Karmactive Staff
Approximately 5 million above-ground pools have been recalled after nine toddler drownings between 2007 and 2022. The recall affects pools 48 inches and taller manufactured by Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup, sold nationwide since 2002.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the pools pose a serious drowning hazard because children as young as 22 months have used the compression straps wrapped around the vertical support legs as “footholds” to climb into the pools unattended – even when ladders were removed.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has noted in their official communication to regulators: “Toddlers are inquisitive and explore the environment around them. However, they lack the cognitive ability to recognize hazards, and it is important to protect infants and children from unsafe consumer products by establishing regulations for such products, like above-ground and portable pool ladders.”
The recalled pools were sold at major retailers including Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Costco, Amazon, Big Lots, BJ’s, Sam’s Club, Sears, Kmart, Toys “R” Us, and Wayfair, priced from about $400 to over $1,000.
Timing Raises Urgent Safety Concerns
The July recall comes at the peak of drowning season in North America. CDC data shows July consistently has the highest drowning fatality rate of any month, according to multiple media reports.
The nine reported drownings occurred across six states: California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri. All victims were between 22 months and 3 years old.
“Drowning remains the leading cause of death for U.S. children ages 1-4,” the CDC’s Vital Signs report notes, with annual drownings increasing by approximately 500 per year from 2020-2022 compared to 2019 levels.
What Consumers Should Do
Owners of the affected pools should:
- Immediately remove pool ladders and restrict access
- Contact the manufacturer for a free repair kit, which includes a ground-level rope to replace the compression strap
- Install the rope and completely remove the compression strap once the kit arrives
The recall advises owners to prevent unattended child access (or drain the pool) until the repair kit is installed.
Affected Brands and Models
The recall includes:
- Bestway: Power Steel, Steel Pro, Coleman Power Steel pools
- Intex: Metal Frame, Ultra Frame, Prism Frame, Ultra XTR Frame pools
- Polygroup: Summer Waves, Summer Escapes, Funsicle, Sand n Sun, Blue Wave pools
Canadian authorities have also recalled approximately 266,000 units sold in Canada, with identical model specifications.
New Safety Standards
A revised safety standard finalized in May 2025 eliminates external footholds on above-ground pools moving forward. While most new pools already comply with this standard, the recall ensures that older units will be modified to meet current safety requirements.
Global Drowning Concerns
France’s public health authority reported more than 100 drowning deaths between June 1 and July 2, 2025 (a 58% increase year-over-year), and 429 total drownings (a 95% increase).
The CDC also notes persistent disparities in drowning risk, with Black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations facing higher drowning rates and lower swim-lesson participation rates.For more information on the recall, pool owners can visit the CPSC website or contact the manufacturers directly. Free pool safety resources are available at PoolSafely.gov, including guides on barriers, alarms, and proper supervision.
