Intex leads the above-ground pool market with the widest model range and the best spare parts availability in most countries. Bestway frequently offers a sturdier steel frame at the same price. Choose Intex for long-term serviceability; choose Bestway when you want more pool for the money.
Intex vs Bestway: what is the difference?
Intex sells more than 10 million above-ground pools per year and has the broadest retail distribution of any pool brand. Replacement cartridges, repair kits, and hose fittings are available at most hardware stores and online through the whole summer season. That availability matters when a part fails in July.
Bestway competes directly with Intex at nearly every price point and is best known for its Steel Pro Max series, which uses thicker steel tubing and heavier-gauge PVC than comparable Intex models in the same price bracket. The Bestway Flowclear pump is measurably quieter than the standard Intex pump, but replacement parts require online ordering in most markets.
Both brands use 3-layer laminated PVC. Wall thickness varies by product line. Intex Ultra XTR Frame uses 0.49 mm PVC; entry-level models start at 0.35 mm. Bestway Steel Pro Max sits at a level comparable to Intex’s mid-range lines. Warranty periods also differ: Intex covers most models for 1 year; Bestway offers 2 years on its Steel Pro Max series.
The practical difference: if a hose coupling splits mid-season, you will find an Intex replacement part at a brick-and-mortar store the same day. For Bestway, plan on ordering online.
What sizes are available?
Round pools: the most popular choice for smaller gardens
Round above-ground pools are the top-selling shape for gardens under 50 m². Intex offers round models from 183 cm to 549 cm diameter. The 366 cm round pool holds approximately 5,600 liters and comfortably fits 4 to 6 people. Water depth on this size ranges from 91 to 122 cm depending on the series.
Bestway round pools run from 244 cm to 488 cm diameter. The Steel Pro at 396 cm holds 7,340 liters, slightly more than the Intex 366 cm at a similar retail price.
Rectangular Intex pool: more swim distance per square meter
A rectangular pool gives more usable swim length than a round pool of equivalent volume, making it the better choice for adults who want to do laps. The Intex Rectangular Ultra XTR at 549 x 274 cm holds 23,845 liters, approaching the volume of a small built-in pool. Entry-level rectangular Intex models start at roughly €350 for a 300 x 200 cm version.
Bestway’s rectangular offering sits in the Hydrium Rectangular Steel Pro Max series. The 412 x 201 cm model holds 11,852 liters and works well for families who want actual swimming space without the investment of a larger installation.
Small pools and kids’ paddling pools
For children, an inflatable pool of 183 x 51 cm or an Easy Set at 244 cm diameter keeps water depth under 55 cm, which is safe from age 3. Intex includes a small electric pump with most children’s models for inflation. For children under 6, a maximum water depth of 60 cm is the recommended safety limit.
Choosing a filter pump: sand filter vs cartridge filter
Intex sand filter pump: lower running costs
The Intex sand filter pump range covers 2,006 l/h to 12,000 l/h. Sand filters trap debris in filter media, either quartz sand or filter balls. Backwashing takes 2 to 3 minutes; replacing the filter media costs €5 to €15 per year. That is significantly cheaper than a season’s worth of replacement cartridges.
The rule of thumb: the full pool volume should pass through the filter once every 4 to 8 hours. For the 366 cm model (5,600 liters), that means a minimum pump capacity of 2,006 l/h. For a 549 cm pool (15,000 liters), you need at least 4,000 l/h.
Cartridge filter: lower upfront cost, higher running cost
Smaller Intex models under 3 meters include a cartridge filter pump in the box. Cartridges cost €5 to €15 each but need rinsing every 1 to 2 weeks and replacing every 4 to 6 weeks during active use. Over a full season, sand filtration works out cheaper for pools larger than 3 meters.
For a detailed breakdown of pump selection, see our guide on choosing a pool filter pump .
What comes in an Intex pool set?
A standard Intex pool set includes:
- Pool liner or steel frame with liner
- Filter pump (cartridge for smaller models, sand filter for larger ones)
- Ground cloth to protect the base
- Pool cover (included with most mid-range and larger sets)
- Ladder (for pools deeper than 100 cm)
- PVC repair patch kit
- Hoses and pump connections
The Metal Frame series at 366 cm and above includes a 2,006 l/h cartridge pump as standard. The Power Steel and Ultra XTR series include a sand filter pump. Always verify that the included pump capacity matches your pool volume before trusting the bundled unit.
What comes in a Bestway pool set?
