Bestway APX 365 Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set Review: The Ultimate Backyard Oasis on a Budget?

I remember the summers of my childhood vividly: the drone of cicadas, the scorching pavement, and the desperate search for any form of relief from the oppressive heat. Our family’s solution was often a frantic, last-minute trip to the crowded community pool, a chaotic experience of fighting for a patch of water that wasn’t already occupied. As a parent now, I see that same desperation in my kids’ eyes. The dream of stepping out the back door and into a cool, private oasis is a powerful one, but the thought of expensive, permanent in-ground pool installations can be daunting. This is the exact predicament that leads countless families to search for a high-quality, durable, and spacious above-ground solution. The challenge is finding one that won’t buckle after a single season, comes with everything you need, and doesn’t break the bank. The Bestway APX 365 Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set promises to be that perfect middle ground, and we were eager to see if it could turn our sweltering backyard into the summer paradise we’d been dreaming of.

What to Consider Before Buying a Framed Swimming Pool

A framed swimming pool is more than just a seasonal toy; it’s a key solution for creating lasting summer memories, promoting family activity, and providing a convenient escape from the heat. Unlike flimsy inflatable pools, a framed model offers superior durability, greater water capacity, and a more “permanent” feel without the massive cost and commitment of an in-ground installation. The benefits are clear: a private swimming spot, a hub for social gatherings, and a fantastic way for kids and adults alike to stay active and cool. When you’re ready to make this investment, understanding the key factors will ensure you choose the right pool for your needs. You can explore the full specifications of the Bestway APX 365 here to see how it aligns with these crucial points.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a family or individual with a reasonably-sized, level backyard who wants a serious swimming experience without a five-figure price tag. They are looking for a pool large enough for floating, splashing, and even short laps. It’s for someone who is willing to commit to proper ground preparation and regular maintenance to ensure the longevity of their investment. Conversely, this type of pool might not be suitable for those with very small or heavily sloped yards, renters with restrictions, or someone looking for a simple, temporary splash pad that can be put up and taken down in minutes. For those with limited space, a smaller option like the Intex Rectangular Frame Pool might be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: First and foremost, measure your available yard space. Remember to account for at least 3-4 feet of clearance on all sides of the pool for safe access, setup, and for the pump and filter equipment. The 18′ x 9′ footprint of the Bestway APX 365 Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set provides a generous swimming area, but it requires a substantial, and most importantly, perfectly level patch of ground.
• Capacity/Performance: A pool’s capacity, measured in gallons, dictates water treatment needs and filtration requirements. The APX 365 holds 4,352 gallons, a significant volume that requires a capable pump. The included 1,600 GPH (Gallons Per Hour) pump is designed to circulate the entire volume of water in under 3 hours, which is a key performance metric for maintaining water clarity.
• Materials & Durability: This is arguably the most critical factor. Look for a powder-coated or galvanized steel frame to resist rust and corrosion. The liner is the heart of the pool; multi-layer, puncture-resistant materials like Bestway’s Tritech liner (which is rated to be 83% more puncture-resistant than standard PVC) offer vastly superior longevity and peace of mind compared to single-layer PVC.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider the entire ownership experience. How complex is the assembly? Does it require specialized tools? The APX 365’s ClickConnect system is designed for tool-free setup. Long-term maintenance involves water chemistry, cleaning, and filtration. A complete set that includes a pump, cover, and ladder, like this one, significantly simplifies the initial setup and ongoing care.

Choosing the right above-ground pool is a significant decision that will shape your summer enjoyment for years to come.

While the Bestway APX 365 Rectangular Above Ground Swimming 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 the Backyard Transformation

The arrival of the Bestway APX 365 Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set was an event in itself. The single, large box is heavy, a clear indicator of the robust materials within. Unboxing revealed neatly organized galvanized steel poles, the substantial, folded Tritech liner, and separate boxes for the sand filter pump, ladder, and accessories. The first thing we noticed was the sheer quality of the frame components. The steel has a reassuring heft, and the gray coating feels thick and durable, promising excellent resistance to the elements. The liner, a cool blue on the inside with a stylish gray exterior, felt remarkably thick and resilient to the touch—a far cry from the flimsy material of cheaper pools we’ve tested. Assembly, as promised, was straightforward thanks to the ClickConnect system. The pieces snap together securely without the need for fumbling with screws or bolts, which is a massive design win. While the user manual suggests a quick setup, we found—and user feedback confirms—that 90% of the work is in preparing and leveling the ground. Once that crucial step was done, the actual pool frame and liner came together in under an hour with two people. It’s a comprehensive package that feels substantial and well-engineered from the very start.

