Over 5 million swimming pools are being withdrawn from the market following the tragic loss of nine lives.
Urgent Recall of Above-Ground Pools Due to Drowning Risk
A significant recall of above-ground pools has been issued due to a design flaw that poses a serious drowning risk. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified the issue, which allows children to climb into the pool using exterior compression straps.
The recall affects over 5 million pools in the U.S. and around 266,000 in Canada. The recalled pool models come from Bestway, Intex, Coleman, and Polygroup, and include popular brands like Bestway Power Steel, Intex Metal Frame, and Polygroup Summer Waves.
The recalled pools measure 48 inches and taller, with compression straps running on the outside and over the vertical support legs. These straps create footholds that allow small children to climb into the pool unsupervised.
Nine child drowning deaths in the U.S. between 2007 and 2022 have been linked to this design flaw. No deaths have been reported in Canada to date. CPSC is also aware of at least three other nonfatal incidents where children used the straps to enter the pool.
The pool brand names and model numbers are printed on the pool liner on the outside of the pool. The recalled pool models from Bestway, Coleman, and Intex were sold between 2002 and 2025, while the Polygroup models were sold between 2006 and 2025.
Consumers are advised to immediately contact the manufacturers (Bestway, Coleman, Intex, or Polygroup) to request a free repair kit. This kit replaces the compression straps with a safer rope, eliminating the foothold hazard.
Until the repair is applied, authorities recommend preventing children from accessing the pool unattended by using barriers, supervision, or pool covers. Alternatively, draining the pool entirely can eliminate the risk.
Removing the ladder alone is insufficient, as children have been able to climb using these compression straps even without ladder access. The recall affects roughly 5 million pools sold in the U.S. since 2002 and around 266,000 in Canada.
Consumers can visit Bestway's website at https://BWrecallsupport.expertinquiry.com, Intex's website at www.Intexcorp.com/recall, or Polygroup's website at https://polygrouprecall.com for more information about the recall.
It is crucial for pool owners to take immediate action to ensure the safety of their children and loved ones.
Despite the urgent recall of above-ground pools due to a drowning risk, some general news outlets have overlooked reporting on this issue. Unfortunately, reports of car-accidents continue to dominate sports headlines, drawing attention away from this important safety concern.
