Bestway Power Steel Above Ground Pool Set Review: We Put It to the Test for a Full Season

There’s a universal moment every summer when the heat becomes less of a pleasant warmth and more of an oppressive blanket. You’re scrolling through images of crystal-clear water, dreaming of that cool, refreshing plunge. But the reality of a permanent, in-ground pool—with its staggering cost, lengthy construction, and permanent claim on your yard—is a non-starter for most of us. We’ve been there. We’ve tried the inflatable kiddie pools that sag, puncture at the mere sight of a stray twig, and offer little more than a glorified puddle. The desire for a real, substantial swimming experience often feels just out of reach, especially for those of us with limited space. This is the exact predicament that leads families on a quest for a better solution, a middle ground between a cheap inflatable and a budget-breaking excavation. The search is on for a durable, affordable, and space-conscious way to bring the resort experience home. It’s this very search that led us to the Bestway Power Steel Above Ground Pool Set.

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. It represents a significant upgrade in durability, size, and overall experience compared to inflatable options, without the permanent commitment and five-figure price tag of an in-ground pool. These pools provide a genuine swimming environment—a place for kids to play, for adults to relax, and for the whole family to cool off and create lasting memories. They transform a simple backyard into a personal oasis.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the classic “small yard, big dreams” dilemma. It’s for families who want the depth and sturdiness of a real pool but need a solution that can be assembled for the season and potentially stored away in the winter. It’s perfect for renters who can’t make permanent alterations or homeowners who aren’t ready to commit to a massive landscaping project. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who desire a permanent, integrated landscape feature with decking and plumbing, or for individuals with extremely uneven or sloped ground that cannot be leveled. For those seeking a more permanent fixture, a semi-inground or full steel wall pool might be a better, albeit more expensive, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: This is the most critical factor. It’s not just about the pool’s water dimensions (13’6″ x 6’7″). You must account for the outrigger legs that support the frame, which can add a foot or more to both the length and width. We saw feedback from one user who nearly had to return their pool because they didn’t account for this total footprint. Always measure your available flat ground and check the manufacturer’s recommended clearance.
• Capacity/Performance: The water capacity, in this case, a generous 2,146 gallons, dictates everything from fill time to chemical costs. It also determines the workload for the included filter pump. A pump’s power is measured in gallons per hour (GPH). You want a system that can cycle the entire volume of water in 8 hours or less, and we’ll dive into whether the included 530 GPH pump meets that mark later in our review.
• Materials & Durability: The two key components are the frame and the liner. Look for corrosion-resistant coated steel frames, which prevent rust and enhance longevity. For the liner, multi-ply PVC is the standard, but premium options like Bestway’s Tritech material offer enhanced resistance to punctures and tears—a vital feature for anyone with kids, pets, or nearby trees. The connection system, like the Bestway Power Steel Above Ground Pool Set’s Seal & Lock System, is also crucial for a rigid and secure structure.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: An above-ground pool shouldn’t require a professional crew to assemble. Look for tool-free assembly systems with clear instructions. For maintenance, consider the included accessories. A complete set should include a pump and filter, a ladder for safe entry and exit, and ideally, a simple way to dispense chemicals, like the included ChemConnect dispenser.

Understanding these elements will empower you to choose a pool that fits not just your yard, but your lifestyle, ensuring summers filled with fun instead of frustration.

While the Bestway Power Steel Above Ground 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: A Heavy Box Hiding a Surprisingly Simple Setup

The arrival of the Bestway Power Steel Above Ground Pool Set is an event in itself. The box is substantial, weighing in at 158 pounds, and it’s definitely a two-person job to move it to your designated pool area. Unboxing reveals a neatly organized collection of steel poles, joints, and the surprisingly hefty, folded Tritech liner. The gray exterior color is modern and neutral, designed to blend in rather than stand out, which we appreciated. The inner liner, with its “Ripple Mosaic” printing, gives the water a rich, inviting blue hue once filled.

