Bestway Power Steel Swim Vista II Pool Set Review: Our Honest Verdict on This Family-Favorite Pool

There’s a universal moment every summer when the air gets thick, the sun beats down relentlessly, and the only thought consuming your mind is the cool, refreshing embrace of water. For years, our family dreamed of a backyard pool. We envisioned weekend barbecues, kids splashing until dusk, and a personal oasis just steps from our back door. But the reality of an in-ground pool—the astronomical cost, the disruptive installation, the permanent commitment—always felt like a distant, unattainable dream. This left us stuck in a cycle of inflatable kiddie pools that would inevitably puncture and trips to crowded public pools that felt more like a chore than a vacation. We needed a real, durable solution that could deliver a premium pool experience without the permanent footprint or five-figure price tag. The search for that perfect middle ground led us to the world of framed, above-ground pools, a category where the Bestway Power Steel Swim Vista II Pool Set immediately caught our eye.

What to Consider Before Buying a Framed Swimming Pool

An above-ground framed swimming pool is more than just a seasonal accessory; it’s a key solution for families seeking a durable, semi-permanent way to enjoy the water. Unlike flimsy inflatable options, these pools feature robust metal frames that support a heavy-duty liner, offering superior stability, longevity, and a much larger swimming area. They provide the quintessential summer experience—cooling off, exercising, and creating lasting memories—at a fraction of the cost and complexity of a traditional in-ground installation. This makes them a transformative addition to any backyard, turning a simple patch of grass into the neighborhood’s favorite summer hangout.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner or long-term renter with a reasonably flat, level space in their yard. They are families with children, couples who enjoy relaxing on a float, or anyone looking to add a significant recreational feature to their home for the summer months. It’s perfect for someone who is hands-on and comfortable with a day of assembly and ongoing chemical maintenance. Conversely, this type of pool might not be suitable for those with very small or heavily sloped yards, or for individuals who desire a zero-maintenance, walk-out-and-swim experience. For those with extremely limited space or who only need a small splash area for toddlers, a smaller, simpler option like an inflatable or a basic ring pool might be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The most critical first step is to measure your available space accurately. You need not only the footprint of the pool itself but also an additional 2-3 feet of clearance on all sides for the support legs and for safe access. Crucially, the ground must be perfectly level. As we and many other users discovered, even a slight incline can cause the pool walls to bow and put immense stress on the frame, so site preparation is non-negotiable.
• Capacity/Performance: Consider the pool’s water capacity, measured in gallons or liters. The Bestway Power Steel Swim Vista II Pool Set holds 7,250 liters (about 1,915 gallons), which dictates the amount of chemicals you’ll need. More importantly, evaluate the included filter pump’s flow rate, measured in gallons per hour (GPH). A pump should be able to circulate the entire volume of water in about 8 hours; the included 530 GPH pump in this set is a known weak point that many owners, including us, recommend upgrading for optimal clarity.
• Materials & Durability: Look for a strong, corrosion-resistant frame, typically made of coated steel. The liner material is equally important; multi-ply PVC is the standard, offering resistance to punctures and UV damage. Bestway’s “Power Steel” frame and patented “Seal & Lock” system are designed specifically to provide a rigid, secure structure that prevents rust and leakage at the joints, a feature that gave us great peace of mind.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Assembly should be straightforward, though it almost always requires at least two people. Look for features that simplify long-term care, like an easy-to-use drain valve and integrated chemical dispensers. Be prepared for a routine of skimming debris, testing water chemistry, and cleaning or replacing filter cartridges. While not overly burdensome, it is a necessary commitment to keep your water safe and sparkling.

While the Bestway Power Steel Swim Vista II 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 Power Steel Swim Vista II Pool Set was an event in itself. The 123-pound box is substantial and definitely requires two people to move. Upon opening it, we were greeted by a neatly organized collection of steel tubes, joints, a tightly folded liner, and separate boxes for the pump, ladder, and accessories. All the frame parts were clearly labeled, which, as one user humorously noted, saved us from a “DIY meltdown.” The liner felt surprisingly thick and sturdy—a significant step up from any inflatable pool we’d ever owned. The gray exterior finish has a modern, premium look that blends nicely into a backyard setting without being an eyesore.

