Over 5 Million Above-Ground Pools Recalled in U.S. and Canada Due to Drowning Hazard
A major recall has been issued for more than 5 million above-ground pools in the United States and over 260,000 in Canada, following reports of nine child drownings in the U.S. The recall affects select 48-inch and taller pool models sold by Bestway, Intex Recreation, and Polygroup, dating as far back as 2002.
Why These Pools Are Being Recalled
The pools in question include compression straps that wrap around the exterior of the support legs. These straps may create a foothold, enabling young children to climb and access the pool unsupervised. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), nine children aged 22 months to 3 years old drowned between 2007 and 2022 in separate incidents across six U.S. states.
In addition to these deaths, the CPSC is aware of three other near-miss incidents where children used the same type of strap to enter the pool. Health Canada has not reported any injuries or deaths so far but is still urging Canadian consumers to take action.
What Pools Are Affected
The recall includes models sold under the following brands:
- Bestway and Coleman: Sold from 2008 to 2024
- Intex Recreation: Sold from 2002 to 2012; additional models from 2024–2025
- Polygroup (Summer Waves, Summer Escapes, Funsicle, Blue Wave): Sold from 2006 to 2025
The recalled pools were widely sold at major retailers such as Walmart, Costco, Amazon, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Target, as well as brand websites.
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What You Should Do Now
If you own one of these pools, you should:
- Immediately prevent child access to the pool area.
- Contact the manufacturer for a free repair kit, which includes a rope that replaces the compression strap and maintains the pool’s structure.
- Cut and remove the existing compression strap after securing the repair.
You may also choose to drain the pool until the repair is completed.
How to Get the Free Repair Kit
- Bestway: Call 844-593-4003 or visit BWrecallsupport.expertinquiry.com
- Intex: Call 800-549-8829 or visit www.intexcorp.com/recall
- Polygroup: Call 888-621-4137 or visit polygrouprecall.com
All companies are providing support through phone and email, Monday through Friday.
Updated Safety Standards Now in Effect
The manufacturers say most new above-ground pools now meet updated safety standards, finalized in May 2025, that aim to eliminate this risk. This recall ensures older models are also brought up to those standards.
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For pool safety guidance, including tips on barriers and alarms, visit www.PoolSafely.gov.
Do you think all above-ground pools should come with built-in child safety barriers? Share your thoughts in the comments.
More…
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/pool-recall-canada-1.7590213
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Bestway-Intex-and-Polygroup-Recall-Certain-Above-Ground-Pools-48-Inches-and-Taller-Due-to-Drowning-Hazard-Nine-Deaths-Reported-Five-Million-Pools-Sold-Since-2002
- https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/over-5m-swimming-pools-sold-major-retailers-recalled-after-reports-9-deaths
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