More than 5.2 million aboveground swimming pools sold in the United States and Canada are being recalled due to safety concerns linked to nine reported drowning deaths. The pools, manufactured by Bestway, Intex Recreation, and Polygroup, have been on the market since 2002 and include models sold at major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Costco, and Amazon.
According to notices released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada, the recall affects pools equipped with compression straps that run along the exterior. These straps may inadvertently create a foothold for small children, allowing them to access the water without supervision, thereby increasing the risk of drowning.
The CPSC has confirmed that the nine fatalities occurred in the U.S. between 2007 and 2022, involving children aged between 22 months and 3 years. No additional drowning incidents linked to these pools have been reported in Canada, though regulators continue to emphasize the potential hazards.
Consumers who own these pools are advised to take immediate action. They should contact either Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup to obtain a free repair kit. This kit will include a rope designed to replace the existing compression strap. In the interim, it is crucial for pool owners to ensure that young children cannot access the pools without supervision. Alternatively, draining the pools until repairs are completed is recommended.
Identification and Safety Measures
All recalled pools are at least 48 inches in height and can be identified by their brand and model names, as detailed in the recall notices provided by the CPSC and Health Canada. The sales of these pools span from models dating back to 2002 to newer versions available as recently as 2025. Approximately 5 million of the recalled pools were sold in the U.S., while around 266,000 units were sold in Canada.
As part of ongoing safety initiatives, the CPSC has reiterated the importance of supervising children around swimming pools. They underscore that even a momentary lapse in supervision can lead to tragic outcomes, urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant at all times.
In light of this recall, consumers are encouraged to stay informed about product safety recalls and to take proactive steps in ensuring their home environments are safe for children. The stakes are high, and with awareness and preventative measures, the risk of such incidents can be significantly reduced.
