Another difference between Intex and Summer Escapes which I have noticed recently --

I don't know about smaller Intex pools, but the larger ones seem to come with plunger valves at the suction and return connections -- this kind of device:
http://www.amazon.com/Intex-Above-Gr...ef=pd_sbs_lg_1

That's obviously useful for servicing/replacing the filter, for example.

The 18' x 48" Summer Escapes pool we just bought doesn't have any valves (instructions just tell you to jam plugs into the ports, from inside the pool, when you want to change your filter). With the smaller Summer Escapes pool (10' x 30") we've used over the past several summers we haven't thought much about this issue -- we just lift the pump/filter unit up onto a lawn chair or some other lowish platform, so that the pump is above the water level of the pool, before opening the housing. Using those plugs in the pool wall every time would be inconvenient, and unnecessary.

However, with a bigger pool (deeper water), it's not really practical to lift the pump unit up above water level every time you have to fiddle with the filter. Nor do I have any enthusiasm for using the interior wall plugs -- you'd pretty much have to get into the pool to put the plugs in. The return fitting also has a diverter, and the provided plug doesn't fit in the diverter (instructions call for unscrewing the diverter fitting, inside the pool, before putting in the plug -- yeah, right...).

Anyway, the upshot is that owners of larger Summer Escapes pools probably have to spend some additional money on shutoff valves to make this aspect of pool maintenance reasonably convenient. We certainly plan to get such valves. It's not a terrible additional expense -- circa $40 to get both complete fittings, with valves -- e.g.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=A2JKSOUYOKW13

However, it does look like an example of Summer Escapes leaving out a pretty necessary feature in order to cut costs.