In a significant safety announcement, more than 5.2 million aboveground swimming pools sold across the US and Canada are being recalled due to serious safety concerns. This recall comes after tragic reports of nine drowning deaths linked to these pools, which include popular brands such as Bestway, Intex Recreation, and Polygroup.
The recall affects a wide range of aboveground pools that have been on the market since 2002. Major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Lowe's, Costco, and Amazon, have sold these pools both online and in physical stores. The pools in question have compression straps along the outer edge, which may inadvertently create a foothold for young children. This design flaw poses a serious risk of drowning, as it enables unsupervised access to the water.
According to notices released by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada on Monday, the CPSC has confirmed that nine children in the United States have drowned after gaining access to these now-recalled pools between 2007 and 2022. These heartbreaking incidents involved children aged between 22 months and 3 years. Fortunately, no additional fatalities have been reported in Canada.
Consumers who currently own these recalled pools are urged to take immediate action. They should contact Bestway, Intex, and/or Polygroup to obtain a free repair kit, which includes a rope designed to replace the hazardous compression strap. In the meantime, it is crucial for owners to ensure that small children cannot access the pool area without proper supervision. Alternatively, draining the pool until the necessary repairs are completed is strongly recommended by safety regulators.
All pools included in this recall are at least 48 inches tall and can be identified by specific brand and model names listed in the recall notices from both the CPSC and Health Canada. This recall not only aims to prevent further tragedies but also emphasizes the importance of pool safety, particularly for young children.
With approximately 5 million pools sold in the US and an additional 266,000 in Canada, this recall serves as a critical reminder for pool owners to remain vigilant about safety. By following the guidance provided by regulatory agencies and ensuring proper precautions are taken, consumers can help to prevent future incidents and keep children safe around water.
