Massive Recall: Over 5 Million Pools Due to Drowning Risks

Major Recall of Aboveground Swimming Pools Due to Safety Concerns

In a significant safety alert, more than 5.2 million aboveground swimming pools sold across the U.S. and Canada are being recalled following reports of nine tragic drowning incidents. This recall affects a variety of pools manufactured by Bestway, Intex Recreation, and Polygroup, which have been available at major retailers since as far back as 2002.

Details of the Recall

According to notices from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada

Tragic Incidents Linked to the Pools

To date, the CPSC has reported that nine children in the U.S. have drowned after gaining access to these recalled pools, with incidents occurring between 2007 and 2022. The victims were all young children, ranging in age from 22 months to 3 years old. Fortunately, no additional fatalities have been reported in Canada related to this issue.

Immediate Actions for Consumers

If you own one of the affected pools, it is crucial to take immediate action. Consumers are encouraged to contact Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup to obtain a free repair kit. This kit includes a rope designed to replace the problematic compression strap. In the meantime, it is essential to ensure that small children cannot access the pool without supervision. Alternatively, owners should consider draining the pool until the necessary repairs are completed.

Identifying the Recalled Pools

All pools included in this recall measure 48 inches or taller. They can be identified by their brand and model names, which are listed in both the CPSC and Health Canada recall notices. The sales of these pools spanned various models and locations, dating back to 2002 and extending to the present day. Approximately 5 million of the now-recalled pools were sold in the U.S., including both online and in-store purchases at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Costco, and Amazon. An additional 266,000 units were sold in Canada.

Stay Informed and Safe

As summer approaches, it is vital for parents and guardians to stay informed about pool safety. The recall of these aboveground swimming pools underscores the importance of supervision when young children are around water. Ensure that you are aware of the brands and models of pools you own, and take the necessary precautions to protect your loved ones.