Millions of Above-Ground Pools Recalled Over Drowning Risk
Over five million above-ground swimming pools have been recalled due to a potential risk of drowning, following the tragic deaths of nine children over a 15-year period. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified the affected models, which include pools that are 48 inches or taller and were sold under several brand names over the past two decades.
The brands involved in the recall include Bestway, Coleman, Intel, and Polygroup. These pools were available for purchase at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Costco, and Amazon. The CPSC has warned that the issue lies with the compression straps that wrap around the outside of the pool’s supporting poles. These straps can create a foothold for young children, allowing them to climb into the pool and potentially drown.
What Models Are Affected?
The recall covers a wide range of models from the listed brands. For instance:
- Bestway and Coleman pools sold between 2008 and 2024, including models like Power Steel, Steel Pro, and Coleman Power Steel.
- Intex pools sold between 2002 and 2012, including Metal Frame Pools and Ultra Frame Pools. Additionally, specific models sold only at Intexcorp.com and Walmart from 2024 to 2025, such as Prism Frame Pool and Ultra XTR Frame Pool.
- Polygroup pools sold between 2006 and 2025, including models like Summer Waves, Summer Escapes, Funsicle, Sand n Sun, and Blue Wave.
The price range of these pools varies from $400 to over $1,000. In addition, over 200,000 units have also been recalled in Canada, according to the CPSC.
Steps to Take if Your Pool Is Recalled
If you own a pool that is included in this recall, it is essential to take immediate action to ensure the safety of your family. Customers should contact the respective manufacturers—Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup—to receive a free repair kit. Until the repair is installed, it is crucial to prevent children from accessing the pool unsupervised or to drain the pool if possible.
The repair kit includes a rope that attaches to each of the pool’s vertical support poles at ground level. This rope functions similarly to the original compression strap. Once the rope is secured, customers should cut and remove the original compression strap from the pool.
Contact Information for Each Company
Customers can reach out to the following companies for more information:
- Bestway: Call toll-free at 844-593-4003 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit https://BWrecallsupport.expertinquiry.com online. You can also email [email protected].
- Intex: Call toll-free at 800-549-8829 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit www.Intexcorp.com/recall online. Email options include [email protected].
- Polygroup: Call toll-free at 888-621-4137 from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or visit https://polygrouprecall.com online. You can also email [email protected].
Additional Safety Measures
In addition to using the repair kit, it is recommended that pool owners take further precautions. This includes ensuring that the pool area is securely fenced, using pool alarms, and never leaving children unattended near the water. Regular inspections of the pool’s structure and safety features are also advised.
This recall highlights the importance of vigilance when it comes to child safety around water. By taking the necessary steps, families can help prevent tragic accidents and ensure a safer environment for their children.
