Bestway Steel Pro 13 Ft Rectangular Above Ground Pool Review: Your Backyard Oasis on a Budget?

I remember those long, scorching summer afternoons from my childhood. The air would get thick and heavy, the sun would beat down relentlessly, and the only escape was a frantic run through a lawn sprinkler. As I got older and started my own family, I saw that same restless energy in my kids. The neighborhood pool was often overcrowded and expensive, and the cheap inflatable pools we tried were a constant source of frustration—puncturing easily and turning into a saggy, uninviting mess within weeks. The dream was always a real, sturdy pool in the backyard, a private oasis to escape the heat, but the cost and permanence of an in-ground pool felt like a distant fantasy. We needed something that offered the stability of a real pool without the five-figure price tag and backyard excavation. That search for the perfect middle ground is what led us to investigate framed, above-ground pools, a category where finding the right balance of size, durability, and value is everything.

What to Consider Before Buying a Framed Above Ground Pool

A framed swimming pool is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for creating summer fun and lasting memories without the commitment of a permanent installation. It solves the problem of intense summer heat by providing an accessible, refreshing retreat right in your own yard. Unlike flimsy inflatable options, a steel-framed pool offers superior rigidity and durability, allowing for more vigorous play and a much longer lifespan. The primary benefits are affordability, semi-portability (you can take it down for the winter), and a significantly easier installation process compared to in-ground pools. It’s the perfect way to test the waters of pool ownership.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a family with young children who have outgrown splash pads, a homeowner or even a renter with a suitable backyard space who wants to maximize their summer enjoyment on a budget. It’s also for anyone who lives in a climate with brutally hot summers and craves a convenient way to cool off. However, it might not be suitable for those who desire a deep pool for diving or swimming serious laps, or for individuals who are unwilling to perform routine maintenance like water testing and filtration. For those seeking a more permanent, integrated backyard feature, a professionally installed in-ground or on-ground pool would be a better, albeit far more expensive, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The first step is always to measure your intended space. The Bestway Steel Pro 13 Ft Rectangular Above Ground Pool requires a footprint of approximately 13 feet by 7 feet, plus about two feet of clearance on all sides for the support legs and for safe access. Crucially, the ground must be perfectly level. Even a slight slope can cause uneven pressure on the frame and liner, potentially leading to failure.
• Capacity/Performance: This pool holds 1,506 gallons of water. This volume is significant enough to require chemical treatment (like chlorine or bromine) to keep it clean and safe, but manageable enough that it won’t cause a massive spike in your water bill. Understanding this capacity is key to buying the correct amount of chemicals and, most importantly, selecting an appropriately sized filter pump, which is not included with this model.
• Materials & Durability: This is where the Bestway Steel Pro truly shines. The frame is made of corrosion-proof steel connected with a proprietary FrameLink system for a secure, rigid structure. The liner isn’t standard PVC; it’s Bestway’s own DuraPlus material, a 3-ply reinforced vinyl that boasts significantly higher resistance to tears, punctures, and stretching from UV exposure. This focus on material quality is a major indicator of the pool’s potential longevity.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: While setup is marketed as “no-tool,” it still requires time and careful attention to instructions. Long-term care is the most critical factor. This involves regular water testing, chemical balancing, running a filter pump (which you must purchase separately), and eventually, a plan for winterizing and storing the pool if you live in a cold climate.

Making the right choice upfront will ensure you spend your summer splashing and relaxing, not dealing with frustrating maintenance issues.

While the Bestway Steel Pro 13 Ft Rectangular Above Ground Pool 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 and Unboxing the Bestway Steel Pro

The pool arrived in a single, surprisingly compact box weighing around 28 kilograms (about 62 lbs). It’s manageable for one strong person to move, but easier with two. Upon opening, all the components were neatly organized: the folded blue DuraPlus liner, the steel frame poles sorted by length, the plastic corner joints and T-connectors, and a small repair patch. There are no tools included because, true to their word, none are needed. Our initial reaction was one of reassurance. The steel poles felt substantial and had a smooth, protective coating. The liner itself was the most impressive part; it felt noticeably thicker and more robust than the standard vinyl on cheaper inflatable pools we’ve handled in the past. You can feel the reinforced, multi-layer construction that Bestway boasts about. The assembly instructions are purely pictorial, which we’ll discuss later, but laying out all the clearly marked parts gave us immediate confidence that this was a well-thought-out kit designed for homeowner assembly. It immediately felt like a significant upgrade from anything you’d find in the seasonal aisle of a big-box store. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of the build quality.

