Over 5 Million Above-Ground Pools Recalled Over Drownings

Backyard pool season is in full swing, but a major recall announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada may put an early end to your summer fun for an important safety reason.

Owners of above-ground swimming pools across the United States and Canada are being advised to check the brand and model numbers of pools 48 inches high and taller with the affected brands including pools from Bestway (sold between 2008-2024), Intex (2002-2025) and Polygroup (2006-2025). Overall, the recall is said to cover 5.2 million pools sold in North America as far back as 2002 and as recently as 2025.

The recalled pools were manufactured in China and sold online and in stores “including Walmart, Target, Sears, Lowe’s, Kmart, Toys ‘R’ Us, Sam’s Club, The Home Depot, Big Lots, Costco and BJ’s (among others), as well as online at Amazon.com, Wayfair.com and Bestway USA, Intex, Funsicle and Summer Waves websites.”

In addition to their metal frames, these pools have a compression strap around the lower, outside portion of the pool. Intended to help these taller swimming pools keep their shape, the design of these straps circumferencing the pool material and vertical support poles has, unfortunately, also allowed small children a foothold to access the water without a ladder and without adult assistance or supervision. According to the CPSC, at least nine drowning deaths have occurred as a result, with the victims ranging in age from 22 months to three years old.

Importantly, pools with a compression strap running inside the vertical supports (thus not creating a gap for a foothold) are not subject to the recall. More information on models and their features is available at cpsc.gov.

What To Do If You Have a Recalled Swimming Pool

First, keep small children away from the affected pool brands and models without adult supervision — or, alternatively, drain the pool until further steps are taken.

The pools themselves are not being fully recalled, but rather will be eligible for a repair kit: A rope that will replace the existing compression strap. Pool owners should immediately contact the appropriate brand for their repair kits at the contact information below:

• Bestway toll free at 844-593-4003, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, online, or by email at BWrecallsupport5516@sedgwick.com
• Intex toll-free at 800-549-8829, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday, online, or by email at recallhelp@intexcorp.com
• Polygroup toll-free at 888-621-4137, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. MT, Monday through Friday, online, or by email at poolrecall@polygroup.com