Recall Overview
On July 21, 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), alongside Health Canada, issued a massive recall of approximately 5–5.2 million above-ground pools—brands include Bestway, Intex, Polygroup (including Coleman, Summer Waves, Prism Frame, Power Steel, Funsicle, and more) (AP News). The recall affects pools that are 48 inches or taller, sold between 2002 and 2025.(Globedge).
What’s the Hazard?
These pools feature an external compression strap that wraps around the outside support legs. The CPSC determined this design creates a foothold, enabling toddlers (aged ~22 months to 3 years) to climb in unsupervised—even with ladders removed—and fall victim to drowning (The Sun).
Between 2007 and 2022, nine tragic drowning deaths occurred across six U.S. states—California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri (Houston Chronicle). There were also at least three additional near-incidents in 2011–2012 (The Sun)
Recall Remedy & Consumer Advice
- Repair Kit: Owners should immediately contact Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup to receive a free repair kit, which replaces the compression strap with a safer rope system around the pool’s vertical supports (AP News).
- Precautionary Measures: Until the kit is installed, drain the pool or prevent any child access (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission).
Wide Retail Distribution
These pools were sold at major U.S. retailers such as:
- Walmart, Target, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe’s
- Sears, Kmart, Big Lots, BJ’s, Sam’s Club
- Online: Amazon, Wayfair, Bestway USA, Intex, Funsicle, Summer Waves (The Sun, https://www.wowt.com)
Around 266,000 units were sold in Canada, where no injuries were reported (AP New).
Design Flaw & Regulatory Response
The design issue was called a “textbook example of a dangerous design flaw” by CPSC officials Peter Feldman and Douglas Dziak (Houston Chronicle). An LA Times report showed toddlers easily climbing the strap to gain pool access—it bypasses safety ladder removal precautions (Los Angeles Times). In response, manufacturers have updated designs since 2023, and newer models already eliminate this hazard (Los Angeles Times, Fox Business).
Future Prevention Measures
Experts warn that even with fixes, pool safety remains critical:
- Barriers: Isolation fences with self-closing, self-latching gates around pools are recommended (Los Angeles Times).
- Child-resistant ladders: Advocacy groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics are petitioning for mandatory safety standards on pool ladder designs to prevent unsupervised access (Los Angeles Times).
Summary
This recall—covering over 5 million pools from 2002–2025—was triggered by nine drownings caused by a simple but deadly design flaw: external compression straps. The CPSC and manufacturers are offering free repair kits and urge immediate action. Pool owners should drain pools or restrict child access until repaired. This incident serves as a crucial wake-up call on residential pool safety and the need for improved design standards.
