WASHINGTON—Federal safety regulators and three major pool manufacturers this week announced the recall of approximately 5 million above-ground swimming pools, citing a drowning hazard for young children. The pools, 48 inches or taller, feature compression straps that can create a foothold, allowing children to climb into the pool even if the ladder is removed.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), along with Bestway (Hong Kong) International Ltd., Bestway (USA) Inc., Intex Recreation Corp., and Polygroup North America Inc., issued the recall after at least nine children drowned after gaining access to the pools via these straps. The victims ranged in age from 22 months to 3 years old.
The drownings occurred between 2007 and 2022 in California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri. The CPSC also noted three other incidents in 2011 and 2012 where children were reported to have used the compression strap to enter the pools.
Consumers 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 and wraps around the pool, serving the same structural function as the original compression strap. Once the rope is secured, consumers should cut and remove the hazardous compression strap from the pool.
The brand names and model numbers of the recalled pools are printed on the pool liner on the outside of the pool. Consumers should check their pool’s labeling to determine if it is part of the recall. Specific models included in the recall are listed on the manufacturers’ websites and the CPSC website.
