Urgent Safety Alert: Millions of Above-Ground Pools Recalled Due to Drowning Hazard
There has been a critical safety recall affecting approximately five million above-ground swimming pools sold over the past two decades. This urgent action by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) comes after reports of nine drowning deaths involving children under three years old between 2007 and 2022.
The recall specifically targets above-ground pools that are 48 inches or taller and utilize external compression straps. These straps, which wrap around the outside of the pool’s supporting poles, can inadvertently create a foothold. This design flaw allows young children to climb into the pool unassisted, even if the ladder has been removed, posing a severe drowning risk.
Affected Pool Brands and Models
The recall impacts pools sold under several popular brand names: Bestway, Coleman, Intex, and Polygroup. These pools were sold at various major retailers including Walmart, Target, Costco, and Amazon, with prices ranging from $400 to over $1,000. An additional 200,000 affected pools have been recalled in Canada.
Consumers should check their pool liner on the outside of the pool for the brand name and model number. The recalled products include:
- Bestway and Coleman pools: Sold from 2008-2024, including “Power Steel,” “Steel Pro,” and “Coleman Power Steel” models.
- Intex pools: Sold from 2002-2012, including “Metal Frame Pools” and “Ultra Frame Pools.” Also, 266 specific “Prism Frame Pool” and “Ultra XTR Frame Pool” models sold only at intexcorp.com and Walmart from 2024-2025.
- Polygroup pools: Sold from 2006-2025, including “Summer Waves” (2015-2025), “Summer Escapes” (2006-2015), “Funsicle” (2023-2025), “Sand n Sun” (2008-2011), and “Blue Wave” (2014-2025).
What to Do if Your Pool is Recalled
If you own an above-ground pool that matches the description of the recalled models, it is crucial to take immediate action:
- Contact the Manufacturer for a Free Repair Kit:
- Bestway: Toll-free at 844-593-4003 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday), or online at https://BWrecallsupport.expertinquiry.com, or email at BWrecallsupport5516@sedgwick.com.
- Intex: Toll-free at 800-549-8829 (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, Monday-Friday), or online at www.Intexcorp.com/recall, or email at recallhelp@intexcorp.com.
- Polygroup: Toll-free at 888-621-4137 (5 a.m. to 11 p.m. MT, Monday-Friday), or online at https://polygrouprecall.com, or email at poolrecall@polygroup.com.
- Ensure Child Safety Immediately: While awaiting the repair kit, it is vital to prevent children from accessing the pool unattended. If this cannot be guaranteed, drain the pool until the repair kit can be installed.
The repair kit provided by the manufacturers includes a rope designed to be attached to each of the pool’s vertical support poles at ground level, effectively replacing the hazardous compression strap. After securing the new rope, consumers should cut and remove the original compression strap.
The Importance of Pool Safety
This recall underscores the paramount importance of constant vigilance and multiple layers of protection around any body of water, especially where young children are present. The CPSC, along with Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup, stated that they have been actively working to review and update product safety standards, with an updated standard for above-ground pools finalized in May 2025.
Beyond this recall, all pool owners are urged to adhere to comprehensive pool safety guidelines:
- Supervision: Never leave children unsupervised in or near the water, even for a moment. Designate a “Water Watcher” whose sole responsibility is to supervise children in the pool.
- Barriers: Install proper barriers, such as fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates, around the pool. Ensure there are no climbable objects near the pool fence that children could use to gain access.
- Alarms: Consider pool alarms that can detect movement in or around the water and alert you to potential unsupervised access.
- Learn CPR: Knowing CPR can be life-saving in a drowning emergency.
- Swim Lessons: Enroll children in swimming lessons as soon as they are old enough.
- Remove Ladders: When the pool is not in use, remove or secure ladders to prevent access.
This recall serves as a crucial reminder for all pool owners to prioritize safety and take proactive steps to prevent tragic accidents. By contacting the manufacturers for the free repair kit and implementing robust safety measures, we can ensure our swimming pools remain places of enjoyment, not danger.
