More than 5.2 million aboveground swimming pools sold in the United States and Canada are being recalled following reports of nine child drownings. The pools, produced by Bestway, Intex Recreation, and Polygroup, have been available for purchase since 2002. The recall was announced in notices issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada.
The pools in question feature compression straps on the exterior, which may inadvertently provide a foothold for small children. This design flaw increases the risk of young children accessing the water without supervision. The tragic incidents leading to this recall occurred between 2007 and 2022, involving children aged between 22 months and 3 years old. While the CPSC reported nine fatalities in the U.S., no additional deaths have been confirmed in Canada.
Consumers who own these pools are advised to contact Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup for a free repair kit, which includes a rope to replace the existing compression strap. Until repairs are made, it is recommended that pool owners ensure small children cannot access the pools without adult supervision. Alternatively, draining the pool is a suggested temporary measure.
Details of the Recall
All recalled pools are at least 48 inches tall and can be identified using the brand and model names listed in the CPSC and Health Canada recall notices. The affected models were sold at major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Costco, and Amazon. Approximately 5 million of these pools were sold in the U.S., with an additional 266,000 units sold in Canada.
The recall is a reminder for consumers to remain vigilant about pool safety, especially with young children around. Drowning is a silent tragedy that can occur quickly and without warning. It is essential that pool owners take necessary precautions to prevent access and ensure that children are supervised at all times when near water.
As this situation develops, the CPSC continues to monitor the safety of consumer products to prevent further incidents and protect families. Pool owners are encouraged to take immediate action to mitigate risks associated with these products.
