A proposed $15 million settlement could provide cash payments to U.S. consumers who bought certain Bestway-branded above-ground pools sold from 2008 through 2024. Eligible purchasers may receive $40 without valid proof of purchase or a payment equal to 10% of the qualifying pool's purchase price with acceptable proof.
The lawsuit concerns pools at least 48 inches tall with compression straps positioned outside the vertical support poles. Plaintiffs allege that this configuration creates a potential drowning hazard and that a voluntary recall announced with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission did not provide an adequate monetary remedy. Bestway denies that the pools are defective and denies wrongdoing or liability. The court has not decided which side is correct.
Which Bestway pools and purchasers may qualify
The class generally covers people in the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia who bought a covered pool for personal use rather than resale. The pool must be Bestway-branded, at least 48 inches tall, and have compression straps located outside the support poles. The notice specifically identifies Power Steel and Steel Pro models among the covered products.
The sales period runs from 2008 through 2024. Second-hand purchasers are excluded, as are wholesalers, distributors, retailers, Bestway-related parties, the judge and immediate family, class counsel, and people who timely exclude themselves. Consumers who are unsure whether their particular pool qualifies can consult the settlement website or contact the administrator before filing.
Two cash tiers depend on proof of purchase
Every monetary benefit requires a timely, signed claim form, but the amount depends on the proof supplied. A claimant without valid proof of purchase may seek a flat $40 cash payment.
With valid proof, the benefit is 10% of the actual price shown on the proof of purchase. If the documentation identifies the pool but does not show the price, the notice says the award may instead equal 10% of the model's average retail price. The notice does not state an individual dollar cap for this tier.
The $15 million fund will also pay notice and administration costs, court-approved attorneys' fees and expenses, service awards, and other authorized settlement expenses. The final amount available for class payments therefore depends on the court's approvals and the claims process.
The separate pool recall remains in effect
The settlement does not replace or cancel the Bestway pool recall announced on July 21, 2025. The notice says the recall remains in effect independently and is not incorporated into the settlement.
That distinction matters because the cash claim and the recall address different remedies. The settlement notice also states that its release does not cover claims for personal injury, bodily injury, emotional distress, wrongful death, or other physical or emotional harm allegedly arising from the covered products. It likewise does not limit rights under the recall or release property-damage claims. Consumers with those issues should review the official terms rather than assume the cash settlement resolves every possible claim.
How and when to submit a claim
Claims may be filed online through the official settlement website or mailed to the settlement administrator. Online submissions must be completed by October 30, 2026, and mailed forms must be postmarked by that date. Paper forms may also be requested from the administrator.
Claimants should identify the covered pool carefully and include any receipt or other valid proof they want considered for the 10% tier. Anyone who moves after filing should update the administrator because approved payments depend on current contact information.
Court approval still comes before payment
The court has scheduled a final approval hearing for November 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Central Time. The court will consider whether the settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate, along with requests for attorneys' fees, costs, and service awards. The hearing date or format may change, so the settlement website is the best place to check for updates.
No benefits will be distributed unless the settlement receives final approval and any appeals are resolved. Filing a claim preserves the opportunity to receive a payment, but it does not guarantee when payment will arrive.