Despite the intimidating number of parts, the initial feeling is one of quality. The steel poles have a smooth, resilient coating, and the liner feels thick and durable to the touch—a far cry from the flimsy material of inflatable pools. We took note of user comments about the instructions being a bit sparse, so we immediately looked up the official assembly video online, which we highly recommend. It clarifies the process and removes any guesswork. The famed Seal & Lock System consists of simple T-connectors and C-clips that snap together, requiring no tools and providing a satisfyingly secure fit. From unboxing to a fully assembled frame, the process was remarkably fast, clocking in at just under 30 minutes, confirming user reports of a quick and painless setup. Initial impressions are strong: this feels less like a temporary summer toy and more like a well-engineered piece of backyard equipment. You can see the full list of included components here.

Diving Deeper: A Feature-by-Feature Performance Analysis

A pool’s true worth is measured not on the day it’s set up, but over the long, hot days of a full season. We spent weeks using the Bestway Power Steel Above Ground Pool Set, evaluating everything from its structural integrity to the daily maintenance routine. Our deep dive reveals a product that gets almost everything right for its target audience, with just one notable area for potential improvement.

Assembly and Setup: From Flat Box to Poolside in Under an Hour

Bestway’s claim of an easy setup is not an exaggeration. It is, by far, one of the pool’s most significant advantages. The entire process, from laying out the ground tarp (not included, but highly recommended) to the final connection of the pump hoses, can realistically be accomplished by two people in about 45 minutes. One person could manage it, as one user noted, but the weight and size of the liner make a second set of hands helpful. The Seal & Lock System is the star of the show. Each pole and joint clicks together with a reassuring snap. There’s no fumbling with screws or bolts, which not only speeds up the process but also eliminates potential rust points.

The most crucial step, however, happens before you even open the box: ground preparation. This pool absolutely requires a flat, level surface, free of any sharp objects. We spent more time leveling our patch of grass than we did assembling the pool frame, and it’s time well spent. Proper leveling ensures even water distribution and prevents undue stress on any single part of the frame or liner. Once assembled, the filling process begins. As one user confirmed, it took us just under 8 hours with a standard garden hose to fill its 2,146-gallon capacity. The moment the water crests the top and the pool takes its final, rigid shape is deeply satisfying. The ease of this process makes the Bestway Power Steel Above Ground Pool Set an accessible option for anyone, regardless of their DIY skill level.

Frame Strength and Liner Durability: The Power Steel Promise

The name “Power Steel” sets a high expectation for durability, and in our testing, the frame lived up to it. The corrosion-resistant steel tubing forms a rigid skeleton around the liner. Once filled with over 17,000 pounds of water, the structure is rock-solid. There’s minimal wobble, and the top rails feel sturdy enough to lean on. The oval-shaped tubing provides better strength than traditional round tubes, and the Seal & Lock system ensures that all that weight is distributed evenly without stressing the connection points. This robust frame is what gives you the confidence to let the kids splash and play without worrying about a structural failure.

The liner is the other half of the durability equation. Bestway’s Tritech material is a 3-ply reinforced fabric, consisting of a polyester mesh core encased in two layers of durable PVC. The company claims it’s 15% more tear-resistant and 83% more puncture-resistant than standard PVC, and it certainly feels the part. It’s thick, slightly textured, and stood up to our season of use with no signs of wear, leaks, or sun-fading. However, we must address the user review that mentioned their pool developing a leak after being stored for the winter. This highlights the importance of proper off-season care. The pool must be completely drained, cleaned, and thoroughly dried before being folded and stored in a dry, temperate location. Any residual moisture or creasing from improper folding can weaken the material over time. With proper care, we are confident in the liner’s multi-season potential, but it’s not an “install and forget” product if you live in a climate with cold winters.

The Included Ecosystem: Pump, Ladder, and ChemConnect

A pool is more than just a basin of water; it’s a small ecosystem that requires filtration and sanitation. This is where the included accessory package comes into play, and it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The highlights are the safety ladder and the ChemConnect dispenser. The ladder is sturdy, easy to assemble, and provides safe, stable access to the pool. The ChemConnect dispenser is a brilliant little device that attaches to a valve on the pool wall, slowly and consistently dissolving chlorine or bromine tablets to maintain water chemistry. It’s a much more elegant and effective solution than a simple floating dispenser.

