Bestway APX 365 18′ x 52″ Round Pool Set Review: The Ultimate Backyard Upgrade We Tested

There’s a moment every summer when the oppressive heat descends, turning even the shortest walk to the mailbox into a marathon. The air gets thick, the sun beats down relentlessly, and the kids start chanting the familiar chorus of “I’m bored!” We’ve all been there, dreaming of a simple, refreshing escape without the hassle of packing up the car, fighting traffic, and searching for a spot at a crowded public pool. The dream is a private oasis, just steps from the back door. This desire for an immediate, affordable, and substantial solution to summer discomfort is precisely what leads families to consider a large above-ground pool. It’s not just about cooling off; it’s about creating a hub for family fun, laughter, and lasting memories. The Bestway APX 365 18′ x 52″ Round Pool Set promises to be that very solution, a complete package designed to transform your backyard into the go-to summer destination. We decided to put it to the test to see if it truly delivers on that promise.

What to Consider Before Buying a Framed Swimming Pool

A framed swimming pool is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your summer and creating a personal resort in your own backyard. It solves the problem of inaccessible or overcrowded public swimming options, providing a safe, clean, and private environment for your family to cool off, exercise, and play. The main benefits are convenience, cost-effectiveness compared to in-ground installations, and the creation of a powerful focal point for social gatherings and family bonding. It represents a significant investment in your family’s lifestyle and warm-weather enjoyment. You can see the full list of included features here to understand what a complete set looks like.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner with a reasonably sized, level backyard who is looking for a semi-permanent summer fixture that offers substantial swimming space for multiple people, including adults and older children. They are ready for the commitment of regular water maintenance and value the durability and stability that a steel frame provides. Conversely, this type of large pool might not be suitable for those with very small, uneven, or sloped yards, or for renters who need a more portable, temporary solution. For those with limited space or a smaller budget, a compact inflatable or a smaller framed pool might be a more practical alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: An 18-foot round pool is a massive structure. You need not only an 18-foot diameter circle of perfectly level ground but also at least 2-3 feet of clearance around the entire perimeter for safe access and for the support legs. Accurately measure your available space before you even think about purchasing, and remember to account for overhead clearance if you have low-hanging trees.
• Capacity/Performance: The Bestway APX 365 18′ x 52″ Round Pool Set holds nearly 7,000 gallons of water. This large volume necessitates a powerful filtration system to keep the water clean and clear. The included 1,600 GPH sand filter pump is a significant feature, as its performance is crucial for managing a pool of this size and preventing cloudy or unsafe water.
• Materials & Durability: Look closely at the frame and liner materials. This model uses a corrosion-resistant galvanized alloy steel frame, which is essential for longevity and resisting rust. The liner material, Bestway’s 3-layer Tritech, is advertised as being highly resistant to punctures and tears, a critical factor when you have active kids and pets.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider the entire lifecycle of the pool. How easy is the initial setup? This model boasts a tool-free “ClickConnect” system. What does daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance entail? This includes testing water chemistry, cleaning the filter, skimming debris, and covering the pool when not in use. The inclusion of a cover and a capable pump significantly streamlines this process.

Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a pool that not only fits your space but also aligns with your lifestyle and expectations for summer-long enjoyment.

While the Bestway APX 365 18′ x 52″ Round Pool Set is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing a Summer of Fun

The arrival of the Bestway APX 365 18′ x 52″ Round Pool Set is an event in itself. It comes in a large, heavy box that immediately signals the substantial nature of the product inside. Upon opening it, we were greeted by a well-organized collection of parts. The dark marble pattern on the liner was rolled tightly, the galvanized steel frame components were neatly bundled, and the sand filter pump and accessories were securely packed. Our initial impression was one of robust quality. The steel poles felt solid and weighty, not flimsy, and the Tritech liner material felt noticeably thicker and more durable to the touch than standard PVC liners we’ve handled in the past. Bestway’s “ClickConnect” system, featuring push-button locking mechanisms on the frame pieces, looked promising for a simplified, tool-free assembly. The inclusion of a comprehensive accessory kit—especially the substantial sand filter pump, safety ladder, and cover—made it feel like a truly complete package, ready to go without needing immediate additional purchases. It was clear from the start that this was a serious pool designed for a full season of heavy use. You can check the latest price and see everything included in the set.

