About 5 million above-ground swimming pools have been recalled nationwide after the deaths of nine children due to a structural feature that allows children to climb into the pool even if the ladder is removed. Families must act promptly to repair or secure affected pools to prevent further tragedies.
Deaths and Injuries Have Been Reported
Approximately 5 million above-ground pools are being recalled due to a design flaw that poses a serious drowning risk for young children. The exterior compression strap on these pools can be used as a foothold, enabling children to climb over the wall without a pool ladder.
Nine children (ages 22 months to 3 years) have drowned after accessing these pools via the foothold between 2007 and 2022; three additional children survived similar incidents.
States Where Fatal Accidents Occurred
Fatal incidents occurred in California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri. Bestway (Hong Kong), Bestway (USA), Intex Recreation Corp. (California), Polygroup North America (Texas), and International Ltd. (China) manufactured the recalled pools. These pools were widely sold at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Costco, and BJ’s, as well as online retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, Bestway USA, Intex, Funsicle, and Summer Waves.
Details of the Pools Affected
The recall encompasses above-ground pools that are 48 inches or taller, featuring models and brands like Bestway Power Steel, Coleman Power Steel, Intex Metal and Ultra Frame Pools, Polygroup Summer Waves, Summer Escapes, Funsicle, and others, which were manufactured between 2002 and 2025.
Consumer Action Required
Families owning affected pools should immediately contact the manufacturer to request a free repair kit. The kit provides a rope to replace the hazardous compression strap; the rope must be attached, then the strap cut and removed.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends preventing children from accessing affected pools or draining the pool until repairs are complete.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 in the US, according to the CDC—a statistic that motivates urgent recall action and immediate preventive measures.
If You Have Been Affected By a Defective Pool
If you have suffered injury or a loss due to the dangerous design of these pools, contact a California swimming pool accident lawyer to evaluate your rights.
