Last updated: July 2026 • Reviewed by the YardFit Pools team
| ⭐ Quick Verdict: Coleman Power Steel Pool YardFit Setup-Difficulty Score: 3/5 — Two adults, 3–5 hours. Bolt system similar to Bestway Power Steel. YardFit Liner-Durability Score: 3/5 — TriTech-equivalent three-layer liner. Solid for 2–3 seasons. Yard-Fit Tag: Standard flat yards. Available in 12ft through 18ft round and 12x20ft oval. Best size for most buyers: 15ft round. Who it’s for: Buyers who find Coleman cheaper than Bestway at big-box retail or want the oval option at budget pricing. Who should skip it: Anyone who can find the Bestway Power Steel or Intex Prism Frame at the same price — those are marginally better pools. Overall rating: ★★★☆☆ 3.5/5 ➜ Check current price at Amazon [LINK] |
What Is the Coleman Power Steel Pool?
The Coleman Power Steel is an above ground frame pool sold under the Coleman brand name but manufactured by Bestway — the same company that makes the Bestway Power Steel. This is not widely disclosed in product listings, but it means the two pools share fundamentally the same frame design, liner construction, and hardware at equivalent sizes.
The practical implication: the Coleman Power Steel and Bestway Power Steel are effectively the same pool at the same size, with minor cosmetic differences and occasional variations in included accessories. Which one is cheaper at any given time depends on the retailer and sale timing — Coleman is the version more commonly sold at Target, while Bestway sells more through Walmart and Amazon.
| 💡 Coleman pools are made by Bestway Coleman licenses its name to Bestway for pool products. The Coleman Power Steel and Bestway Power Steel share the same manufacturing origin, materials, and frame design. This is confirmed by identical component part numbers and shared replacement liner compatibility between the two brands. Buy whichever is cheaper at the time of purchase — you’re getting the same pool. The main exception: accessory compatibility can vary slightly between Coleman-branded and Bestway-branded versions. Check your specific model’s pump hose diameter before ordering replacement parts. |
Full Specifications by Size
| Spec | 12ft Round | 15ft Round | 18ft Round | 12x20ft Oval |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depth | 30″ | 48″ | 48″ | 48″ |
| Water capacity | ~1,718 gal | ~4,440 gal | ~7,646 gal | ~5,765 gal |
| Min. yard space | 16×16 ft | 19×19 ft | 22×22 ft | 16×26 ft (with buttresses) |
| Included pump (GPH) | 530 GPH | 800 GPH | 1,000–1,500 GPH | 800 GPH |
| Ladder included | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| Typical price (2026) | $150–220 | $240–360 | $360–520 | $280–400 |
Liner Quality: TriTech-Equivalent Construction
The Coleman Power Steel uses the same three-layer PVC/polyester mesh liner construction as the Bestway Power Steel — referred to as TriTech on Bestway-branded pools and marketed under slightly different terminology on Coleman-branded versions. The construction and durability are equivalent, earning a 3/5 Liner-Durability Score.
Known failure points are identical to the Bestway Power Steel: drain fitting area, ladder cutout edges on larger sizes, and UV fading on exposed sidewalls in high-sun climates. The same care guidelines apply: use the ground cloth, hand-tighten the drain plug only, and inspect the frame coating annually for rust risk.
Setup Experience: Same as Bestway Power Steel
The Coleman Power Steel earns a 3/5 Setup-Difficulty Score, identical to the Bestway Power Steel. The bolt connector system, assembly sequence, and liner installation process are the same between the two pools — a direct result of shared manufacturing. If you’ve assembled a Bestway Power Steel before, the Coleman will be immediately familiar.
For first-time buyers: plan three to five hours with two adults for the 15–18ft sizes. The bolt connections require a wrench or socket set to tighten correctly. Read the instruction sheet before starting — the assembly sequence matters more with bolt systems than with snap-lock systems because incorrect sequencing makes the final bolt alignment harder.
Coleman vs. Bestway vs. Intex: Which Should You Buy?
| Factor | Coleman Power Steel | Bestway Power Steel | Intex Prism Frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bestway (licensed) | Bestway | Intex |
| Setup-Difficulty Score | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Liner-Durability Score | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Frame system | Bolt connectors | Bolt connectors | Snap-lock connectors |
| Oval option | Yes (12x20ft) | Yes (12×20, 12x24ft) | No |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 180 days |
| Parts availability | Moderate (shares with Bestway) | Wide | Wide |
| Primary retailer | Target, Amazon | Walmart, Amazon | Amazon, Costco |
| Typical price (15ft) | $240–360 | $250–380 | $280–380 |
| Best for | Target in-store buyers; when cheaper than Bestway | Walmart buyers; slightly wider parts ecosystem | Easiest setup; snap-lock connectors |
The honest answer: Coleman and Bestway are the same pool under different branding. Between the two, buy whichever is cheaper at the time. Vs. the Intex Prism Frame: the Prism Frame’s snap-lock system makes setup faster and easier; Coleman/Bestway has a 1-year warranty vs. Prism Frame’s 180 days and offers the oval option. At 15ft, all three pools deliver comparable real-world performance.
