Bestway Power Steel 18’x9’x48″ Oval Pool Set Review: Our In-Depth Verdict After a Summer of Fun

There’s a universal summer dream: stepping out your back door into the cool, shimmering water of your own private pool. It’s the centerpiece of family gatherings, the ultimate kid entertainer, and a personal escape from the sweltering heat. For years, we thought this dream required a massive, permanent, and wallet-draining in-ground installation. We wanted the space to swim, float, and play, but not the lifelong commitment and landscape upheaval. The search for a middle ground—something substantial and durable, yet temporary and attainable—led us to the world of framed above-ground pools, a category where the Bestway Power Steel 18’x9’x48″ Oval Pool Set immediately stands out. The question was, could it truly deliver that backyard oasis experience we were craving?

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 creating a summer-long recreational hub at home. It bridges the gap between flimsy inflatable splash pools and costly permanent structures. The primary benefit is accessibility—bringing the joy of swimming to your backyard for a fraction of the cost and with minimal permanent alteration to your property. These pools solve the problem of hot, boring summers, providing a healthy, screen-free activity for kids and a relaxing retreat for adults. They are designed for homeowners who value flexibility and want a serious swimming option they can potentially store away in the off-season.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a long, hot summer with an active family. They have a reasonably spacious and level backyard and are willing to commit to the initial setup and ongoing chemical maintenance. They see the pool as an investment in family time and fun. However, it might not be suitable for those with very small or severely sloped yards where proper leveling is impossible. It’s also not for someone looking for a “set it and forget it” solution, as all pools require regular care. For those with extremely limited space or a smaller budget, a more compact option like an Intex Metal Frame pool might be a better starting point.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The first step is to measure your yard meticulously. An 18’x9′ pool needs more than just that exact footprint. You must account for the U-shaped side supports that extend outward, adding several feet to the width. You’ll also want at least three to four feet of clear space around the entire perimeter for safe access and maintenance.
• Capacity/Performance: The 3,548-gallon water capacity of this pool is substantial. This volume directly impacts chemical costs and heating time. The included 1,500 GPH (gallons per hour) pump is rated to turn over the entire volume of water in about 2.5 hours, but as we’ll discuss, real-world performance under load can be a critical factor in keeping your water clear.
• Materials & Durability: Look for a powder-coated or galvanized steel frame to resist rust, which is the primary enemy of these pools. The liner should be a heavy-duty, multi-layer PVC material that can resist punctures. The way the frame locks together—in this case, Bestway’s ClickConnect system—is a key indicator of the pool’s overall rigidity and stability once filled.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider the entire lifecycle. How difficult is the initial assembly? Does the kit include everything you need, like a ladder and cover? Long-term care involves testing and balancing water chemistry, cleaning the filter cartridge regularly, and potentially winterizing and storing the pool if you live in a cold climate.

While the Bestway Power Steel 18’x9’x48″ Oval 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 Possibilities

The arrival of the Bestway Power Steel 18’x9’x48″ Oval Pool Set is an event in itself. The single, large box weighs over 160 pounds, and moving it is definitely a two-person job. Upon opening, we were greeted by a sea of neatly packed components. Our first impression of the materials was positive. The gray PVC liner felt thick and substantial, not flimsy, and the steel frame pieces had a smooth, robust powder-coating that suggested good weather resistance. Everything was there: the frame components, the liner, the 1500 GPH filter pump, hoses, a safety ladder, and a pool cover. It feels like a complete, all-in-one package to get you started.

We laid everything out on the lawn, separating the parts into groups as one user wisely suggested. This is where we encountered our first hurdle, a theme echoed in many user experiences: the instructions. They rely heavily on diagrams that can be confusing, with some parts seemingly mislabeled. It required a bit of patience and spatial reasoning to decipher, but once we understood the core logic of the ClickConnect system, the process became more intuitive. This isn’t a 30-minute pop-up; it’s a proper construction project, but seeing the quality of the components gave us confidence that the effort would be worthwhile. You can immediately see the solid engineering and material choices that went into its design.

Performance Under Pressure: A Deep Dive into the Bestway Power Steel Pool

A pool’s true test isn’t how it looks in the box, but how it performs through weeks of splashing, sun, and storms. We put the Bestway Power Steel 18’x9’x48″ Oval Pool Set through its paces for an entire season, evaluating everything from the initial build to daily enjoyment and long-term durability. Here’s our detailed breakdown of what you can expect.

