°F.
- Lower water level to 4–6 inches below the return jet. Do not fully drain — some water helps protect the liner from UV and wind damage during storage.
- Add winterizing algaecide and pool closing chemical kit according to pool volume.
- Remove and store the pump, filter, and any accessories indoors. Freezing destroys pump impellers and filter housings.
- Cover with a winter pool cover rated for your pool size and local snow load. The Oasis’s cold-flex liner holds up better under winter cover pressure than standard liners in below-freezing temperatures.
- In spring: the Oasis’s liner can be handled and re-filled at lower ambient temperatures than standard pool liners, which is the main practical advantage of the cold-flex formulation.
See our full guide to winterizing an above ground pool for complete step-by-step instructions.
What’s in the Box
- Frame pool with cold-flex UV-stabilised liner
- Powder-coated steel frame (uprights, top rails, connectors)
- Cartridge filter pump (GPH varies by size)
- Filter cartridge
- A-frame ladder
- Ground cloth
- Drain connector
- Repair patch
What to Buy Separately
- Solar cover ($40–80): reduces heating costs significantly in short-season climates where water temperature stays lower.
- Pump upgrade ($80–150): at 14ft and above. See pump sizing guide.
- Winter pool cover ($50–120): essential for cold-climate storage.
- Winterizing chemical kit ($25–50): algaecide, closing floater, and stain prevention for off-season storage.
- Chemicals for startup ($40–70): chlorine tablets, pH Down, algaecide.
Who the Funsicle Oasis Is Right For
Northern US buyers (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New England, upstate NY): Short swim seasons with cold springs and falls are exactly the use case the Oasis’s cold-flex liner is designed for.
Canadian buyers: The Oasis is widely distributed through Canadian retailers (Canadian Tire, Costco Canada) and is one of the few above ground pools specifically marketed for Canadian climate conditions.
Buyers who want 4/5 liner durability without ultra-premium pricing: The Oasis delivers the same Liner-Durability Score as the Intex Ultra XTR at a comparable or slightly lower price in the 14–18ft range.
Who Should Skip the Funsicle Oasis
Warm climate buyers: The cold-flex liner advantage is irrelevant if your pool season is June through September in Florida or Texas. The Intex Ultra XTR’s larger size range is more useful.
Buyers who need pools larger than 18ft: The Oasis tops at 18ft. The Intex Ultra XTR goes to 32ft.
Buyers prioritising lowest upfront cost: The Oasis commands a slight premium over the Bestway Power Steel at the same size. The Power Steel’s 3/5 liner is adequate for warm climates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Funsicle Oasis pool good?
Yes — particularly for cold-climate buyers. Its 4/5 Liner-Durability Score reflects genuine cold-flex liner construction that handles low-temperature installation and storage better than standard pool liners. In warm climates, it’s a solid pool but loses the cold-weather advantage that justifies its price premium over the Bestway Power Steel.
How long does the Funsicle Oasis last?
The frame typically lasts 6–10 years with annual rust inspection. The cold-flex liner should deliver 3–4 seasons of regular use with correct winterization — longer than the 2–3 season lifespan typical of standard pool liners at this price tier, particularly in climates with temperature swings that stress standard PVC.
Is Funsicle a good brand?
Funsicle is owned by Pacific Recreation (also the parent of Summer Waves) but is positioned at a higher quality tier with a specific focus on cold-weather markets. Build quality on the Oasis is consistently better than Summer Waves’ Elite line and comparable to mid-to-premium Intex and Bestway pools. Customer support and parts availability are improving but still trail Intex’s ecosystem in breadth.
Where can I buy a Funsicle Oasis pool?
In the US: primarily Amazon and select outdoor retailers. In Canada: Canadian Tire, Costco Canada, and Walmart Canada are the primary channels. The Oasis is harder to find at US physical retail than Intex or Bestway — online purchase is the most reliable route for US buyers.
How does the Funsicle Oasis compare to the Intex Ultra XTR?
Both score 4/5 on Liner-Durability and 3/5 on Setup-Difficulty. The Oasis has a cold-flex liner advantage for northern climates; the Ultra XTR offers a wider size range (up to 32ft vs. Oasis’s 18ft) and is more widely available in the US. For cold-climate buyers at 14–18ft: Oasis. For warm-climate buyers or anyone needing 20ft+: Ultra XTR.