Bestway Agrees to $15 Million Class Action Settlement Over Recalled Above-Ground Pool Safety Risks

Bestway USA, Inc. has agreed to pay $15 million to settle a class action lawsuit claiming that several of its popular above-ground swimming pools featured a serious design flaw that posed an unreasonable drowning risk to children. The lawsuit alleged that certain models of Bestway pools sold over a 16-year period contained exterior compression straps that could allow young children to climb directly into the water unnoticed.

If you purchased an eligible Bestway above-ground pool between 2008 and 2024, you may be eligible to receive cash compensation under this nationwide class action settlement.

What Are the Safety Concerns Surrounding Bestway Above-Ground Pools?

The class action litigation centers on Bestway-branded above-ground swimming pools that stand 48 inches or taller. According to the court filings, these pools were designed with support structures that utilized exterior compression straps attached along the outside of the support poles.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit alleged that these exterior compression straps effectively functioned as a ladder or climbing aid. Because the straps were positioned on the outside of the frame, young children could easily use them as footholds to climb up the exterior wall and gain unmonitored access to the pool. The lawsuit claimed that Bestway manufactured, marketed, and sold these pool models without adequately warning families about the potential drowning hazards created by the strap placement.

When Bestway previously announced a voluntary product recall addressing the defect, affected pool owners were disappointed to find that the recall failed to provide any direct monetary refunds or financial compensation. The class action lawsuit followed shortly after, seeking to hold the manufacturer accountable and secure financial relief for everyday consumers who bought the potentially hazardous pools.

Which Bestway Pool Models Are Covered in the Settlement?

The $15 million settlement applies to consumers across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia. To fall within the class definition, you must have purchased an affected pool model for personal or household use rather than for resale or commercial purposes.

The settlement covers Bestway-branded above-ground pools that meet all of the following criteria:

• Height Requirement: The pool must measure 48 inches or taller in height.

• Design Feature: The pool must feature compression straps located on the outside of the vertical support poles.

• Product Lines: Covered models include popular lines such as Bestway Power Steel and Steel Pro pools.

• Purchase Window: The pool must have been purchased between 2008 and 2024.

If you bought one of these pools for your backyard or family recreation, the settlement allows you to file a claim for cash benefits regardless of whether you still own the pool today.

How Much Money Can You Receive From the Bestway Settlement?

The $15 million settlement fund has been set up to provide direct cash payments to eligible class members. The amount of money you can receive depends on whether you have retained documentation proving your original purchase.

Settlement payouts are structured into two distinct compensation tiers:

• Claims With Proof of Purchase: If you can submit receipts, order confirmations, bank statements, or other acceptable documentation showing what you paid, you can receive a cash payment equal to 10% of the actual purchase price. If your proof of purchase shows you bought an eligible pool but does not state the price paid, your 10% payment will be calculated based on the average retail price for that specific model.

• Claims Without Proof of Purchase: If you no longer have receipts or proof of purchase, you can still file a claim. Class members who submit a claim without documentation are eligible to receive a flat $40 cash payment.

Individual payout amounts may be adjusted proportionally depending on the overall number of valid claims submitted before the deadline.

Understanding the Legal Context Behind Product Defect Claims

When manufacturers put products on the market, they carry a legal duty to ensure those products are safe for everyday consumer use and to warn buyers about known safety risks. When a product defect creates a severe hazard, consumer protection laws give everyday people the right to take legal action.

This litigation brought claims under state consumer protection, false advertising, and deceptive business practice statutes, including the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, New York General Business Law, California False Advertising Law, California Unfair Competition Law, California Consumers Legal Remedies Act, and the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act.

The lawsuit alleged that Bestway breached these state consumer protection acts by selling defective products that posed hidden safety hazards to families. While Bestway has agreed to the $15 million financial payout to resolve these claims, the company has not admitted any wrongdoing, and the court has not made a final ruling on the merits of the allegations.

Important Filing Deadlines and Next Steps for Pool Owners

Preliminary approval for the settlement was granted by the court on May 4, 2026. However, money will not be distributed to class members until after the court holds a final approval hearing, scheduled for November 20, 2026, and any subsequent appeals are fully resolved.

To secure your cash payment, you must act before the strict court-ordered deadline:

• Claim Filing Deadline: October 30, 2026. All claim forms must be completed online or postmarked by this date.

• Final Approval Hearing: November 20, 2026. The court will determine whether the settlement terms are fair, reasonable, and adequate for consumers.

You can submit your claim form online by visiting the court-approved settlement website at PoolSettlementBW.com. If you received a personalized notice about the settlement in the mail or via email, be sure to have your settlement claim ID handy when applying. If you prefer to file by mail, you can download, print, and complete a PDF claim form directly from the settlement website.