Bestway Steel Pro Deluxe Splash Frame Pool Review: Your Compact Backyard Oasis Examined

I remember that scorching July afternoon like it was yesterday. The sun was relentless, the air thick and still, and the kids were practically melting with boredom indoors. My backyard, while not huge, felt like wasted space, a sun-baked patch of grass just begging for a purpose. We dreamed of a pool, a place to splash, laugh, and escape the heat, but the thought of a permanent, in-ground installation was financially and logistically out of the question. Inflatable kiddie pools were a constant cycle of patching, deflating, and disappointment. We needed something more substantial, something durable that could last the season, yet compact enough for our modest space and simple enough for us to handle ourselves. This search for the perfect middle ground—more robust than an inflatable, less commitment than a permanent pool—is what led us to the world of framed above-ground pools, and specifically, to the Bestway Steel Pro Deluxe Splash Frame Pool.

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 transforming your backyard into a seasonal hub of family fun and relaxation. Unlike flimsy inflatable options, these pools offer superior structural integrity thanks to their steel frames, providing a safer and more durable environment for everyone. They represent a fantastic compromise, delivering a near-permanent pool experience for a fraction of the cost and without the need for extensive excavation or construction. The main benefit is accessibility—bringing the joy of a private pool to families who might be limited by budget, space, or rental agreements.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the classic dilemma of a small-to-medium-sized yard and a desire for seasonal water fun. It’s perfect for families with younger children who are building their swimming confidence, as the depth is manageable and less intimidating. It’s also a great fit for couples or individuals who just want a personal spot to cool off with a floatie. However, it might not be suitable for those who want to swim laps, practice diving, or host large pool parties with many adults. If you have a sprawling backyard and a larger budget, a more permanent steel-walled or semi-inground pool might be a better long-term investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Measure your intended area meticulously. Remember to account not just for the pool’s dimensions (9’8″ x 6’7″) but also for the out-rigging support legs, which extend beyond the main frame. As one user wisely noted, “the pool dimensions are as advertised but it will be bigger after setup due to the poles that extend our further.” You’ll need a flat, level surface and at least a few feet of clearance around the entire perimeter for safe access and maintenance.
• Capacity/Performance: With a capacity of 3,300 liters (about 872 gallons), this pool is designed for splashing and cooling off, not serious swimming. Consider who will be using it. We found it’s perfect for a couple of adults to lounge or for a group of small children to play comfortably. One owner confirmed our findings, stating they could fit “up to 8 kids in the pool without no problem,” which speaks to its surprising roominess for its footprint.
• Materials & Durability: The backbone of the Bestway Steel Pro Deluxe Splash Frame Pool is its alloy steel frame and 3-ply PVC liner. The steel is coated to resist rust and corrosion, while the PVC is designed to withstand UV rays and prevent tearing. While significantly more durable than single-layer vinyl in inflatable pools, proper care, especially during off-season storage, is critical to prevent punctures and extend its life.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A key selling point is the tool-free assembly. However, the real long-term commitment is maintenance. This pool does not typically ship with a filter pump, which is essential for keeping the water clean and circulated. You must be prepared to invest in a pump, skimmer, and basic chemical treatments (like chlorine tabs) to prevent algae growth and maintain water hygiene.

While the Bestway Steel Pro Deluxe Splash Frame 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: Unboxing and Assembling Our Summer Oasis

The Bestway Steel Pro Deluxe Splash Frame Pool arrived in a surprisingly manageable box, weighing just under 40 pounds. Unpacking it, we laid out all the components: the vibrant blue 3-ply PVC liner, the collection of coated steel poles and connectors, and the various small parts. The initial feel of the liner was reassuringly thick and substantial, a clear step up from the inflatable pools of our past. The steel poles felt lightweight yet strong, with a smooth finish from their protective coating.

The instruction manual was a bit intimidating at first, mostly relying on diagrams. However, as one user pointed out, “once I got going, it was intuitive and easy to set up.” We found this to be true. The process is a matter of connecting the corresponding frame pieces and threading them through the sleeves on the liner. It’s a tool-free design that relies on simple push-pin connections. Working together, my partner and I had the frame fully assembled in under an hour, a sentiment echoed by several owners. The most critical step is ensuring the ground is perfectly level before you begin filling. Once assembly was complete, the pool looked sturdy and impressively larger than we’d imagined from the box. You can see its full specifications and user-submitted photos to get a better sense of its scale.

