The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued an urgent recall of approximately 5 million above-ground swimming pools following reports of nine child drowning deaths. This massive recall, announced on July 21, 2025, affects pools manufactured by major brands including Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup, raising critical safety concerns for families across the United States and Canada.
Breaking News: Latest Recall Details
More than 5.2 million aboveground swimming pools sold in the U.S. and Canada since 2002 are being recalled due to a design flaw that creates dangerous climbing opportunities for young children. Children have been able to climb into the aboveground pools by using a compression strap on the outside as a foothold, according to the CPSC’s official announcement.
The recall represents one of the largest swimming pool safety recalls in recent history, affecting pools sold at major retailers nationwide including Walmart, Target, Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Costco, and many others.
The Tragic Statistics Behind the Recall
The recall was prompted by devastating incidents spanning over 15 years. Between 2007 and 2022, nine children aged 22 months to 3 years old tragically drowned after gaining unauthorized access to these pools. The deaths occurred across multiple states including California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri.
Additionally, the CPSC documented three other incidents in 2011 and 2012 where children gained access to pools using the compression strap as a foothold, though these cases did not result in fatalities. These statistics highlight the urgent nature of this safety issue and the critical importance of immediate action by pool owners.
Which Pool Brands and Models Are Affected?
The recall encompasses several major pool manufacturers and their various brand names:
Bestway and Coleman Models (2008-2024)
- Power Steel series
- Steel Pro series
- Coleman Power Steel models
Intex Models (2002-2025)
- Metal Frame Pools (2002-2012)
- Ultra Frame Pools (2002-2012)
- Prism Frame Pool (2024-2025, sold at Walmart and Intexcorp.com)
- Ultra XTR Frame Pool (2024-2025)
Polygroup Models (2006-2025)
- Summer Waves (2015-2025)
- Summer Escapes (2006-2015)
- Funsicle (2023-2025)
- Sand n Sun (2008-2011)
- Blue Wave (2014-2025)
All recalled pools are 48 inches tall or taller and feature compression straps that wrap around the pool exterior. Pool owners can identify their model by checking the brand name and model number printed on the pool liner’s outside surface.
The Safety Hazard Explained
The dangerous design flaw centers on compression straps that encircle the pool’s exterior around the supporting poles. These straps, intended to provide structural support, inadvertently create footholds that allow small children to climb over the pool walls. Critically, this climbing risk persists even when pool ladders are properly removed, making traditional safety measures ineffective.
Young children, particularly those between 22 months and 3 years old, can use these straps to gain access to pools without adult supervision, leading to drowning incidents. This age group is particularly vulnerable as they may lack swimming skills but possess enough mobility to climb using the compression straps.
Immediate Action Required: What Pool Owners Must Do
Pool owners must take immediate action to protect children’s safety. The CPSC strongly recommends:
Step 1: Contact the Manufacturer Immediately
- Bestway: Call 844-593-4003 (8 AM – 5 PM ET, Monday-Friday) or visit BWrecallsupport.expertinquiry.com
- Intex: Call 800-549-8829 (8:30 AM – 5 PM PT, Monday-Friday) or visit www.Intexcorp.com/recall
- Polygroup: Call 888-621-4137 (5 AM – 11 PM MT, Monday-Friday) or visit polygrouprecall.com
Step 2: Request Free Repair Kit
All three manufacturers are providing free repair kits containing a rope system that replaces the compression strap function while eliminating the climbing hazard. The rope attaches to vertical support poles at ground level, maintaining pool structural integrity without creating footholds.
Step 3: Implement Interim Safety Measures
Until the repair kit is installed:
- Ensure constant adult supervision when children are near the pool area
- Consider draining the pool completely if adequate supervision cannot be guaranteed
- Install additional safety barriers around the pool perimeter
- Never leave children unattended near the pool, even for brief moments
The Repair Solution: How It Works
The manufacturer-provided repair kit replaces the dangerous compression strap with a ground-level rope system. This innovative solution maintains the pool’s structural integrity while eliminating climbing footholds. The installation process involves:
- Securing the new rope system to vertical support poles at ground level
- Carefully removing the existing compression strap
- Ensuring proper tension and support for pool stability
This repair effectively addresses the safety hazard while allowing families to continue enjoying their pools safely.
Where These Pools Were Sold
The recalled pools have been widely distributed through major retail channels since 2002, including:
Physical Retail Stores: Walmart, Target, Sears, Lowe’s, Kmart, Toys “R” Us, Sam’s Club, The Home Depot, Big Lots, Costco, BJ’s Wholesale Club
Online Retailers: Amazon.com, Wayfair.com, manufacturer websites (Bestway USA, Intex, Funsicle, Summer Waves)
The pools range in price from approximately $400 to over $1,000, depending on size, model, and included accessories. All recalled units were manufactured in China and distributed throughout North America.
Pool Safety Beyond the Recall: Essential Prevention Tips
This recall serves as a crucial reminder about comprehensive pool safety measures. The CPSC’s PoolSafely.gov website offers valuable resources including:
- Barrier Installation: Proper fencing, gates, and covers
- Safety Equipment: Pool alarms, safety covers, and emergency equipment
- Supervision Guidelines: Constant adult supervision protocols
- Emergency Preparedness: CPR training and emergency response procedures
Multiple layers of protection are essential, as no single safety measure is foolproof. Effective pool safety requires combining physical barriers, safety equipment, adult supervision, and emergency preparedness.
Legal and Regulatory Context
Federal law strictly prohibits the sale of recalled products, making it illegal for retailers or individuals to sell these pools without proper repairs. The CPSC continues monitoring the situation and may take additional enforcement actions if necessary.
Pool owners experiencing difficulties with recall remedies or unresponsive manufacturers can file complaints directly with the CPSC through their official reporting system. This helps ensure manufacturers comply with recall requirements and provide adequate customer support.
Economic Impact and Consumer Rights
The recall affects a significant economic investment for many families, with recalled pools representing hundreds of millions of dollars in consumer purchases. However, the free repair kits help preserve families’ investments while addressing safety concerns.
Consumers maintain the right to safe products and prompt manufacturer response to safety issues. The comprehensive recall remedy, including free repair kits and customer support, demonstrates the importance of corporate responsibility in product safety matters.
Moving Forward: Prevention and Awareness
This major recall highlights the critical importance of proactive pool safety design and consumer awareness. Future pool designs must prioritize child safety from the initial design phase, considering potential climbing hazards and unauthorized access points.
Families considering pool purchases should research safety features, installation requirements, and manufacturer safety records. Additionally, comprehensive safety planning should begin before pool installation, including barrier systems, supervision protocols, and emergency preparedness.
Conclusion: Taking Action Now Saves Lives
The recall of 5 million above-ground pools represents a critical moment for pool safety awareness. Nine tragic deaths over 15 years underscore the devastating consequences of seemingly minor design flaws. However, the comprehensive recall remedy offers hope for preventing future tragedies.
Pool owners must act immediately by contacting manufacturers, requesting repair kits, and implementing interim safety measures. This recall serves as a powerful reminder that pool safety requires constant vigilance, multiple protection layers, and prompt action when safety issues arise.
For the latest information on this recall and other pool safety resources, visit CPSC.gov or call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772. Remember: when it comes to water safety, there are no second chances – every precaution matters.
This article contains the most current information available as of July 22, 2025. Pool owners should verify their specific model’s recall status through official manufacturer channels and follow all CPSC recommendations for immediate safety measures.