Deep Dive: Performance and Real-World Use of the Bestway APX 365

A pool’s worth isn’t just in its specs on paper, but in how it performs day in and day out through the heat of summer. We put the Bestway APX 365 Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set through its paces, focusing on the core aspects that define the user experience: its foundational durability, its filtration system’s efficiency, and the overall value of the included package.

The Foundation: A Fortress of Steel and Tritech

The long-term viability of any framed pool rests on two components: the frame and the liner. Bestway has clearly prioritized both with the APX 365. The galvanized steel frame is the pool’s skeleton, and its strength is immediately apparent. The oval-shaped tubes provide rigidity, and the ClickConnect system creates tight, secure joints that inspire confidence. As we began filling the pool with water—all 4,352 gallons of it—we noticed the same phenomenon reported by several users: the long sides of the rectangle begin to bow inwards. This can be alarming if you’re not expecting it, making you think you’ve done something wrong. However, we can confirm this is a normal part of the process. As the water level rises past the halfway mark and approaches the 90% fill line, the immense hydraulic pressure pushes the walls outward, and they become perfectly straight and incredibly taut. The engineering is sound.

The true star, however, is the Tritech liner. Bestway’s claim that it’s 83% more puncture-resistant than standard PVC isn’t just marketing speak; you can feel the difference. It consists of a polyester mesh core sandwiched between two layers of high-gauge PVC, creating a composite material that resists stretching and tearing. In a backyard environment with stray rocks, sharp twigs, and the general chaos of kids playing, this enhanced durability is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Furthermore, the inclusion of Polar-Shield technology means the liner is treated to withstand cold temperatures without becoming brittle, giving owners the option to winterize the pool and leave it up year-round, saving immense time and effort. This combination of a robust frame and a liner built for long-term punishment is the core reason this pool represents such a significant step up from entry-level models.

The Heartbeat: Filtration and Water Clarity

Crystal clear water is the goal of any pool owner, and the filtration system is the engine that gets you there. The Bestway APX 365 Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set comes equipped with a 1,600 GPH sand filter pump. For a pool of this size (4,352 gallons), this pump is adequately sized to turn over the entire volume of water in just 2.7 hours. We recommend running the pump for at least two full cycles (5-6 hours) per day in average conditions, and perhaps 8 hours during periods of heavy use or extreme heat. While some users felt the pump might be undersized, we found it perfectly capable of maintaining pristine water clarity when run for an appropriate duration and paired with a proper chemical regimen.

What really sets this system apart is the inclusion of Bestway’s Polysphere filtration media instead of traditional sand. These small, white, cotton-like balls are incredibly lightweight and efficient. The 250g bag included with the pool is equivalent to roughly 18 pounds of sand. The primary benefits are twofold. First, they offer finer filtration, trapping smaller particles than sand can. Second, they are reusable. Instead of the messy, back-breaking job of replacing hundreds of pounds of filter sand every few years, you can simply remove the Polyspheres, wash them in a laundry bag or by hand, and return them to the filter. This is a massive improvement in user-friendliness and long-term cost savings. We found the pump ran quietly and the Polysphere media did an excellent job of capturing fine debris, making daily maintenance significantly easier. The efficiency and low-maintenance nature of this filtration system are a feature that really sets it apart in a crowded market.

The Complete Package: Evaluating the Accessories

One of the main draws of a “pool set” is the promise of getting everything you need in one box. The Bestway APX 365 Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set does a great job here, though with a couple of notable caveats. The inclusion of the aforementioned high-performance sand filter pump and Polysphere media is a major value-add. The package also includes a fitted pool cover, which is essential for keeping out leaves, bugs, and other debris when the pool isn’t in use. This reduces cleaning time and chemical consumption, and we found it fit snugly and was easy to secure.

