I’ve owned the Bestway Steel Pro Max 12ft swimming pool for three summers now, using it for about four months each year, and it’s time to reflect on its performance after draining and packing it away for winter. If you’re considering investing in an above ground pool for your garden, here’s a detailed review based on my long term experience.
Durability and Build Quality
After three years of consistent summer use, the pool’s overall condition is good. The steel frame is good quality but has developed some surface rust, mainly on the inside of the poles. Fortunately, it’s nothing serious, and the rust hasn’t affected the structural integrity of the pool. Before next summer, I’ll sand the rust away and spray some Rust-Oleum or a similar product on the inside of the poles to keep them protected for next few years. The plastic parts, fittings, and tubing are still going strong with no signs of wear or brittleness.
The pool liner, which I was most concerned about, has held up very well. No leaks, punctures, or signs of weakening, which is reassuring given the amount of use it’s had over the years.
Upgraded Pump for Better Performance
One of the first things I did was upgrade the pool’s standard pump to an Intex sand filter pump. The upgraded pump has a much higher flow rate, which greatly improves water circulation and filtration. Even when chlorine levels were lower than ideal, the water remained crystal clear thanks to the superior filtration system.
I highly recommend upgrading the pump if you can. The one that comes with the pool is functional but underpowered, especially when the pool is in regular use. A better pump and filter system ensures less maintenance and cleaner water throughout the season.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Setting up the pool is straightforward and manageable, though it does take time to fill, as it holds around 6500L of water. For me, it took about 8 hours using a garden hose, though this will vary depending on your water pressure.
Once filled, regular maintenance (testing pH levels, adding chlorine, and keeping the filter running) will keep the water clean and safe for swimming. With the upgraded pump, maintenance has been even easier. Since upgrading, I’ve had no issues with water clarity, even when chlorine has accidentally dipped well below where it should have been.
The Ladder
One minor issue I’ve encountered is with the pool ladder. While it’s functional, it can be quite stiff to take apart at the end of the season. In fact, I’ve had to use a rubber mallet on occasion to help dismantle it, and as a result, some of the plastic has chipped in places. The ladder is otherwise good and easy to put together. It has a safety feature to lock the latter in an upward position to keep children and pets from getting into the pool.
Setup and Dismantling
In terms of setup, the pool takes around an hour to assemble, which is reasonable for a pool of this size. Dismantling, however, can take a little longer due to the need to dry and fold the liner neatly back into its box. Ensuring the pool is thoroughly dry before packing it away is crucial to avoid mildew or damage during storage.
Longevity
Given the current condition of the pool, I fully expect to get at least another three years out of it, if not more. While it’s not a permanent installation, it’s clear that Bestway designed this pool to withstand several summers of use, provided you take care of it during the off-season by cleaning, drying, and storing it properly.
Final Thoughts
The Bestway Steel Pro Max 12ft pool has been a fantastic addition to our summers. With a few upgrades and accessories—particularly the pump/filter and a skimmer (from Bestway)—it performs incredibly well, is easy to maintain, and has proven to be durable over time. For anyone looking to invest in an affordable, above-ground pool that will last multiple seasons, I would recommend this model. Just be sure to budget for a better pump and allow a little extra time for setup and takedown each year.