Bestway sets contain similar components:
- Steel frame with multi-layer polyester-PVC liner
- Flowclear filter pump (capacity varies by model)
- Ground cloth
- Pool cover (included with most sets)
- Ladder
- Maintenance kit with some premium sets, including a skimmer net
The key difference is the Flowclear pump fitting system, which is not compatible with Intex accessories. Any accessory you add later, from vacuum heads to chemical dispensers, must be a Bestway or universal-fit product. The Flowclear 3,028 l/h pump is quieter than the equivalent Intex sand filter pump but costs about €20 more to replace.
Spare parts and accessories
Intex: wide availability in stores
Intex filter cartridges in types A, B, C, D, and HL are stocked all season at hardware chains and online retailers. A six-pack of Type A cartridges for pools up to 5,678 liters costs around €10. Sand filter pump parts and replacement hoses are available through official Intex service channels.
The Intex accessory range is extensive: floating chlorine dispensers, skimmer nets, vacuum heads, and wall brushes. Pool robots compatible with above-ground pools start at around €80 for Intex-compatible models. Check our review of the best pool robot for current options.
Bestway: available online, limited in stores
Bestway Flowclear type II and IV cartridges are available on major online retailers but rarely stocked in physical stores. If you need a replacement part mid-season on short notice, order ahead or keep a spare cartridge on hand.
Replacement steel frame sections for both brands are difficult to buy separately. If a frame section bends or corrodes, replacing the complete set is usually more cost-effective than sourcing individual parts. Keep the original purchase receipt for warranty claims.
Price comparison: Intex vs Bestway
| Model | Size | Filter type | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intex Easy Set | 305 cm round | Cartridge 1,250 l/h | €80 to €120 |
| Intex Metal Frame | 366 cm round | Cartridge 2,006 l/h | €150 to €200 |
| Intex Power Steel | 366 cm round | Sand filter 2,006 l/h | €250 to €300 |
| Intex Ultra XTR | 457 cm round | Sand filter 4,000 l/h | €400 to €500 |
| Bestway Steel Pro | 396 cm round | Cartridge 2,006 l/h | €200 to €280 |
| Bestway Steel Pro Max | 412 x 201 cm | Sand filter 3,028 l/h | €300 to €400 |
| Intex Rectangular Ultra XTR | 300 x 200 cm | Sand filter 3,028 l/h | €350 to €450 |
The Intex Power Steel at €250 to €300 with a sand filter pump included is the strongest value option for a family-sized round pool. The Bestway Steel Pro Max is the right pick for buyers who want a rectangular pool with solid construction and do not need the Intex Ultra XTR’s premium price tag.
Total seasonal cost
The purchase price is only part of the equation. Budget for recurring costs each season:
- Chlorine: €30 to €60 per season
- Filter media: €30 to €50 for cartridges, or €5 to €15 for sand filter media
- Water (one-time fill for 5,000 liters): €3 to €10 depending on your area
- Electricity (filter pump 8 hours per day at 150W): €20 to €50 per season
For the full maintenance routine, water chemistry targets, and step-by-step seasonal care, read our guide on above-ground pool maintenance .
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: Intex or Bestway?
Intex offers a wider range of models and better spare parts availability in most markets. Bestway often delivers a sturdier steel frame construction at the same price point. For most families, Intex is the safer choice due to its broad service and parts network.
How long does an Intex pool last?
An Intex frame pool or inflatable pool lasts an average of 3 to 5 years with proper maintenance. The PVC liner degrades faster under UV exposure and chlorine contact. Using a pool cover and maintaining correct water chemistry can extend the lifespan to 6 years or more.
Do I need a filter pump for a small pool?
Yes, even pools from 2 meters in diameter benefit from a filter pump. Without filtration, algae can grow within 48 hours. A small Intex cartridge pump running at 1,250 l/h is sufficient for pools up to 3 meters, but a sand filter pump is easier to maintain long-term.
What size Intex pool fits in a small garden?
A round 305 cm Easy Set pool fits in a garden of roughly 30 m² and holds about 3,600 liters. For a family of four wanting to actually swim, a 366 cm round pool (5,600 liters) is the practical minimum. Allow at least 1.5 meters clearance around the pool for safe access.
Are Intex and Bestway accessories interchangeable?
No. Intex and Bestway use different hose fittings and filter cartridge sizes. Type A Intex cartridges do not fit Bestway Flowclear pumps and vice versa. Always verify compatibility before buying replacement parts or accessories.
