Chicago, IL – A major recall has been issued for over five million above-ground pools sold nationwide, impacting pool owners across Illinois and the Midwest. The recall comes after officials linked the pools’ design to nine child drownings since 2002.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the affected pools, manufactured by Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup, feature an exterior compression strap that can act as a foothold. This allows young children to climb into the pool, even if a ladder has been removed. The recalled pools, sold since 2002 at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Costco, and Amazon, are 48 inches and taller, with brands and models including Bestway Power Steel, Intex Ultra Frame, and Polygroup Summer Waves.
CPSC stated on Monday that incidents occurred in Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Michigan, and several other states between 2007 and 2022. Officials believe nine children between 22 months and 3 years old allegedly drowned after accessing the pools using these footholds. Additional nonfatal incidents have also been reported. The recall impacts both U.S. and Canadian consumers, with an estimated 266,000 pools sold in Canada.
Consumers are urged to immediately stop using the recalled pools and contact Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup for a free repair kit. The kit includes a rope to replace the compression strap, restoring the pool’s structural integrity without creating an accessible foothold. In the interim, parents and guardians should ensure children cannot access the pools unattended.
For more information and to check affected models, visit the CPSC recall website or PoolSafely.gov for additional pool safety resources.
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