More than 5.2 million aboveground swimming pools sold in the United States and Canada are being recalled following reports of nine child drownings. The pools, which include models from Bestway, Intex Recreation, and Polygroup, have been sold by major retailers since 2002. The recall was announced in notices published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada on October 30, 2023.
These pools feature compression straps running along their exteriors, which can inadvertently provide a foothold for small children, allowing them to access the water unsupervised. The CPSC has confirmed that the nine drowning incidents occurred between 2007 and 2022, involving children aged between 22 months and 3 years. No similar fatalities have been reported in Canada.
Safety Guidelines for Pool Owners
Consumers who own these pools are strongly advised to contact Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup to obtain a free repair kit. This kit includes a rope designed to replace the problematic compression strap. In the meantime, pool owners should ensure that small children do not have unsupervised access to the pools. They may also consider draining the pools until the necessary repairs are completed.
The recall specifically targets pools that stand 48 inches or taller. Identifying details can be found on the recall notices from the CPSC and Health Canada, which list the affected brands and model names. Approximately 5 million of the recalled pools were sold in the U.S., through both online and brick-and-mortar retailers such as Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Costco, and Amazon. An additional 266,000 units were sold in Canada.
Impact and Consumer Responsibility
The significant scale of this recall raises important safety concerns for families with young children. Pool safety is paramount, and the CPSC emphasizes the need for vigilant supervision when children are around water. Parents and guardians are urged to take immediate action to prevent potential accidents, especially as summer approaches in the Southern Hemisphere.
As consumers respond to this recall, the importance of adhering to safety recommendations cannot be overstated. By following the outlined guidelines, families can help mitigate the risks associated with these recalled products.
