Bestway above-ground pool settlement

What happened?

Bestway settled a class action over above-ground pools with compression straps on the outside of the support legs, which the plaintiffs say create a possible drowning hazard. Buyers of covered pools sold from 2008 through 2024 can claim $40, or 10% of the price paid if they have proof of purchase. Bestway denies any wrongdoing.

The lawsuit says some Bestway above-ground pools that are 48 inches or taller have compression straps running along the outside of the vertical support legs. The plaintiffs say this creates a possible drowning hazard. They also say Bestway's July 2025 recall, run with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fell short because it offered no money. Bestway denies the pools are defective and denies any wrongdoing. The court has not decided who is right.

You can claim if you bought a covered pool from a retailer, for your own use and not to resell, before May 4, 2026. Covered pools were sold from 2008 through 2024 and include the Power Steel, Steel Pro and Coleman Power Steel models. Second-hand buyers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers are not covered. Only one claim is allowed per household, meaning everyone who shares the same home address.

Bestway agreed to a $15,000,000 fund. It pays the cash awards plus notice and administration costs, lawyers' fees and awards for the people who brought the case. With proof of purchase, such as a store or online receipt, a claim pays 10% of the price paid. If the proof shows no price, it pays 10% of the pool's average retail price. Without proof, a claim pays a flat $40. All payments can be adjusted pro rata. Payment can be made electronically or by check.

File online at the settlement website, or print the claim form and mail it to the Bestway Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 1869, Baton Rouge, LA 70821. The claim deadline is October 30, 2026, whether you file online or mail the form with a postmark from that day or earlier. That is also the last day to opt out or object. The final approval hearing is November 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Central. Payments cannot go out until the judge approves the settlement and any appeals are finished. The settlement does not release injury or property damage claims and does not change the recall.

How much is Bestway paying and what can I get?

A flat $40 if you have no proof of purchase. With a valid receipt or similar record, 10% of the price you paid, or 10% of the pool's average retail price if the proof shows no price. All payments can be adjusted pro rata, so the final amount may change once every claim is counted.

The total settlement fund is $15,000,000. The final amount per person depends on how many valid claims are filed.

Am I eligible to file a claim?

People in the U.S., its territories or D.C. who bought a Bestway-branded above-ground pool from a retailer for personal use. The pool must be 48 inches or taller, have compression straps outside the support poles, and have been sold from 2008 through 2024 (including Power Steel, Steel Pro and Coleman Power Steel models).