Performance Under the Sun: A Deep Dive into the Bestway APX 365

A pool’s true worth is measured not in the box, but in the water, over the course of a long, hot summer. We put the Bestway APX 365 18′ x 52″ Round Pool Set through its paces, from the initial ground-breaking to daily family use, focusing on the core aspects that define the user experience: assembly, durability, filtration, and overall enjoyment.

Assembly and Setup: Your Longest Day is Your First Day

Let’s be perfectly clear: assembling an 18-foot pool is a significant project, but Bestway has done an admirable job of making it as painless as possible. The most critical and time-consuming phase, as confirmed by our experience and numerous user reports, has nothing to do with the pool itself—it’s the site preparation. Finding and creating a perfectly level 18-foot-plus circle is non-negotiable. We spent the better part of a day digging, leveling, and tamping our chosen spot. As one user noted after tackling an 18-inch slope, this part takes the longest. Do not underestimate it. Once the ground was ready, the actual pool assembly was surprisingly straightforward. The ClickConnect system is the star of the show. The top rails and vertical legs snap together with a satisfying and secure click, eliminating the need for fumbling with screws or bolts. We were able to assemble the entire frame solo in just over two hours, which felt like a major win. The only point where we needed a second person was, as another user mentioned, when attaching the final vertical legs to the filled-out liner ring. The tension requires an extra set of hands to pull the frame into place. While the process is logical, the instructions rely heavily on diagrams, so take your time to ensure every piece is correctly oriented before connecting.

Durability and Construction: A Frame and Liner Built to Last

Once assembled, the structural integrity of the Bestway APX 365 18′ x 52″ Round Pool Set is immediately apparent. The galvanized steel frame creates a rigid and stable perimeter that feels incredibly solid, especially once the weight of the water begins to press against it. We felt no wobble or give in the structure. The real centerpiece of its durability, however, is the 3-layer Tritech liner. Bestway claims it’s 83% more puncture-resistant than standard PVC, and while we didn’t take a knife to it, it certainly feels tough. The material has a substantial, reinforced texture that inspires confidence against accidental bumps from pool toys or contact with the ground.

This is where we must address the mixed user feedback. While our liner was pristine with a beautifully consistent dark marble print, we cannot ignore reports from some users who received liners with cosmetic flaws like overlapping seams or inconsistent printing. This suggests a potential for quality control variability. Our expert advice is to carefully unroll and inspect your liner for any manufacturing defects *before* you begin assembly and filling. A quick inspection can save a major headache. Another key durability feature is the Polar-Shield technology, which reinforces the liner for cold weather, allowing the pool to potentially stay up year-round in milder climates—a significant advantage over pools that must be dismantled every fall. The advanced liner and frame technology are a major selling point.

Filtration Powerhouse: The 1,600 GPH Sand Filter Advantage

If there’s one feature that elevates the Bestway APX 365 18′ x 52″ Round Pool Set from good to great, it’s the included 1,600 GPH sand filter pump. Many pool sets in this category skimp on filtration, bundling underpowered cartridge filters that struggle to keep up, requiring constant cleaning and replacement. A sand filter is a game-changer. It’s more powerful, more efficient, and requires far less maintenance. We found the pump had no trouble circulating the nearly 7,000 gallons of water, keeping it crystal clear with a daily run cycle of 8-10 hours. The set includes Bestway’s Polysphere filtration balls instead of traditional sand. These are lightweight, washable, and reusable, making the initial setup cleaner and long-term maintenance easier than dealing with hundreds of pounds of sand.

