Bestway Steel Pro MAX 18' x 48" Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Pump

UPDATE: 14SEPT, I've added 3 new images to show you the legs of the pool. Still not a single bit of rust, no bowing- even though the pool is set up crooked, raised on two sides low on the other two. There's not a single indication that this pool is failing and we are nearing the end of summer, the second year. I absolutely love this pool. Every time I go outside, I'm always putting my arms in it and just gliding them through the water just for the feel, and the relaxation of water on my arms, even if I don't get in it that day. It's so relaxing. 🥰 ORIGINAL REVIEW: 01JUL2026 ​I actually purchased this pool late last year and only had it set up for about six weeks. My son and I assembled it ourselves with only minor struggles (and a few choice words 😉). While it was up last year, I had no issues with leaks or failing seams. The filter and skimmer worked just fine and did their job. When the season ended, I drained it myself, wiped it down, folded it up, and stored it in a pool bag. ​Fast forward to this year: I’ve had it up for about two weeks now, and assembly only took about an hour with two of us. It seems to have lost some water, but I’m not sure if that’s due to leveling issues; there are no visible wall leaks, but I'm keeping an eye on it. Still, I’ll be taking it down again to try leveling the ground for the umpteenth time—that's easily the worst part. Pro tip: Rent a skid steer to do it right the first time, or find someone who owes you a huge favor. Other than ground prep, setup couldn't be simpler. It took a full day to fill, but my first swim this year was pure heaven. Nothing beats the brutal mid-summer heat like a dip in the pool! ​Things I Recommend & Noticed ​Value: An absolutely great value for what you get! It comes with the filter, skimmer, ground tarp, ladder, and pool cover. The only extra thing you need to buy right away are the water treatment chemicals. ​Stability: It’s as stable as any other soft-sided above-ground pool. I haven't had any issues with the posts bowing or rusting. My main advice is to keep people off the sides and take the pool down when the season ends (or keep it properly covered). You cannot leave this pool exposed to winter elements and expect the posts to last for years. ​Ground Leveling: This is by far the most tedious part of the setup—it is miserable and time-consuming, so do it right the first time. I suggest placing a 48-inch level on top of a 2x4, using a tiller, and digging down to level the ground. If you’ve never leveled ground for a pool before, I highly recommend watching several YouTube tutorials before you start. ​Recommended Upgrades for Your Setup ​Filter System: The included filter system gets the job done, but you'll spend a lot of time cleaning the pool and adding chemicals to keep the water clear. I strongly suggest upgrading the filter when you can. I switched to a sand filter system using filter balls instead of traditional sand, and it works wonderfully. ​Ladder: You’ll likely want to replace the included ladder. While functional, it’s fairly flimsy. ​Skimmer: The skimmer works flawlessly! Just make sure it’s positioned correctly and it will do its job without a hitch. (I wish I had included that in my video!) ​Chlorine Dispenser: Get a floating chlorine tablet dispenser. It makes maintaining water clarity a breeze. ​Optional Extras I Added ​Lighting: I added three solar-powered RGB LED lights—one sidewall light that changes the water color, and two floating lights that project displays onto the bottom. ​Ladder Accessories: I added a protective mat under the ladder inside the pool to safeguard the liner, along with two 50-lb sandbags to keep the ladder steady. ​Keep in mind that aside from chemicals, the pool comes with everything you need to get up and running—you don't need to buy additional accessories. I only added these extras to make maintenance easier and enhance the experience. Overall, I highly recommend this pool for the cost. You simply can't beat it!

We are very happy with this pool. The setup was straightforward, and the frame feels sturdy and well made. It’s the perfect size for our family, and the 48-inch depth is great for both kids and adults. The liner is durable, and the pool has held up well so far. It’s been a great addition for staying cool during the summer. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a quality above-ground poo

We absolutely love this pool! The assembly was much easier than we expected, and everything fit together without any hassle. It’s sturdy, spacious, and has been the perfect addition for summer. The quality is excellent for the price, and our family has already spent countless hours enjoying it. If you’re looking for an above-ground pool that’s simple to set up and offers great value, I highly recommend this one!

