(NEXSTAR) – About 5 million above-ground pools are being recalled after being linked to the drowning deaths of nine children between 2007 and 2022.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in collaboration with multiple pool manufacturers, declared a recall on Monday. A CPSC-issued recall alert highlighted that an external strap encircling the pool supports could enable children to access the water, even if the ladder has been removed.
“The compression strap that surrounds the outside of the pool legs may create a foothold, allowing a child access to the pool, posing a drowning risk,” the alert stated.
The CPSC has identified the pool straps as being linked to the deaths of nine children “between the ages of 22 months and 3 years old.” These incidents occurred between 2007 and 2022 across six states: California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri. Additionally, the CPSC reported awareness of three more incidents during this period, though they did not specify if these resulted in fatalities.
The CPSC also included an image of a standing on one of the compression straps, illustrating how a child might be able to enter the water on their own.
Pools affected by the recall were manufactured in China and sold under the brand names Bestway, Coleman, Intex and Polygroup, the recall alert indicates. All of the models have sides that are 48 inches or taller.
The recalled pools were offered for sale in stores and online at over a dozen national outlets. Major retailers included Walmart, Target, Amazon, The Home Depot, Costco, BJ’s and Wayfair, among several others listed in the CPSC’s alert.
Consumers who have the pools are being urged to contact Bestway, Intex or Polygroup for a free repair kit, which allows owners to replace the compression straps with a rope that sits nearer to the ground.
“In the interim consumers should ensure that children cannot access the pool unattended or, alternatively, drain the pool until the repair can be installed,” reads the alert.
More information, including the models of the recalled pools and contact information for Bestway, Intex or Polygroup, can be found in the CPSC alert.
