Swimming pools sold in large quantities at significant retailers have been withdrawn due to nine fatalities reportedly associated with their use.
Urgent Recall of Over 5 Million Above-Ground Swimming Pools Due to Drowning Hazard
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup, has issued a voluntary recall of approximately 5 million above-ground swimming pools that are 48 inches or taller in height. This recall affects pools sold since 2002 and was announced on July 21, 2025, following reports of 9 child drowning deaths in the U.S. linked to these pools from 2007 through 2022.
The safety concern stems from compression straps running along the outside vertical support poles, which can create a foothold enabling small children to climb into the pool unattended. The recalled pools were sold at retailers nationwide, including Walmart, Target, Lowe's, Home Depot, Costco, and Amazon, as well as various online sites.
To mitigate the risk, customers are advised to immediately ensure children cannot access the pools unsupervised and drain the pool until repairs are made. Consumers can obtain a free repair kit by contacting Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup directly. The repair kit includes a rope that replaces the hazardous compression strap. The rope is attached to each vertical support pole at ground level and wrapped around the pool to maintain structural integrity. After securing the rope, the compression strap is cut and removed, thus removing the climbing hazard.
Approximately 266,000 of the recalled pools were sold in Canada. This recall applies broadly to models sold across the U.S. and Canada over the past two decades and is a proactive measure to prevent further tragedies. The updated standard for above-ground pools, aimed at preventing unsupervised children from gaining a foothold on the products from compression straps that surround the outside of the pool legs, was finalized in May 2025.
The CPSC warns that children can gain access to these pools using the footholds, even if the ladder is removed. The brand names and model numbers of the affected pools are printed on the pool liner outside the pool. Consumers are urged to check their pools and take necessary actions to ensure the safety of their children and others.
- The updated standard for above-ground pools, finalized in May 2025, includes measures to prevent unsupervised children from gaining a foothold on the products, directly addressing the issue with compression straps that can create a climbing hazard.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, especially for families, it's crucial to stay informed about product recalls like the one affecting above-ground swimming pools, as accidents can potentially impact the well-being of children, fostering a greater awareness for safety in science and consumer goods.