The most intriguing feature, of course, was the four built-in Swim Vista portholes. Our initial thought was that they might be a novelty gimmick, but seeing them in person, they felt well-sealed and robustly integrated into the liner. They immediately sparked our imagination, picturing the fun kids would have peering in and out. The complete package—including a cover, ground cloth, and ladder—gives you the impression of a comprehensive kit, though as our testing would reveal, some components are stronger than others. It’s a set designed to get you started immediately, though a few strategic upgrades can elevate the experience from good to truly great.

Deep Dive: Performance, Fun, and Flaws

After several weeks of daily use, rigorous testing, and plenty of family fun, we’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of where the Bestway Power Steel Swim Vista II Pool Set excels and where it falls short. This isn’t just a pool; it’s a complete backyard system with interconnected parts, each contributing to the overall experience. Here’s our detailed breakdown of its performance.

Assembly and Ground Preparation: The Foundation of a Good Summer

The journey begins with assembly, and the most crucial, non-skippable step is preparing the ground. We can’t stress this enough: your site must be perfectly level. We spent the better part of a morning using a long level and packed sand to create a flat base, and this effort paid off immensely. We saw feedback from a user who set theirs up on slightly uneven grass and ended up with bowing sides; this is a classic and avoidable problem. Taking the time to level the ground ensures the water pressure is distributed evenly, protecting the structural integrity of the frame for years to come.

Once the ground was prepped, the actual pool assembly was surprisingly logical. Bestway’s system of labeled parts and click-together joints makes the process feel like building a giant piece of furniture. We laid the liner out, threaded the top rails through the sleeves, and then began snapping the vertical legs and horizontal supports into place using the patented Seal & Lock connectors. These T-connectors and pin-clips create a secure, rigid frame that feels incredibly solid once assembled. The entire process took us about two hours, moving at a steady, unhurried pace. However, we must note that several users reported receiving their pools with no instructions at all, forcing them to rely on online videos or sheer intuition. While our box included instructions, this appears to be a recurring quality control issue that could turn a simple setup into a frustrating puzzle. Despite this potential hiccup, the intuitive design makes it manageable even for those with minimal DIY experience.

Design, Durability, and Those Famous Swim Vista Windows

Once filled, the pool’s design and construction truly shine. The 14′ x 8′ 2″ rectangular shape is fantastic. It provides a long enough lane for kids to actually swim a bit, rather than just bobbing in a circle, and offers plenty of room for multiple people and floats without feeling crowded. The 39.5″ depth is a perfect family-friendly height—deep enough for adults to comfortably sit and relax, but not so deep as to be overly intimidating for younger, supervised swimmers. The alloy steel frame feels rock-solid, and we never once felt concerned about its ability to contain the nearly 2,000 gallons of water.

Of course, the star feature is the Swim Vista portholes. We’re happy to report they are far more than a gimmick. Our kids were endlessly fascinated by them, pressing their faces to the windows from the outside to watch siblings swim underwater, and vice-versa. It added a whole new dimension of interactive play that you simply don’t get with other pools. From a practical standpoint, we were initially worried about leaks, but the windows are seamlessly bonded to the liner and have remained perfectly watertight. We found user reports going back several years confirming the same, with no issues of leaking from the windows. The durable liner material itself has held up well to active use, resisting scuffs and fading, although one user did note some minor fading on the bottom liner within days. Overall, the core construction of the pool itself feels built to last multiple seasons, offering excellent value and a unique design.

The Achilles’ Heel: Pump, Ladder, and Included Accessories

If the pool frame and liner are the heroes of this story, the included accessories are, unfortunately, the sidekicks that can’t quite keep up. The single most common point of criticism, which we wholeheartedly echo, is the included 530 GPH filter pump. For a pool holding 7,250 liters, this pump is woefully inadequate. A healthy pool requires its entire volume of water to be circulated through the filter at least once every 8-10 hours. This pump would take over 13 hours to do so, and that’s under ideal conditions. In practice, it struggled to create meaningful suction and keep the water clear, especially after a high-use day.

