5 Million Pools Recalled After Child Drownings

Over 5 million above-ground swimming pools from Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup, sold since 2002 in the U.S. and Canada, are being recalled following nine child drownings in the U.S. between 2007 and 2022. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada determined that external compression straps on pools 48 inches or taller create footholds that allow young children to climb in, even without a ladder. No fatalities have occurred in Canada, though over 266,000 units were sold there. The recall includes pools sold at Walmart, Target, Costco, Home Depot, and Amazon, with prices between $400 and $1,000. Consumers are urged to contact manufacturers for a free repair kit, which replaces the strap with a rope, and to restrict child access or drain the pool until repairs are made. Full brand and model details are available on official CPSC and Health Canada recall notices.