Pump Assessment
| Pool Size | Included Pump | Adequate? | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12ft (~1,718 gal) | 530 GPH | Yes | No upgrade needed |
| 15ft (~4,440 gal) | 800 GPH | Marginal | Upgrade to 1,500 GPH recommended |
| 18ft (~7,646 gal) | 1,000–1,500 GPH | Marginal to inadequate | Upgrade to 2,000 GPH recommended |
| 12x20ft oval (~5,765 gal) | 800 GPH | Inadequate | Upgrade to 1,500 GPH strongly recommended |
The Oval Option: Coleman’s Most Useful Differentiator
The Coleman Power Steel 12x20ft oval is one of the few mid-range oval pools available at physical retail (Target stores). If you have a long, narrow yard and need an oval pool at mid-range pricing, and Target is your nearest convenient retailer, the Coleman oval is a practical option that’s otherwise hard to find in-store.
Note the real footprint: the 12x20ft oval requires approximately 16x26ft of flat ground once the buttress supports (which extend ~2ft beyond the pool wall on each long side) are accounted for. The nominal 12x20ft dimensions on the box do not include the buttresses. Measure your space against the real footprint before purchasing.
| Oval pool footprint reminder Coleman Power Steel 12x20ft oval nominal size: 12 x 20 ft. Actual space needed with buttress supports: approximately 16 x 26 ft of flat ground. Always measure your available space against the real footprint, not the box dimensions. See our full oval pool guide for buttress setup tips. |
What’s in the Box
- Frame pool with three-layer liner
- Powder-coated steel frame (uprights, top rails, T-joints, bolt connectors)
- Cartridge filter pump (GPH varies by size)
- Type III filter cartridge
- A-frame ladder
- Ground cloth
- Drain connector
- Repair patch
- Wrench for bolt assembly
What to Buy Separately
- Solar cover ($30–70): not included; reduces evaporation and heating costs.
- Pump upgrade ($60–120): at 15ft and above. See pool pump sizing guide.
- Pool pad ($20–40): supplements the ground cloth on rough ground.
- Chemicals ($30–70): chlorine tablets, pH Down, algaecide for startup.
Who the Coleman Power Steel Is Right For
Target in-store buyers: If Target is your most convenient retailer and Coleman is on the shelf, it’s a solid pool — it’s effectively the same as the Bestway Power Steel.
Oval pool buyers at mid-range pricing: The 12x20ft oval is one of the few mid-range ovals available at physical retail.
Buyers where Coleman is cheaper than Bestway: Price varies by retailer and timing. When Coleman is $30+ cheaper than the equivalent Bestway, buy Coleman — you’re getting the same pool.
Who Should Skip the Coleman Power Steel
Online buyers where Intex or Bestway is the same price: The Intex Prism Frame’s easier setup makes it the better online buy at 15ft when prices are comparable. The Bestway Power Steel has a wider parts ecosystem than the Coleman-branded version.
Buyers planning 4+ seasons at 18ft: Step up to the Intex Ultra XTR for better liner durability at this size.
Buyers who want the easiest setup: The Intex Prism Frame’s snap-lock system is faster and more intuitive than the bolt system on both Coleman and Bestway pools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coleman Power Steel the same as Bestway Power Steel?
Yes — they share the same manufacturing origin, frame design, and liner construction. Coleman licenses its brand name to Bestway for pool products. The pools are functionally identical at equivalent sizes. Buy whichever is cheaper at the time of purchase.
Is the Coleman Power Steel a good pool?
Yes, at its price tier. The three-layer liner earns a 3/5 Liner-Durability Score, the frame is solid once assembled, and the 1-year warranty is competitive. Its main weaknesses are the slower bolt-based setup vs. Intex’s snap-lock system and slightly more limited parts availability than Bestway-branded equivalents.
How long does the Coleman Power Steel last?
The frame typically lasts 5–8 years with annual coating inspection and rust touch-up. The liner needs replacing every 2–3 seasons with regular family use. Replacement liners are compatible with Bestway Power Steel liners at the same size — a practical advantage of the shared manufacturing origin.
Where is the Coleman Power Steel sold?
Primarily at Target (in-store and online) and Amazon. Less commonly at Walmart, which tends to stock the Bestway-branded version instead. Availability varies by season — in-store stock peaks April through July in most US markets.
What is the difference between Coleman Power Steel round and oval?
The round version is simpler to set up (no buttress supports) and fits square or wide yards. The oval version (12x20ft) requires buttress supports that extend the real footprint to approximately 16x26ft, is harder to set up (4/5 difficulty vs. round’s 3/5), and is designed for long, narrow yards. Both versions use the same liner quality and frame material.