Purchased Steel Pro Max 18x48 July 7, 2024. I didnt use the pump, I have a sand filter so I use that, cant comment on the filter/pump. The pool is easy to assemble, and doesn't take very long, especially if you have help. However it is the only pool iver ever bought that didn't last more than a year. The beginning of 2026 i went to reset it in preparation for the summer and the images attached are how it looked. While im sure its from the sun exposure, all the pools have sat in the same area and have never had this. I expected to get at least two years out of it. The replacement liner is almost the cost of a new one, which is disappointing; Either way its easy, user friendly, and 99% of the time there's no issues with Best Way pools. Keep it shaded lol

I bought this pool expecting to get more than one season out of it. Unfortunately, the liner failed after one season of normal use, and now I had to pay full price for a replacement liner just to keep using the pool. I contacted Bestway and was told the warranty is only 180 days. I understand that is their policy, but that does not make this acceptable. I was not even demanding a free replacement. I asked if they could at least offer a discount or some kind of assistance on a replacement liner since the product failed so quickly. The representative put me on hold while checking with a supervisor, then came back and said there was no discount, no assistance, and no exception available. The answer was basically: the warranty is over, the price is the price, buy another one. That tells me everything I need to know about this company. They are happy to sell you the pool, but when a major part fails after one season, you are on your own. I ended up buying the replacement liner at full price because my family wanted to use the pool and there is only so much summer left. But I do not feel good about it, and I definitely do not feel good about Bestway as a brand anymore. This pool now feels like a trap: once the liner fails, you are stuck paying them again if you want to keep using the frame and equipment you already bought. I would not buy this again, and I would not recommend it to anyone expecting long-term value. A pool this expensive should not fail after one season, and a company that stands behind its products should be willing to do more than hide behind a 180-day warranty.

I will never be without a pool again, thx to this one. Easy to put up and feels amazing. Comes with a cover also. Secure tie the ladder to the pool for more stability getting it and out. With nice float , you are set for a cooler summer.

Pool was pretty easy to install. Instructions were clear. Only used a 2nd person to add the legs to make it easier, but it could be done with 1 person. Once the pool was filling, had to go back and tighten the hoses due to small leaks around the rubber washers. Thought all was going well until the pool started leaking near the top due to a small puncture that came with the pool. Luckily they provided a few clear patches to fix the issue but there shouldn't have been an issue in the 1st place. Luckily it was at the top where I didnt have to go in and apply the patch fully under water. As of now the patch is holding, but again, pretty disappointing that the pool came with a hole to begin with.

I purchased this above ground pool for the summer, it's a great addition to my backyard. The set up was easy with two people, and instructions were easy to follow. It gives me confidence that it will last for multiple seasons. Its stability and ground level gives you back the value for money. Great price value. I highly recommend this pool.

Great pool! Set up wasn’t overly difficult and the delivery was quick. Great sized pool for my 10 and 7 year old!

We bought it end of fall last year, we absolutely love the quality !!! The frame is so nice and sturdy!!

Exactly as pictured very nice pool easy set up we are very pleased

5 Stars – Great Value for the Money! We bought this swimming pool for just a fraction of what a similar professional setup would cost, and honestly, we couldn’t be happier. It works just as well and does exactly what we need it to do—keeps the kids happy, cool, and entertained for hours! Setup was straightforward, the quality feels solid, and it holds up really well even with regular use. If you’re looking for a pool that delivers the same results without breaking the bank, this is absolutely the way to go.

Easy to set up, quality of pool materials are great. Our summers are short, so after cleaning and storing for the winter (indoors) it came out in almost new condition. Had a missing piece initially, contacted the company and was sent missing piece within days. The ONLY thing is the cover. It does go on when your pool has enough water, but I can not put it on alone. Then to keep the tension along the sides so it doesn't collapse inwards may cause fights to start. Great pool!