The most common point of criticism, which our testing confirmed, is the included A-frame ladder. While functional, it feels lightweight and has a noticeable amount of flex, especially for larger adults. It will certainly get you through your first season, but most owners will likely view it as a temporary solution and plan to upgrade to a sturdier, more stable ladder system for long-term peace of mind. The other key omission is a ground cloth or pad. Setting this pool up directly on grass or abrasive ground is a recipe for a puncture, no matter how tough the liner is. As many users wisely noted, investing in a heavy-duty tarp, landscaping fabric, or interlocking foam pads to place under the pool is a non-negotiable step to protect your investment. While these are notable downsides, they don’t overshadow the immense value of the core pool and pump system, which are the most critical and expensive components.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings align closely with the broader consensus from other owners. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with users praising the Bestway APX 365 Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set as a “great investment” and a fantastic value. One family of four noted, “Pool size is ideal for our family… while also leaving plenty of room if we want to entertain guests.” This echoes our experience with the generous dimensions. Multiple reviews highlight the straightforward assembly process, with one user stating it took only “35-40 minutes” to erect the pool itself after the crucial ground leveling was complete.

The criticisms are also consistent and mirror our own. The ladder is frequently described as “flimsy” and “less than desirable,” with many recommending an aftermarket purchase. Similarly, the lack of an included ground liner or pad was a common point of feedback, with experienced users advising newcomers to “buy one before setting things up.” This feedback is valuable because it sets realistic expectations: you are getting a top-tier pool structure and filtration system for the price, but should budget a small amount extra for a better ladder and a protective ground cover to complete the perfect setup. Even with these minor critiques, the overall opinion is that it’s a “great purchase” for anyone seeking a large, high-quality pool on a limited budget. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a complete picture.

How Does the Bestway APX 365 Compare to the Competition?

While the Bestway APX 365 Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set stands strong on its own, it’s important to see how it stacks up against other popular options on the market. The main competitors in this space often come from Intex, offering pools at various sizes and price points. The key differentiator for the Bestway APX 365 is its combination of large size, 52-inch depth, and a high-quality sand filter in a single, affordable package.

1. Intex Rectangular Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool

The Intex 9.8′ x 79″ model is a much smaller, more entry-level option. With a depth of just under 30 inches, it’s more of a large splash pool, ideal for families with very young children or those with extremely limited backyard space. It does not typically come with a filter pump, making it a bare-bones choice. Someone might prefer this alternative if their primary need is a simple, shallow pool for toddlers to cool off in and their budget or space is highly constrained. For anyone wanting to actually swim, float, or accommodate older kids and adults, the Bestway APX 365 is a far superior choice.

2. Intex 7’x5’x23.6″ Rectangular Metal Frame Pool

This compact Intex model is even smaller, with a tiny 7′ x 5′ footprint and a very shallow depth. It’s designed for the smallest of patios or yards and is purely for toddlers and small children to splash around in. Holding only 439 gallons, it’s in a completely different league than the 4,352-gallon Bestway APX 365. This pool is an alternative for someone who simply wants a durable kiddie pool and has no aspirations for family swimming. The Bestway APX 365 serves a completely different purpose as a central hub for full-family summer recreation.

3. Intex 10ft x 30in Prism Frame Above Ground Pool Set

The Intex 10ft Prism Frame set is a closer, albeit still much smaller, competitor. This round pool is 10 feet in diameter and 30 inches deep, making it a good step up from basic splash pools. It includes a small 330 GPH cartridge filter pump, which is less powerful and requires more maintenance (cleaning/replacing cartridges) than the Bestway’s sand filter system. A family might choose the Intex Prism if they prefer a round shape and have a square-shaped area that doesn’t fit a long rectangle. However, the Bestway APX 365 Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set offers nearly four times the water volume, a much greater swimming area, a superior 52-inch depth, and a more robust and lower-maintenance filtration system.

Final Verdict: Is the Bestway APX 365 Right for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say that the Bestway APX 365 Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set is an outstanding value and a top-tier choice in the above-ground pool market. Its true strength lies in its foundation: the robust, corrosion-resistant steel frame and the exceptionally durable Tritech liner provide a structure that is built to last for many seasons of heavy use. The generous 18′ x 9′ size and 52″ depth create a genuine swimming experience that the whole family can enjoy, moving it far beyond the category of a simple backyard toy.

While the included ladder is a weak point and the lack of a ground cloth is a necessary additional purchase, these are minor issues when weighed against the quality of the core components. The powerful and user-friendly sand filter pump with its reusable Polysphere media is a significant highlight that simplifies maintenance. If you have the space and are looking for a feature-rich, durable, and spacious pool that offers an incredible return on investment for years of summer fun, the Bestway APX 365 is an emphatic recommendation from our team. It’s the perfect solution for turning your hot, empty backyard into a private summer paradise. If you’re ready to make the leap and transform your summer, you can check the latest price and availability for the Bestway APX 365 pool set today.