Performance Deep Dive: How the Bestway Steel Pro Deluxe Holds Up

A pool’s true test isn’t the setup; it’s how it performs through the dog days of summer. It’s about the durability of the materials, the practicality of its size, and the reality of its day-to-day maintenance. We put the Bestway Steel Pro Deluxe Splash Frame Pool through its paces to see if it’s truly the backyard hero it claims to be.

Assembly and Installation: A True DIY Project?

Bestway advertises a quick and simple, tool-free setup, and we can confirm they deliver on this promise. The entire process felt like assembling a giant, satisfying puzzle. The poles click together with locking pins, and the liner is clearly marked, making it difficult to go wrong. Our experience mirrored that of many users; a 40-something female reviewer noted she set it up entirely by herself in about 2.5 hours, including the pump she purchased separately. Another couple reported they finished in just over an hour. The key, which cannot be overstated, is ground preparation. We spent an extra 30 minutes ensuring our chosen spot was perfectly level, clearing away any sharp stones or twigs. Some users have taken this a step further for added comfort and protection, with one mentioning, “We put large foam tiles under it for a little cushion,” which is a brilliant and inexpensive upgrade we highly recommend.

Filling the pool is the final step, and it takes time—about two hours with our standard garden hose. The built-in flow-controlled drain valve is a thoughtful feature, making the end-of-season teardown much less of a chore. Overall, the assembly is genuinely a user-friendly, two-person job that doesn’t require any special skills or tools, making this pool accessible to just about anyone. It truly lives up to its promise of a hassle-free setup, which is a massive win for those who just want to get to the fun part.

Durability and Construction: Built for Summer Fun or a Single Season?

This is where framed pools separate themselves from their inflatable cousins. The strength of the Bestway Steel Pro Deluxe Splash Frame Pool comes from its dual-component system: the powder-coated alloy steel frame and the tear-resistant 3-ply PVC liner. During our testing, the frame felt incredibly rigid and stable once filled with water. The kids could splash and play without us worrying about the walls bowing or collapsing. The liner material, which Bestway calls DuraPlus, feels thick and resilient, designed to withstand sun exposure and the general wear and tear of family use.

Long-term durability reports are encouraging. One user is happily on their “3rd summer” with the same pool, a testament to its potential longevity with proper care. However, the steel frame is not invincible. Another user reported that after just one 4-month season, “all of the poles are rusted out.” This highlights the absolute necessity of thoroughly drying every component before storing it for the winter. To combat this, one particularly clever owner shared a fantastic tip: “For greater durability of the tubes, my husband painted them with gray anti-corrosion treatment.” This proactive step could significantly extend the life of the frame. The liner itself is also patchable, as one person noted after accidentally puncturing theirs during storage, calling the repair “easy peasy.” The takeaway is clear: this pool is built to last multiple seasons, but its lifespan is directly tied to the care you give it during setup, use, and especially, winter storage. You can check the latest price and user feedback on its durability for more insights.

Size, Capacity, and Everyday Use: Who is this Pool Really For?

At 9’8″ long, 6’7″ wide, and 26″ deep, this pool carves out a unique niche. It’s not a lap pool, but we found it to be a perfect “splash and lounge” zone. For our family, it was a revelation. The kids had ample room to play with their toys and practice blowing bubbles, while I could easily fit in on a pool float to relax. As one reviewer aptly put it, “I can even get in with a float to lay out!” The 26-inch depth is the magic number for families with young children. It’s deep enough for a refreshing dip and for kids to feel like they’re in a “real” pool, but shallow enough to ease parental anxiety and build water confidence. We saw this in action as one parent noted it was tall enough that their 3-year-old needed a ladder, which they saw as a positive safety feature.

The rectangular shape is also more space-efficient for games like Marco Polo than a round pool of a similar volume. We were pleasantly surprised by how many people it could accommodate. One of the most telling reviews stated, “You can fit about 6 adults comfortably and I had up to 8 kids in the pool without no problem.” This confirmed our experience: the Bestway Steel Pro Deluxe Splash Frame Pool punches well above its weight class in terms of usable space, making it a fantastic social hub for small gatherings and family afternoons. It’s the perfect size for those who want to maximize fun in a minimal footprint.

The Hidden Costs: What’s NOT in the Box?

This is perhaps the most critical section for potential buyers. While the upfront cost of the Bestway Steel Pro Deluxe Splash Frame Pool is highly attractive, it is not an all-in-one kit. The most significant and frequently mentioned omission is a filter pump. One frustrated user summed it up perfectly: “Great for small yards, would have been nice if it came with filter. We had to purchase one separate! Very disappointed!” This is a recurring theme, and it’s essential to factor this additional expense into your budget from the start. A filter pump is not an optional luxury; it’s a necessity for circulating water and keeping it clean and safe for swimming.