We followed the advice of seasoned owners and immediately invested in a more powerful pump—a 1,500 GPH sand filter. The difference was night and day. The water became crystal clear and maintenance became infinitely easier. This is not a suggestion; we consider a pump upgrade a mandatory expense to truly enjoy the Bestway Power Steel Swim Vista II Pool Set. The ladder is another area of compromise. While it functions, it’s narrow and feels quite wobbly, particularly for adults. As one user aptly put it, it’s “really made for kids not an average adult with hips.” We found ourselves being extra cautious when using it. A wider, sturdier A-frame ladder is another worthy upgrade for safety and comfort. These shortcomings don’t ruin the product, but it’s critical for potential buyers to know that the sticker price for the set isn’t the final cost if you want the best and safest experience.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings align closely with the broader consensus among owners. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding the pool itself, with many calling it the “best purchase of the summer” and a “summer lifesaver.” Users consistently praise the pool’s size, sturdy construction, and the unique fun factor of the Swim Vista windows. One owner, now on their third one, states they “always choose the same one” because of how much fun their family has with it. Another summed it up perfectly: “While I would love an inground pool, this was the next best option and I am totally glad I got it.”

However, the praise for the pool is almost always followed by criticism of the accessories. The phrase “the pump it came with is not nearly large enough” or “useless” appears in numerous reviews. This is the most consistent piece of negative feedback. Similarly, the wobbly ladder is a common complaint, as are occasional quality control issues like missing instructions or, in rare cases, a small leak in the liner upon arrival. Encouragingly, one user who experienced a leak noted that Bestway’s customer service was “easy to get in touch with and fast to respond to make it right.” This suggests that while frustrating, these initial issues can be resolved. You can see the full spectrum of user feedback and experiences here.

How Does the Bestway Power Steel Swim Vista II Pool Set Compare?

To give a full picture, it’s important to see how the Bestway Power Steel Swim Vista II Pool Set stacks up against other popular options on the market. We’ve selected three common alternatives to highlight the differences in size, shape, and target audience.

1. Bestway Steel Pro MAX 10ft Round Pool Set

This is a smaller, round sibling from the same brand. At 10 feet in diameter and 30 inches deep, it’s a significant step down in size and water capacity. This pool is an excellent choice for those with smaller yards or a more limited budget. Its round shape is inherently strong and requires fewer frame pieces, often leading to an even quicker setup. If you’re looking for a simple, compact pool for 2-3 people to cool off in and don’t need the length for swimming or the novelty of the Vista windows, the Steel Pro MAX offers a reliable and more affordable entry point into framed pools.

2. Intex Beachside 10ft x 30in Metal Frame Pool Set

Intex is Bestway’s main competitor, and their 10ft round metal frame pool is a direct challenger to the Steel Pro MAX. The key differentiator here is aesthetics; the Beachside model features a fun, photorealistic ocean print on the liner, which can be a huge hit with kids. In terms of construction, both Intex and Bestway offer similar corrosion-resistant steel frames and durable 3-ply liners. The choice between them often comes down to brand preference, price, and whether you prefer the classic blue interior or the more playful beach design. It serves the same purpose: a great starter pool for small families and tight spaces.

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

The Intex Prism Frame line is often seen as a slight step up in terms of frame design. It features powder-coated steel tubes that are often a slightly different shape (sometimes ovalized) for added strength and a premium look. Functionally, it’s very similar to the other 10ft round pools, offering the same capacity and depth. A family might choose the Prism Frame if they prioritize the enhanced frame aesthetics and are willing to potentially pay a small premium for it. However, like the other alternatives, it can’t compete with the Bestway Power Steel Swim Vista II Pool Set on sheer size and swimming area.

Our Final Verdict: A Fantastic Pool That Needs Better Friends

After extensive use and analysis, our verdict on the Bestway Power Steel Swim Vista II Pool Set is resoundingly positive, but with a crucial caveat. The core product—the liner, the frame, and the unique Swim Vista windows—is fantastic. It offers a durable, spacious, and genuinely fun swimming experience that provides incredible value for the money. It’s the perfect size for families who want to do more than just sit in water, providing enough room for floating, splashing, and playing. The portholes are a brilliant feature that elevates it beyond a simple container of water into an interactive play structure.

The recommendation, however, comes with the strong advice to treat this product as a “pool kit” rather than an all-in-one solution. You should go into the purchase fully expecting to upgrade the filter pump immediately and likely the ladder down the line. Factoring in the cost of a better pump (around $150-$200) is essential for a frustration-free summer. If you can accept this added expense, you will be rewarded with a backyard oasis that far exceeds its price point. We recommend it for any family seeking an affordable, high-quality above-ground pool, provided they’re prepared to make the necessary upgrades to unlock its full potential. If you’re ready to transform your backyard this summer, you can check the latest price and availability for the Bestway Power Steel Swim Vista II Pool Set here.