5 Million Pools Recalled After Tragic Drownings Prompt Urgent Safety Warning
Hey everyone, I want to talk about something serious that every parent, guardian, or pool owner needs to be aware of right now. Over 5 million above-ground pools are being recalled across the U.S. after a heartbreaking string of child drownings tied to a critical design flaw.
The issue is with popular brands— Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup —which have sold millions of pools over the years through major retailers like Walmart, Target, Costco, Home Depot, and others. These aren't just recent products— the recall impacts pools sold all the way back to 2002 , and specifically those that are 48 inches or taller and use compression straps for structural support.
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Now here’s where it gets alarming: those very compression straps , meant to keep the pools stable, have become footholds for small children . Instead of keeping kids safe, they’ve created a way for toddlers—some as young as 22 months old —to climb into the pool without adult supervision. Between 2007 and 2022 , nine children tragically drowned after gaining access this way. These accidents happened in multiple states—California, Florida, Texas, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri. That’s not just a warning sign—it’s a call to action.
In addition to the deaths, there were at least three other incidents where children were caught trying to access pools using these straps. The danger is clear, and July, by the way, is already the highest month for drowning deaths each year.
Thankfully, Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup are taking responsibility and have announced a voluntary recall in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada . If you own one of these pools, they’re offering a free repair kit . It includes a safety rope that helps maintain the pool’s structure and allows you to cut and remove the hazardous straps completely.
Until you get the kit, you’re strongly advised to drain the pool or make sure no child can access it without constant supervision . This is about being proactive before something irreversible happens.
Look, no one ever thinks it’ll happen to them. But these deaths didn’t happen because someone was careless. They happened because of an unseen risk that wasn't obvious until it was too late. So if you or someone you know owns an above-ground pool, check your brand, check your model , and go to the CPSC’s website or the manufacturers' websites for full recall details.
Safety doesn’t wait. Let’s spread the word and prevent another tragedy before it starts.
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