Beyond the pump, you will need a basic chemical starter kit (chlorine or a saltwater system), a test kit to monitor water balance, and a skimmer net for removing leaves and debris. Many users also recommend purchasing a ground cloth to protect the liner’s underside and a pool cover to keep the water clean when not in use. While the product listing we reviewed mentioned these items as “Included Components,” numerous user reviews state their package was pool-only. It’s vital to verify the contents of the specific package you are purchasing at the time of sale. By planning for these essential add-ons, you can avoid disappointment and ensure you have everything needed to properly enjoy and maintain your new pool from day one.

What Other Users Are Saying

After our hands-on testing, we delved into a broad spectrum of user feedback to ensure our experience was typical. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with most users celebrating the pool’s incredible value and ease of setup. One owner, who customized theirs by painting the exterior and building a surround, called it a “little summer splurge” and “well worth it.” Another simply said, “The product is of very good quality and resistant, without a doubt it is the perfect entertainment to enjoy as a family 10/10.” Many, like us, were surprised by its size, with one reviewer noting, “We love the pool it’s actually a lot bigger than I originally thought it was going to be.”

However, the negative feedback consistently highlights two key areas. The most common complaint, by far, is the lack of an included filter pump. This caused significant frustration for buyers who expected an all-in-one solution, like the parent whose son’s birthday gift was delayed and incomplete. The second issue is quality control. While rare, a few users reported receiving liners with leaks straight out of the box. One particularly unlucky customer found “not one, but two huge leaks” upon their first fill. While this seems to be an exception rather than the rule, it’s a potential risk worth noting when considering your purchase of the Bestway Steel Pro Deluxe Splash Frame Pool.

How Does the Bestway Steel Pro Deluxe Splash Frame Pool Compare to the Alternatives?

While the Bestway Steel Pro Deluxe Splash Frame Pool excels in its niche, it’s important to understand the broader market. Depending on your space, budget, and needs, one of its competitors might be a better fit.

1. Bestway Steel Pro 10 Foot Round Pool Set

This is a direct competitor from the same brand, offering a different shape and, crucially, an included filter pump. If your available space is more of a square than a rectangle, this 10-foot round pool might be a more efficient fit. It provides a similar water depth and ease of setup. The primary reason to choose this alternative over our reviewed model is the convenience of getting the pump in the same box. However, you sacrifice the elongated shape which, in our opinion, feels a bit more spacious and is better suited for lounging on a float or for kids’ games.

2. Aquarian Phoenix 15′ Steel-Frame Pool Kit

The Aquarian Phoenix represents a significant step up in size, permanence, and price. This is less of a seasonal splash pool and more of a semi-permanent backyard feature. With its 15-foot diameter and robust steel-walled construction, it’s designed for those with more yard space and a larger budget who want a more durable, long-term solution. It’s a great choice for families with older children or those who entertain more frequently, but it lacks the simplicity, portability, and small-footprint convenience of the Bestway Steel Pro Deluxe.

3. Intex Prism Frame Oval Pool Set 20ft x 10ft x 48in

The Intex Prism Frame is the premium option in this comparison. It’s a massive upgrade in every respect: size (20ft x 10ft), depth (a full 48 inches), and features. This comprehensive set includes a powerful 1500 GPH cartridge filter pump, a ladder, a ground cloth, and a pool cover—everything you need is in the box. This is the pool for someone who wants the full above-ground experience without compromise. It’s ideal for swimming short laps and hosting larger groups. However, its cost, massive footprint, and significant water volume make it overkill for those with small yards or young children.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Bestway Steel Pro Deluxe Splash Frame Pool Right for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently recommend the Bestway Steel Pro Deluxe Splash Frame Pool, but with a crucial caveat. This is an exceptional entry-level framed pool for a specific user: someone with a small to medium-sized yard, young children, and a modest budget. Its combination of easy setup, surprising durability for the price, and a perfect “splash depth” makes it a fantastic tool for creating lasting summer memories. It transforms a boring patch of grass into a genuine backyard oasis.

However, you must go into this purchase with your eyes open. Be prepared to immediately buy a compatible filter pump and basic maintenance supplies, as they are not included. If you understand this from the outset and factor it into your budget, you are getting an incredible value. For its intended purpose—providing an affordable, accessible, and fun way to beat the heat—it’s a resounding success. If you’re ready to make this summer the best one yet for your family, we believe the Bestway Steel Pro Deluxe Splash Frame Pool is an investment in fun that you won’t regret. You can check its current price and availability right here.