A substantial recall impacting over 5 million above-ground swimming pools has been announced across the United States and Canada following reports of nine tragic drowning incidents. These pools, manufactured by Bestway, Intex Recreation, and Polygroup, and distributed by major retailers over the past two decades, have been identified as posing a serious safety risk. The core issue lies in their design, specifically the external compression straps, which can inadvertently serve as footholds for young children, allowing them to climb into the water without supervision. Regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada, have initiated this urgent recall to prevent further fatalities and ensure consumer safety. Affected consumers are strongly encouraged to act promptly to mitigate the identified hazards.
The recall primarily targets above-ground pools measuring 48 inches or more in height, which were sold widely at prominent retail outlets such as Walmart, Target, Lowe's, Costco, and Amazon. The period of sale for these pools spans from 2002 up to 2025, indicating a long-standing presence in the market. The critical design flaw involves the compression straps positioned on the exterior of the pool structure. These straps, while integral to the pool's construction, have regrettably enabled unsupervised entry for toddlers, leading to dire consequences. The CPSC has documented nine child fatalities in the U.S. between 2007 and 2022, involving children aged between 22 months and 3 years, directly linked to this design defect. Fortunately, no similar incidents have been reported in Canada thus far.
In response to this grave safety concern, regulatory agencies are urging all owners of the affected pools to take immediate action. Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup have established channels for consumers to obtain a complimentary repair kit. This kit typically includes a rope designed to replace the problematic compression strap, effectively removing the unintended climbing aid. Until the repair can be implemented, authorities advise pool owners to ensure that small children are completely barred from accessing the pool area without constant adult supervision. As an alternative interim measure, draining the pool is also recommended to eliminate any immediate risk. Detailed information regarding the specific brand and model names subject to this recall is readily available on the official recall notices published by both the CPSC and Health Canada.
This widespread recall underscores the critical importance of product safety, especially when it concerns items intended for recreational use by families. The sheer volume of units involved, with approximately 5 million pools in the U.S. and an additional 266,000 in Canada, highlights the extensive reach of this safety issue. Manufacturers and regulatory bodies are working collaboratively to inform the public and facilitate the necessary modifications to prevent further tragic accidents. Adherence to the recall instructions and vigilance in supervising children around water features are paramount to safeguarding young lives.