A Deep Dive into the Bestway Steel Pro Pool’s Performance

A pool’s true worth is measured over the course of a hot, sun-drenched summer. It’s about more than just holding water; it’s about reliability, safety, and ease of ownership. We put the Bestway Steel Pro 13 Ft Rectangular Above Ground Pool through its paces, from the initial build to daily use and maintenance, to see if its real-world performance lives up to its promising specs.

Assembly and Setup: A Reality Check

Bestway’s “no-tool setup” claim is technically accurate. The FrameLink system uses plastic T-connectors and pins that snap the steel tubes together without any need for screws or wrenches. Our assembly, with two people, took just under an hour, which aligns perfectly with user reports. As one happy customer noted, “It was easy to put together with two people.” Another, a self-proclaimed “60 year old lady,” impressively put it up entirely by herself. This speaks volumes about the intuitive design. However, the process isn’t without its hurdles, and the primary culprit is the instructions. They consist entirely of diagrams with no written text. For visual learners, this is fine. We found that by laying out all the parts and matching them to the diagram, the process was logical. But for those who prefer step-by-step written guidance, it can be a source of frustration. One user mentioned it took them “about 5 hours to install because the instructions,” forcing them to consult online videos. Our expert advice: lay everything out on a tarp first, identify all your A, B, and C poles, and take your time. The most critical, non-negotiable step is ensuring your ground is perfectly level. We spent more time prepping the ground than building the pool, and it paid off. Even a half-inch difference can cause the sides to bow once 1,500 gallons of water are pushing against them.

Durability and Construction: The Steel Frame and DuraPlus Liner

This is where the Bestway Steel Pro 13 Ft Rectangular Above Ground Pool genuinely separates itself from the competition in its price bracket. The foundation of its strength is the corrosion-proof steel frame. The poles are robust and lock together with a satisfying click, creating a rigid skeleton that shows no signs of wobble or weakness. This system is a core reason users consistently describe the pool as “very sturdy” and a “great quality” product. One of the cleverest design elements we appreciated, also highlighted by a user, is the flat plastic pieces on each corner. They add to the stability and provide a convenient spot to set a drink or even for a lighter adult to sit on momentarily. But the star of the show is the DuraPlus liner. This isn’t just marketing hype; the material feels substantially tougher than standard PVC. Bestway claims it has 83% more puncture resistance and 33% more stretch resistance. In practice, this means it’s better equipped to handle kids’ boisterous play, accidental bumps from backyard toys, and the relentless stress of summer sun. This is confirmed by numerous long-term users, one of whom stated, “I bought this pool in May… It’s held up great! No holes or rips.” This combination of a rigid steel skeleton and a fortified liner gives us immense confidence that, with proper care, this pool will last for many summers.

Size, Capacity, and Everyday Use

At 13 feet long, nearly 7 feet wide, and 32 inches tall, this pool hits a sweet spot for backyard fun. Let’s be clear: you won’t be training for the Olympics in it. But for its intended purpose, the size is perfect. The 32-inch height means the water level sits at about 28-29 inches when 90% full, a depth we found ideal. It’s deep enough for our 6- and 8-year-old testers to genuinely swim and practice floating—as one user celebrated, “My grandson has learned to float, flip and dunk this summer!”—yet it’s shallow enough that parents can relax without the constant anxiety associated with deeper pools. For adults, it’s the perfect “cocktail pool” depth, excellent for lounging on a float or just sitting on the bottom to escape the oppressive heat. We found it comfortably accommodates two adults and two children with plenty of room to splash around. The 1,506-gallon capacity took several hours to fill with a standard garden hose, but it’s a manageable volume. This amount of water is easy to treat with a simple floating chlorine dispenser and weekly testing, preventing the dreaded green algae bloom that plagues so many temporary pools.

The Pump Situation and Essential Upgrades

Here we arrive at the pool’s most significant caveat: it does not include a filter pump. While this keeps the initial purchase price incredibly competitive, a pump is not an optional accessory—it is an absolute necessity for keeping the water clean and safe. The pool is thoughtfully designed with inlet and outlet ports, complete with plugs if you choose not to use a pump initially (we strongly advise against this). The user community is unanimous on this point. Review after review recommends purchasing a separate, more powerful pump. The Intex Krystal Clear series, particularly the 1000 GPH model, is a frequently mentioned and highly successful pairing. We concur with this advice. Investing an additional sum in a quality pump will save you countless hours and dollars in chemicals and manual cleaning down the line. Beyond the pump, we also followed user suggestions and placed interlocking foam gym tiles under the pool. This provides a soft floor and, more importantly, an extra layer of protection for the liner against rocks or roots. A solar cover is another wise investment to help warm the water and reduce evaporation and debris. These small, upfront additions transform the pool from a basic kit into a complete, low-maintenance summer system.

