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The recall covers a range of aboveground swimming pools that were sold by major retailers as far back as 2002.
WASHINGTON — Over 5.2 million aboveground swimming pools sold in the U.S. and Canada over the last 20 years are being recalled due to reports of nine drowning incidents.
The recall involves various models from Bestway, Intex Recreation, and Polygroup pools, available from major retailers since 2002. Notices from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, released on Monday, indicate that these pools feature compression straps on the exterior, which could serve as a foothold for young children, allowing them to reach the water unsupervised.
This situation poses a significant drowning hazard, caution the safety authorities. So far, the CPSC has identified nine instances of children in the U.S. drowning after accessing these recalled pools independently. These tragic events, involving children aged between 22 months and 3 years, occurred from 2007 to 2022. In Canada, no related fatalities have been reported.
The deaths occurred in California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin and Missouri, according to regulators.
Consumers in possession of these pools are urged to immediately contact Bestway, Intex and/or Polygroup to receive a free repair kit — which will consist of a rope to replace the compression strap. Owners of these pools should otherwise ensure that small children cannot access the pool without supervision, regulators note — and could alternatively drain the pool until the repair is made.
All of the pools being recalled are 48 inches or taller — and can be identified by brand and model names listed on both the CPSC and Health Canada’s recall notices. Sales of the pools ranged by model and location, but date as far back to 2002 and as recently as 2025.
About 5 million of these now-recalled pools were sold across the U.S. — including both online and in-stores at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Costco and Amazon. Another 266,000 were sold in Canada.
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