Bestway Power Steel 18' x 9' x 48” Metal Frame Rectangular Above Ground Pool Set
- Jason Lewis
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Looking for a roomy, durable, and easy-to-install above-ground pool that won’t break the bank? The Bestway Power Steel 18' x 9' x 48" Metal Frame Rectangular Above Ground Pool Set is a crowd-pleaser for families who want a backyard oasis without the permanent commitment. Below we’ll walk you through what makes this rectangular above ground pool a smart buy, what’s included, and who it’s best for—no tech-speak, just the useful stuff!
Why this rectangle above ground pool stands out
Big enough for the family. The 18' × 9' × 48" footprint gives you generous swim space without taking over your yard. The pool holds roughly 3,913 gallons (90% capacity) — plenty for splashing, lounging, or family playtime.
Built to last. Bestway uses their Tritech™ 3-ply liner and a corrosion-resistant steel frame held together with a Seal & Lock system. That means the liner is tougher than basic PVC and the frame is designed to resist rust and wobble, so you get a season (or many seasons) of reliable use.
What’s in the box — the accessories that make it a real set
This isn’t just a pool shell — it’s a full kit. The set includes:
1,500-gallon sand filter pump (keeps circulation and filtration simple).
ChemConnect dispenser (automatic, steady chlorine distribution so you’re not dosing constantly).
Sturdy ladder (for safe entry and exit).
Pool cover (helps keep debris out overnight and helps reduce evaporation).
Having these items included means you’re closer to swim-ready right out of the box—no last-minute accessory shopping.
Easy setup & practical features
One of the biggest appeals of this Bestway rectangle above ground pool kit is easy, tool-free assembly and the Seal & Lock frame system that makes setup more intuitive than some DIY options. If you’re not a pro at building backyard structures, that simplicity is a big win. The steel frame and reinforced liner also add peace of mind against everyday wear and tear.
Maintenance made manageable
The included sand filter pump plus the ChemConnect dispenser reduce the time you spend poking at water chemistry and cleaning. Sand filters are low-maintenance and effective for above-ground pools; the ChemConnect helps keep chlorine levels steady, so you won’t need to micro-manage dosing every day. Add a skimmer and an occasional vacuum, and you’ve got a solid routine that won’t take over your summer.
Who should buy this rectangular above ground pool?
Families with kids or small groups who want roomy swim space without installing a permanent inground pool.
Homeowners who want a seasonal pool that’s durable but removable.
Budget-conscious buyers who still want a full kit (pump, ladder, cover, chem dispenser included) rather than buying accessories piecemeal.
How it compares — Bestway 18×9×48 vs Intex Ultra XTR 18×9×52
Quick comparison table:
Feature | Bestway Power Steel 18×9×48 | Intex Ultra XTR 18×9×52 (comparable) |
Footprint | 18' × 9' × 48" — ~3,900 gal (90%) | 18' × 9' × 52" — slightly taller, similar area. |
Pump included | 1,500-gal sand filter pump (included) | Sand filter pump included (e.g., Krystal Clear / OptiFlow) — often 1,500 GPH depending on package. |
Frame system | Seal & Lock corrosion-resistant steel frame. | Durabeam/Ultra XTR reinforced frames (heavier duty in some SKUs). |
Liner | Tritech™ 3-ply reinforced | Super-Tough / 3-ply PVC variants |
Ease of setup | Tool-free assembly; manual available | Tool-assisted but straightforward; manual available. |
Typical price range | Mid-range for rectangular sets | Mid- to high-range (Ultra XTR tends to retail higher). |
Detailed product comparisons (what to weigh when choosing)
Frame strength & corrosion protection
Bestway uses a corrosion-resistant steel frame and a Seal & Lock system for secure connections. This is good for seasonal use and moderate climates.
Intex Ultra XTR frames (Durabeam / Ultra XTR) are often marketed as heavier duty — consider them if you want extra stiffness or plan to leave the pool up all year round.
Pump type: sand vs cartridge
The Bestway kit includes a 1,500-gal sand filter pump, which is low-maintenance and efficient for medium-to-large pools. Sand filters are good for long circulation cycles and simple upkeep.
Some Intex kits include sand filters as well (Krystal Clear / OptiFlow). Cartridge pumps (found in budget sets) require more frequent cartridge swaps. Compare GPH ratings and multi-function valves.
Chemical distribution (ChemConnect)
Bestway’s ChemConnect dispenser evens out chlorine distribution by attaching to the pool return so tablets dissolve evenly — useful to reduce local high-chlorine spots and daily dosing. If you prefer manual dosing or automatic chlorinators, factor that into long-term running costs.
Accessories & value
The Bestway package includes ladder + cover + ChemConnect + pump — great for buyers who want to be swim-ready from day one. Compare whether competitors include ground cloths, extra patches, or higher-capacity pumps.
Warranty & support network
Check the exact warranty terms and where you can order spare parts/liner patches locally. Bestway provides manuals, support pages and downloadable PDFs for assembly/troubleshooting.
Takeaway: Both brands offer similar bundled value (pool + sand pump + ladder + cover). Bestway emphasizes its Seal & Lock frame and bundled ChemConnect dispenser; Intex’s Ultra XTR line often targets buyers who want extra frame robustness and slightly taller walls. Use the table when comparing retailer prices and warranty/aftercare options.
FAQ
Q: What is the Bestway Power Steel 18×9×48 pool capacity?
A: ~3,913 gallons at 90% capacity. This gives plenty of water for family fun while staying within the manufacturer’s recommended fill limits.
Q: Is a sand filter pump better than a cartridge pump?
A: For medium/large above-ground pools, sand filters are lower-maintenance and generally cheaper over time; cartridges need more frequent replacement/cleaning.
Q: What is ChemConnect and how does it work?
A: The ChemConnect dispenser attaches to the return flow and uses the water jet to disperse chlorine tablets evenly, stabilizing chlorine distribution across the pool. It’s useful to avoid high-chlorine spots.
Q: How long does assembly take?
A: Plan for 2–5 hours for frame & liner assembly (site prep extra). If multiple people help and the site is fully prepped, setup is quicker. Always follow the manual!
Bottom line
The Bestway Power Steel 18' x 9' x 48" set is a dependable, full-featured option if you want a rectangular above ground pool that’s ready to use and built to last a few seasons. With the sand filter pump, ChemConnect dispenser, ladder, and cover included, it’s a great all-in-one choice for families, first-time pool owners, and anyone who wants a low-fuss backyard pool experience. If you want roomy swim space without a permanent installation—and the convenience of a bundled kit—this Bestway set is worth a close look!
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