What Other Users Are Saying

After our own extensive testing, we combed through hundreds of user experiences to see how our findings aligned with the broader public. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the pool’s sturdiness and value being the most commonly praised attributes. One user perfectly summarized this, saying it’s a “Really nice upgrade from the inflatable pool we had before… Seems like great quality and is very sturdy!” Another echoed this, stating it’s “Absolutely worth the money just perfect for relaxing, product very sturdy.” The ease of assembly was also a frequent highlight, with many, like the user who assembled it alone in under two hours, finding the process straightforward despite the instructions.

The most consistent piece of critical feedback centers on the picture-only instruction manual. A user who ultimately loved the pool admitted, “The bad thing about it is that the instructions are terrible… Took me about 5 hours to install because the instructions but once i figured it out it was a breeze.” This is a valid critique; a few lines of text would go a long way. The other notable issue, mentioned by one user, was the sides buckling. While they attributed it to a design flaw, this experience seems to be an outlier and is most often linked to setting the pool up on even slightly unlevel ground, which puts immense, uneven pressure on the frame.

How the Bestway Steel Pro Compares to the Competition

The Bestway Steel Pro 13 Ft Rectangular Above Ground Pool doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The market is filled with options, and understanding how it stacks up against key rivals is crucial for making an informed decision. We’ve analyzed three top alternatives to see who might prefer them and why.

1. Bestway Steel Pro Rectangular Above Ground Pool Set with Filter Pump

This is essentially the smaller sibling to the pool we reviewed. Measuring just under 10 feet long and 26 inches deep, it’s designed for smaller yards or families with very young children. Its key advantage is that it comes as a complete set, including a 330 GPH Flowclear filter pump. This is a compelling option for someone who wants an all-in-one solution without the guesswork of buying a separate pump. However, the trade-off is significant: you get a much smaller swimming area and a pump that is on the lower end of the power spectrum. This alternative is best for those with tight space constraints who prioritize convenience over size and filtration power.

2. Funsicle 8′ x 30″ Round Above Ground Pool Set

The Funsicle Activity Pool offers a different approach with its round shape and compact 8-foot diameter. Round pools are inherently strong structurally and can be a better fit for square-ish yard spaces. Like the smaller Bestway, this Funsicle model comes as a complete package, including an innovative SkimmerPlus 2-in-1 filter pump that integrates a skimmer directly into the filtration system—a clever feature for keeping surface debris at bay. This pool is ideal for someone who needs a very small footprint and values the integrated skimming feature, but it offers far less room for swimming than our main Bestway model.

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

Intex is Bestway’s primary competitor, and this 10-foot round metal frame pool is a direct rival. It’s known for its easy setup and durable, puncture-resistant 3-ply material, much like the Bestway. This set also includes a 330 GPH cartridge filter pump, making it a complete, out-of-the-box solution. The choice between this Intex model and our reviewed Bestway pool comes down to priorities. If you prefer a round shape and the absolute convenience of an included pump, the Intex is a fantastic choice. If you’re willing to buy your own, more powerful pump, the Bestway Steel Pro 13 Ft Rectangular Above Ground Pool offers a more spacious, rectangular swimming area for a comparable base price.

Final Verdict: Is the Bestway Steel Pro 13 Ft Pool the Right Choice for You?

After weeks of testing, assembly, and enjoyment, our conclusion is clear: the Bestway Steel Pro 13 Ft Rectangular Above Ground Pool is an outstanding product that delivers exceptional value for its price. Its true strengths lie in the robust, corrosion-proof steel frame and the remarkably tough DuraPlus liner, which together create a pool that feels like it should cost significantly more. It provides the perfect amount of space for a family to cool off, play, and create lasting summer memories without breaking the bank.

The primary consideration is that it’s a “pool-only” package. You must be prepared to invest in a separate filter pump to maintain water clarity and hygiene. Additionally, while assembly is straightforward, a little patience (or a quick search for an online tutorial) is needed to navigate the picture-only instructions. For families who want a durable, spacious, and reliable backyard pool and are willing to make the small extra investment in a good pump, this is unequivocally one of the best choices on the market. It’s a fantastic foundation for a summer of fun. If you’re ready to transform your backyard into a cool, refreshing escape, we highly recommend you check the latest price and availability for the Bestway Steel Pro pool.