However, we did encounter the same minor usability issue one user pointed out: the multi-port valve on top of the filter, which controls functions like ‘Filter,’ ‘Backwash,’ and ‘Rinse,’ is labeled with symbols rather than words. Two of the symbols are quite similar, which can be confusing for a novice. Our simple solution was to consult the manual once, identify each function, and use a fine-tip permanent marker to write the corresponding word next to each symbol on the valve handle. It’s a small critique of an otherwise outstanding piece of equipment that is crucial for maintaining a healthy and inviting pool.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment surrounding the Bestway APX 365 18′ x 52″ Round Pool Set is largely positive, with users frequently praising its value and feature set. Many echo our findings, with one happy owner stating it was “Very easy to set up and great quality.” Another confirmed our experience with the assembly, noting they “Did most assembly by myself over a couple hours but had neighbor help attach legs.” The inclusion of the sand filter is a recurring point of satisfaction, with one reviewer highlighting, “Sand filter is a huge plus over the small cartridge most come with.”

However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. The most significant critiques center on liner quality control. We saw a few distressing reports, with one user warning, “The pool liner is very poor quality,” accompanied by photos of misaligned seams. Another simply stated, “Pool leaked first two inches of water.” These reviews, while in the minority, underscore the importance of inspecting the liner upon arrival. The other minor, repeated complaint was about the pump’s valve, with a user wishing the settings were “labeled with words not symbols,” which we can certainly understand.

How Does the Bestway APX 365 18′ x 52″ Round Pool Set Compare to the Alternatives?

No product exists in a vacuum. To give you the full picture, we’ve compared the Bestway APX 365 18′ x 52″ Round Pool Set against three other popular options that cater to different needs, spaces, and budgets. While our focus pool offers a fantastic balance of size and features, one of these alternatives might be a better fit for your specific situation.

1. Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool Set

The Intex Ultra XTR is a direct competitor in terms of size and quality, but its rectangular shape offers a different experience. Measuring 18′ x 9′, it’s better suited for families who enjoy swimming laps or playing games like volleyball. Its galvanized steel frame and 3-ply liner are comparable in durability to the Bestway model. This pool is the perfect choice for someone with a longer, narrower yard who prioritizes structured swimming and water sports over the open, social feel of a round pool. If your backyard layout is more rectangular, this is likely the superior option.

2. Intex 9.8′ Rectangular Frame Pool

This Intex model represents a significant step down in size and price, making it an excellent entry-level option. At just under 10 feet long and 30 inches deep, it’s ideal for very small yards or for families with younger children who don’t need the depth and massive footprint of the Bestway APX 365. It’s far easier and quicker to set up and requires much less water. Choose this pool if you’re on a tight budget, have limited space, or want a simple “starter” pool to see how much your family uses it before committing to a larger investment.

3. Funsicle 8′ x 30″ Round Pool Set with Filter Pump

The Funsicle Activity Pool is designed for maximum fun in minimal space. Its 8-foot diameter makes it one of the most compact framed pools available, perfect for toddlers and small children to splash and play safely. While it includes a filter pump, it’s a small cartridge model suited only for its low water volume. This is not a pool for adults to swim in; it’s a dedicated kids’ play zone. If your primary goal is to create a safe and fun splash pad for very young children in a tiny backyard, the Funsicle is a more practical and affordable choice than the sprawling Bestway APX 365.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Bestway APX 365 18′ x 52″ Round Pool Set Worth It?

After extensive testing, from assembly to daily swims, we can confidently say that the Bestway APX 365 18′ x 52″ Round Pool Set is a phenomenal value and a top-tier choice for families seeking a large, durable, and full-featured backyard pool. Its combination of a robust steel frame, the innovative tool-free ClickConnect system, and a genuinely powerful sand filter pump sets it apart from many competitors. The sheer size provides ample space for the whole family and friends, transforming your backyard into a private summer club. The primary caveats are the absolute necessity of perfect ground leveling and the potential for liner quality control issues, which demands a careful inspection upon delivery.

We recommend this pool for any homeowner with the space and readiness for basic pool maintenance who wants to make a serious, long-lasting upgrade to their summer lifestyle. It strikes an excellent balance between professional-grade features and DIY accessibility. If you’re ready to stop dreaming about a backyard oasis and finally build one, the Bestway APX 365 18′ x 52″ Round Pool Set is an investment in family fun that will pay dividends for many seasons to come.

Ready to transform your backyard? Check the latest price and order your Bestway APX 365 today.