Over 5.2 million pools sold across the U.S. and Canada are under recall
after reports of nine deaths
[July 22, 2025]
NEW YORK (AP) — More than 5.2 million aboveground swimming pools sold
across the U.S. and Canada over the last two decades are being recalled
after nine drowning deaths were reported.
The recall covers a range of Bestway, Intex Recreation and Polygroup
pools that were sold by major retailers as far back as 2002. According
to Monday notices published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission and Health Canada, these pools have compression straps
running along the outside of the product — which “may create a foothold”
for small children and allow them to access the water unattended.
That can pose a serious drowning risk, the safety regulatory warn. To
date, the CPSC believes nine children across the U.S. have drowned after
gaining access to these now-recalled pools in this way. Those deaths
occurred between 2007 and 2022, involving children between the ages of
22 months and 3 years old. No additional fatalities have been reported
in Canada.
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.
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In this undated image provided by the CPSC, a child uses the
compression strap to stand on above-ground pool. (CPSC via AP)
 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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