We bought the Intex Easy Set 15' x 42" pool in 2003. We've used it for three seasons. (A couple of summers after we moved we didn't get around to setting it up.) What the other reviewers say about leveling the ground is absolutely true -- the first time we set it up, our pool gradually leaned over more and more and then finally released all the water and fell all the way over flat. It took an entire day's work to properly level the spot and get it re-set. So don't plan on the 15 minute thing! It also does take 6 hours or more to fill, depending on your hose pressure. After the first season, the top ring would no longer hold air properly, and by now (third season) it basically does not hold air at all. The good news is it doesn't seem to matter much. We've had no real trouble with the pump and filter system; it has worked well. I've also had no trouble with the chemicals. A professional water test is not necessary -- just get a cheap pool testing kit that at least tests for chlorine and ph, follow the directions, add the appropriate chemicals when indicated, and you should be fine. If you've never done a pool before, just buy a chemical kit for above-ground pools at Wal-Mart or similar. Over all, we've been pretty pleased. The boys love it, and we've gotten hours and hours of fun out of it. We've set it up four times now (twice the first season, remember) and each time (after the ground is level) it has taken about an hour or so to set up and then 6+ hours to fill.15' x 42" Easy Set Pool Set (with Filter Pump, Ladder, Ground Cloth, Cover, Maintenance Kit, Surface Skimmer, and DVD)

This pool must I mean MUST be on a level spot, not just "it looks level" but like you could shoot marbles across it level. Otherwise the pool will not fill correctly and will bulge on one side. This will make the pool unstable and you could go flying across your yard, funny for your neighbors but not for you. This actually happened to someone we talked to after we had already bought the pool. So forget 15 minutes of set up as the box advertises. The box also advertises 39 inch water depth (the pool is 42 inches, water height = 39), but despite the leveling we did and smoothing out all the wrinkles on the bottom, we could only get about 30 inches of water in it. And be informed, intex does not include the pump you need to blow up the top ring, so save yourself a trip and buy it when you buy the pool. The instructions state not to use an air compressor so go ahead and buy the hand pump. I personally think this is pretty cheap of intex but oh well so it goes, I guess they really need that extra 5 bucks or so. Also, you'll need to take a water sample to your local pool store for testing and to find your chemical needs - just be aware of this. The intex instructions really offer no assistance in this area. So for us, it was frustrating and disappointing. A Sunday afternoon idea turned into a 3 day project, a lot of hard labor, extra expense of sand to help level the ground (which we thought was level to begin with but wasn't), an extra trip to the store for the hand pump, and two trips to the pool store + chemicals. UGH! But - finally it was done, the kids got in splashed around for about 20 minutes then got out and said "it's too cold!", are you kidding me? But I do think they like it and will get some use out of it this summer. And it's a step above those hard plastic kiddie pools but would I buy it again - NO WAY! I think I'll mull over any future Sunday afternoon ideas for at least 24-48 hours. good luck to you - if you decide to buy - for goodness sake, level really level out a spot for it first!

Follow-up comments: Be sure to work very closely with your local pool company. I was out of town when the weather turned HOT and didn't know to tell my husband to add extra chlorine, as a result the pool water got algae, then water mold (rare but very very difficult to get rid of). I tried everything our local pool company recommended as far as chemicals etc but learned the hard way that it is extremely difficult to get rid of water problems in these pools because the pumps just aren't strong enough to really circulate the water (and chemicals) good. I thought about getting another pump but our local company said these kind of pools can't handle anything stronger. In addition, the vacuum for this thing is weak and couldn't vacuum all the debris in the pool. After weeks of trying to get the water clear again, countless trips to the pool supply store and probably another $75 or so in chemicals - we took the pool down. It had reached the point of no return and I was tired of spending $ on chemicals. Also check with your local government, we found out after buying that our area requires fences for any pool over 24 inches. We won't be setting this up next year. If you decide to buy - don't underestimate the time involved in upkeep and the money you will need to spend in chemicals! Good Luck!

We bought the 16' 42" pool. We have had this pool for about 2-3 weeks now and are really enjoying it.
We did just a little prep work to the ground to ensure it was level. It wasn't perfect level, but the best we could do. The spot was "eye ball level", but we scalped a little off one side and added some sand to the other to help make it even better. Make sure the ground doesn't have any sticks, rocks, acorns, etc.
Set up went well. The ground cover is VERY thin, so we weren't sure what good it was going to do. The DVD was helfpul, but pretty basic.
As it started to fill, we made sure to spread out the floor to keep wrinkles from being there. It took our pool about 12 hours to fill up. Before you start adding the water, take note of where the drain hole is in case you want the water to go in a certain area when you drain it, or you can hook a hose up to that. Also, note where the pump goes so you can place that in the right area.
The top air ring inflated easily. We did notice that the outside temperature really had a bearing on how firm it was. If you inflate it when it's cool, don't air up really firm as the heat will expand it. You will need an air pump of some kind to blow it up.
The ladder assembled easily and seems stable. The pump has received some bad opinions, but I don't think we have had ours long enough to really know how it will perform. So far so good though.
We have been enjoying this pool every day. We've had several kids playing in it at a time, and as kids do, they can get to splashing and playing pretty rough at times.
The sides are soft and do give a little, but would be very hard to push down. It seems very sturdy. We filled the water to just under the ring, so the depth of the pool isn't water level, it's pool side height. So subtract about 8-10" off the depth to know water level.
The skimmer and vacuum that came with it, work well. They are necessary items to help keep the pool clean.
The cover seems heavy duty. It ties on and seems secure.
Overall, I think this is a great pool for the money.
********
Edited to add: We have now used the pool for 2 summers. We drain, dry, and store in our basement through the winter months. Set up and take down has been quite easy for a pool this size. The pump, ladder, and pool itself have all held up well and we have not had one issue or problem. No complaints.