The Assembly Gauntlet: More of a Marathon Than a Sprint

Let’s be perfectly clear: building this pool is a project. The manufacturer’s estimates feel optimistic. For us, a team of two adults, the frame assembly and liner placement took a solid couple of hours, and that was *after* spending the better part of a day preparing the ground. This is the single most critical step, a fact reinforced by numerous user reviews. As one owner stated, “Make sure ground is decent level at least.” We can’t overstate this. We spent hours using sand and pavers to create a perfectly flat and level foundation. Attempting to install this on uneven ground will put immense stress on the frame and liner, leading to bowing sides and potential failure.

The instructions were our biggest frustration. One user noted, “The directions are horrible. Mislabeling everywhere, which was confusing.” We found this to be true. We had to rely on logic and a bit of trial and error, laying out the frame on the ground first to ensure we understood the connections before attaching the liner. The ClickConnect system itself works well, creating a satisfying and secure ‘click’ when poles are seated correctly. However, getting the heavy liner aligned and the final connections made requires some muscle. Once the frame was up, we began filling. As recommended, we smoothed wrinkles from the bottom with our feet when there were just a few inches of water, a task another user found “harder than you think.” It’s a tedious but necessary step for a smooth floor. The total fill time with a standard garden hose was about 9 hours, consistent with others’ experiences. While the setup is a challenge, the feeling of accomplishment when the water starts flowing is immense. You are building a very substantial structure, and the effort reflects that.

Build Quality and In-Use Durability: How Does It Hold Up?

Once filled, the true quality of the Bestway Power Steel 18’x9’x48″ Oval Pool Set becomes apparent. The oval shape, supported by the large U-shaped braces on the straight sides, is incredibly rigid. We were impressed by how little the walls bowed under the pressure of nearly 3,600 gallons of water. This is where the robust steel frame shines. One family happily reported their “kids and their friends have been horse playing in it,” and we can confirm its sturdiness. We had multiple adults and children in the pool at once, and it felt completely solid and secure. The 48-inch depth is fantastic; it’s deep enough for adults to comfortably relax and for older kids to swim and practice their strokes, while still being manageable for younger swimmers (with supervision, of course). As one Spanish-speaking user shared, it’s a perfect depth for a 7-year-old to walk and learn to swim safely.

The liner material also held up beautifully. Made from Bestway’s Tritech material—a 3-ply reinforced PVC—it feels thick and resilient. We had no issues with leaks from the liner itself during our testing. However, some users have reported small leaks developing at the seams over time, so it’s wise to inspect these areas periodically. The biggest long-term concern mentioned by a user in Florida is rust. While the frame is powder-coated, any scratches or chips can expose the steel underneath. We recommend touching up any nicks with rust-resistant paint at the end of the season to prolong its life. For those seeking a pool that can handle vigorous family use, the robust construction is a major selling point.

The Included Accessories: A Case of Hits and Misses

A pool set is only as good as its weakest link, and with this package, the accessories are a mixed bag. The ladder is functional but basic. It gets the job done, but as one user noted, “the steps are a bit steep and there is no platform.” It feels a bit wobbly for larger adults, and several owners have chosen to upgrade to a sturdier A-frame ladder with a platform for added safety and convenience.

The pool cover was another point of frustration, a sentiment shared by many. “I really like everything about this pool except the pool cover doesn’t fit,” lamented one user, with another stating it was “about 2 ft too short.” Our experience was the same. It was an incredibly tight, difficult fit that seemed improperly sized for the pool, rendering it almost useless.

The most significant issue, however, is the included 1500 GPH filter pump. While it has a nice timer feature that one user appreciated, it is fundamentally undersized for this volume of water. As one astute user put it, their dad “looked at the pump it came with told me that this should be a pump for a large fish tank?!” They are absolutely correct. The pump struggles to create adequate circulation, especially on the far side of the pool, leading to dead spots where algae can form. Keeping the water crystal clear required constant vigilance and more chemicals than should be necessary. We strongly agree with the consensus: plan on upgrading the pump. Swapping it for a more powerful sand filter pump, as another user did, is a night-and-day difference and will save you countless hours of maintenance and frustration. The pool itself is fantastic, but factoring in the cost of a pump upgrade is essential for a realistic budget. The complete set is a good starting point, but this is one upgrade you won’t regret.

