Millions of Pools Recalled Across U.S., Canada Linked to 9 Toddler Drownings

Over 5.2 million above-ground swimming pools sold across the U.S. and Canada since 2002 have been recalled due to a safety hazard involving compression straps on the pool exteriors that create footholds, enabling young children to climb into the pools unsupervised and posing a drowning risk. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported nine toddler deaths between 2007 and 2022 in six states, involving children aged 22 months to 3 years, linked to this design flaw. The recall affects pools from manufacturers Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup, sold at major retailers including Walmart, Target, Lowe's, Costco, and Amazon, with prices ranging from $400 to over $1,000. Consumers are urged to contact the manufacturers to receive a free repair kit that replaces the compression strap with a safer rope, or to ensure children cannot access the pools unattended or drain the pools until repairs are made. Although no injuries have been reported in Canada, Health Canada has issued a recall for over 260,000 pools with the same design issue, advising similar precautions. The affected pool models include Bestway and Coleman Power Steel, Intex Metal Frame and Ultra Frame pools, and various Polygroup models sold through 2025.