(WASHINGTON, D.C.) The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a major recall of approximately 5 million above-ground swimming pools due to a serious drowning hazard. The recall affects 48-inch and taller pool models sold under the Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup brands, which use compression straps that can act as footholds, allowing young children to climb into the pool.
According to the CPSC, nine children between the ages of 22 months and 3 years have drowned after gaining access to these pools by using the straps as footholds. The incidents occurred between 2007 and 2022 in California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri. The commission is also aware of three additional incidents in 2011 and 2012 where children were reported to have used the straps to enter the pools.
“Even when a ladder is removed, the compression straps can provide a climbing aid, creating a potentially fatal hazard,” the CPSC stated.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own one of the recalled pools are urged to immediately contact Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup to receive a free repair kit. The kit includes a rope that attaches to the vertical support poles at ground level, maintaining the pool’s structural integrity without creating a foothold. Once the repair is installed, owners should cut and remove the existing compression strap.
Until repairs are made, the CPSC advises consumers to ensure children cannot access the pool unattended or, as an extra precaution, drain the pool.
Recalled Models
The recall involves several popular above-ground pool lines, including:
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Bestway and Coleman Models (sold 2008–2024)
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Intex Models (sold 2002–2012 and certain models from 2024–2025)
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Polygroup Models (sold 2006–2025)
Specific lines include Power Steel, Steel Pro, Coleman Power Steel, Ultra Frame Pools, Summer Waves, Summer Escapes, Funsicle, Sand n Sun, Prism Frame Pool, Ultra XTR Frame Pool, and Blue Wave.
The affected pools were sold nationwide at major retailers including Walmart, Target, Sears, Lowe’s, Kmart, Sam’s Club, The Home Depot, Big Lots, Costco, BJ’s, and Toys “R” Us, as well as online through Amazon, Wayfair, and manufacturer websites. Prices range from $400 to over $1,000, depending on size and accessories. An estimated 266,000 units were also sold in Canada. All recalled pools were manufactured in China.
Pool Safety Resources
The CPSC reminds all pool owners to practice layers of protection, including installing barriers, using pool covers and alarms, and closely supervising children. Free educational materials are available at www.PoolSafely.gov.
For more information, consumers can contact Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup directly to verify if their pool is included in the recall and to request a repair kit.