The weak link, however, is the included 530 GPH filter pump. For a pool holding 2,146 gallons, this pump would need over 4 hours to circulate the water just once. For effective filtration, especially in hot weather with heavy use, experts recommend turning over the entire volume of the pool at least twice in an 8-hour period. The included pump simply can’t achieve that. It works, and it will keep the water clear if you run it for extended periods and are diligent with your chemical balancing and manual skimming. However, we fully understand why one user mentioned their husband immediately bought a more powerful filter. Upgrading to a 1,000 GPH pump would be a wise investment for anyone who wants to minimize their daily maintenance chores and ensure pristine water quality throughout the summer. It’s a functional starter pump, but not a long-term solution for a hassle-free experience. You can check the latest price and consider factoring in a potential pump upgrade.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the user feedback we analyzed aligns closely with our own findings. The overwhelming majority of owners are thrilled with their purchase, frequently citing the “super easy” and “quick” setup process. Phrases like “perfect for small families” and “good for small spaces” appear repeatedly, confirming that the pool’s unique rectangular dimensions hit a sweet spot for those with limited yard space. One happy parent noted their 10-year-old son loves it because “it is not a small pool this perfect,” highlighting the excellent 48-inch depth that makes it enjoyable for more than just toddlers.

The constructive criticism is just as valuable. We saw the report of a pump that didn’t work correctly out of the box, which, while frustrating, appears to be an isolated incident that was resolved quickly. The most salient negative point comes from the user whose pool lasted only one season. This serves as a critical reminder about the importance of meticulous off-season storage. While the product is durable, its longevity is directly tied to user care. This feedback provides a balanced, real-world perspective on what to expect from the Bestway Power Steel Above Ground Pool Set.

How Does It Compare? The Bestway Power Steel vs. The Competition

The Bestway Power Steel Above Ground Pool Set occupies a fantastic middle ground in the market, but it’s not the only option. Depending on your space, budget, and desired level of permanence, one of its competitors might be a better fit.

1. Bestway Steel Pro 10 Foot Round Above Ground Pool Set

This is the smaller, more budget-friendly cousin to our reviewed pool. Its 10-foot round shape and 30-inch depth make it ideal for those with very compact yards or families with younger children. While it lacks the impressive depth of the Power Steel model, its setup is even quicker, and its smaller water volume is easier and cheaper to maintain. If you’re primarily looking for a place for the kids to splash and cool off, and you’re not concerned with having enough depth for adults to truly swim or relax, the Steel Pro is a cost-effective and highly practical alternative.

2. Aquarian Phoenix Steel-Frame 15′ Pool Kit

The Aquarian Phoenix represents a significant step up in terms of permanence and durability. Instead of a vinyl liner supported by a tube frame, this pool features a rigid steel wall structure, much like a traditional, professional-grade above-ground pool. Its 15-foot round diameter offers substantially more swimming area. This is the choice for a homeowner who has the space and is looking for a multi-year, semi-permanent backyard feature. It requires more intensive site preparation and a longer assembly process, but the payoff is a far more robust and long-lasting swimming pool.

3. Intex Prism Frame 20ft x 10ft Oval Pool Set

The Intex Prism Frame is perhaps the most direct competitor to the Bestway Power Steel, operating on the same frame-and-liner principle. This particular model is significantly larger, offering a sprawling 20ft x 10ft swimming area while maintaining the same 48-inch depth. It also comes with a more comprehensive accessory package, including a pool cover and ground cloth. This is the ideal choice for a family with a larger backyard and a slightly higher budget who loves the concept of the Bestway pool but simply wants more room to swim, float, and play.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Bestway Power Steel Pool Set Right for You?

After a full season of rigorous testing, we can confidently recommend the Bestway Power Steel Above Ground Pool Set. It succeeds brilliantly in its mission to deliver a genuine, high-quality swimming experience in a compact, easy-to-assemble, and affordable package. Its greatest strengths are its remarkable 48-inch depth, its sturdy and rust-resistant frame, and a setup process so simple it borders on effortless. It’s the perfect solution for families with small-to-medium-sized yards who have graduated from inflatable pools and want something that feels substantial and durable.

The only significant caveat is the undersized pump. While functional, it requires more runtime and diligence to keep the water sparkling clean. For a truly low-maintenance experience, a pump upgrade is a worthwhile future investment. Despite this, the overall value is undeniable. You get a complete, ready-to-enjoy pool that can transform your backyard into the most popular spot on the block. If you’re looking to beat the heat and create unforgettable summer memories without breaking the bank or your back, the Bestway Power Steel Above Ground Pool Set is an outstanding choice that we wholeheartedly endorse.