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Over 5.2 million pools sold across the U.S. and Canada are under recall after reports of nine deaths
UNITED STATES AND CANADA, JUL 21 – The recall follows reports of nine child drownings linked to a compression strap design flaw that lets children climb into pools without ladders, affecting over 5 million units, regulators said.
- On July 21, 2025, a recall was issued for approximately 5 million above-ground pools measuring 48 inches or taller that feature external compression straps, due to safety concerns.
- The recall follows reports that the compression straps wrapping around vertical support poles can create footholds allowing children to access pools and drown between 2007 and 2022.
- Recalled pools sold under brands like Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup have been distributed nationwide and online since 2002 through major retailers, costing between $400 and $1,000 depending on model and size.
- The CPSC linked at least nine deaths of children aged 22 months to 3 years across six states to these pools, and companies now offer free repair kits to secure the straps and prevent access.
- Customers with recalled pools should contact Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup for repair kits, avoid unsupervised child access, and not drain pools until kits are installed to reduce drowning risks.
249 Articles
249 Articles
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5 million above-ground pools recalled over child drownings
By Naveen Athrappully Contributing Writer Bestway, Intex and Polygroup-branded 48-inch and taller above-ground pools with external compression straps are being recalled, according to a Monday notice from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. “Nine children between the ages of 22 months and 3 years old have drowned after gaining access to the pools via the footholds,” the notice said. The incidents occurred in California, Texas, Florida…
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