More than 5.2 million aboveground swimming pools sold across the United States and Canada are being recalled due to serious safety concerns linked to nine child drownings. The recall includes products from Bestway, Intex Recreation, and Polygroup, which have been available from major retailers since 2002.
According to notices issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada on October 16, 2023, the pools feature compression straps that may inadvertently create a foothold for small children, allowing them to access the water without supervision. This poses a significant drowning risk, as confirmed by the regulatory bodies.
The CPSC reports that the nine drowning fatalities occurred between 2007 and 2022, involving children aged between 22 months and 3 years old. Fortunately, no additional fatalities have been reported in Canada.
Consumers who own these pools are strongly advised to contact Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup for a free repair kit, which includes a rope designed to replace the faulty compression strap. Until repairs are made, regulators recommend that pool owners ensure small children cannot access the pools unsupervised or consider draining the pools entirely.
Details of the Recall
The recall affects all aboveground pools measuring 48 inches or taller. Consumers can identify the affected pools by the brand and model names listed in both the CPSC and Health Canada recall notices. Sales of these pools have occurred across various locations and models, with some sold as recently as 2025. Approximately 5 million of the recalled pools were sold in the U.S., including at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Costco, and Amazon. Another 266,000 units were sold in Canada.
The regulatory agencies emphasize the importance of taking immediate action to prevent further tragedies. Parents and guardians are urged to remain vigilant and supervise children around swimming pools, particularly those covered by the recall.
As the summer season approaches, safety experts encourage families to review pool safety measures. Ensuring that barriers are in place and that children are monitored at all times can help prevent accidents.
In summary, the recall of these pools highlights the critical need for vigilance regarding child safety around water. The CPSC and Health Canada are committed to addressing this issue and supporting consumers in making their pools safer.