What Other Users Are Saying

After sifting through dozens of real-world experiences, a clear picture of the Bestway Power Steel 18’x9’x48″ Oval Pool Set emerges. The overwhelming positive sentiment revolves around the joy and value it brings. One user called it a “Godsend this summer!” for their family of five, while another exclaimed, “This is a perfect pool for my family! … I LOVE IT!” Many, like the user whose family of eight all fit comfortably, praise its generous size and sturdiness. For many, it has proven to be a durable investment, with one family reporting they used a previous Bestway model for six years without issue.

On the critical side, the feedback is just as consistent. The “horrible” instructions are a near-universal complaint. The inadequacy of the included filter pump is the most common and significant issue, with many users strongly advising an immediate upgrade to a sand filter. “Pool is great pump is trash!” is a blunt but accurate summary of this sentiment. Other recurring issues include the ill-fitting pool cover and the potential for rust to develop on the frame after a couple of seasons, particularly in humid climates. These reviews paint a realistic picture: you’re getting a fantastic pool structure for the price, but the bundled accessories are where the compromises were made.

How Does the Bestway Power Steel 18’x9’x48″ Oval Pool Set Compare to Alternatives?

While the Bestway Power Steel 18’x9’x48″ Oval Pool Set is a strong contender, it’s important to see how it fits into the broader market. Depending on your space, budget, and needs, one of these alternatives might be a better fit.

1. Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15′ x 48″ Above Ground Pool

This is a direct competitor from the same brand, offering a classic round shape. The key difference is the 15-foot diameter, which provides a large, open swimming area but may not be as suitable for narrow yards where the oval shape of our reviewed pool excels. At the same 48-inch depth, it offers a comparable swimming experience. This specific model is often sold as “pool only,” meaning you must purchase the pump and ladder separately. This could be an advantage for buyers who already plan to buy a high-quality sand filter pump from the start, avoiding the redundancy of the underpowered kit pump.

2. Intex 12ft x 30in Metal Frame Pool Set

For those with smaller yards or smaller budgets, this Intex model is a very popular choice. With a 12-foot diameter and a 30-inch depth, it’s significantly smaller, holding just under 1,800 gallons. This makes it much quicker to fill and easier to maintain chemically. The shallower depth is often preferred by families with very young children. While you lose the generous swimming space of the Bestway Power Steel, you gain simplicity and a lower entry cost. It’s an excellent “starter” pool for those wanting to test the waters of pool ownership.

3. Intex 10ft x 30in Metal Frame Pool Set with 330 GPH Filter Pump

This is one of the most compact and affordable framed pool sets available. At 10 feet wide and 30 inches deep, it’s truly designed for splashing and cooling off rather than active swimming. Its small size makes it perfect for tight spaces and extremely easy to set up and take down. The included 330 GPH pump is proportionally small but adequate for its sub-1200 gallon capacity. This is the ideal choice for someone who wants to upgrade from an inflatable pool to something more durable but doesn’t have the space or need for a large family-sized pool like the Bestway Power Steel.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Bestway Power Steel 18’x9’x48″ Oval Pool Set Right for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Bestway Power Steel 18’x9’x48″ Oval Pool Set is overwhelmingly positive, with a few important caveats. The core of the product—the liner and the steel frame—is excellent. It creates a large, deep, and remarkably sturdy swimming pool that provides countless hours of genuine family fun. Its size is a perfect middle ground, offering ample room for swimming and play without completely dominating the average backyard. It delivers on the promise of an affordable, high-quality backyard oasis.

However, it is not a perfect product. You must go into the purchase with your eyes open to its shortcomings. The assembly instructions are poor, requiring patience and intuition. Most importantly, you should consider the included filter pump a temporary placeholder at best and budget for an immediate upgrade to a more powerful sand filter. If you can accept these trade-offs, you will be rewarded with a fantastic pool for the price. We highly recommend it for families looking for a serious, season-long pool who are willing to put in the initial effort and make a key accessory upgrade for a frustration-free summer. If you’re ready to transform your backyard, you can check the latest price and availability for the Bestway Power Steel pool set here.