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Millions of Above-Ground Pools Recalled Following Drowning Deaths of Nine Children
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a massive recall of approximately 5 million above-ground pools following the tragic drowning deaths of at least nine children under the age of 3. The recall spans multiple brands and retailers and involves 48-inch and taller above-ground pools equipped with compression straps, which may pose a hidden drowning hazard even when ladders are removed.
The recalled pools use compression straps wrapped around the outside of the supporting poles. These straps, although intended for structural stability, may create a foothold, allowing small children to climb into the pool unassisted.
The CPSC has linked nine drowning deaths between 2007 and 2022 in states including Florida, California, Texas, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri to this design flaw. These heartbreaking incidents occurred even though pool ladders had been removed by supervising adults.
In addition, three other non-fatal incidents were reported in 2011 and 2012, in which children reportedly used the straps to climb into pools.
The recall includes above-ground pools 48 inches or taller sold under the following popular brands:
- Bestway
- Coleman
- Intex
- Polygroup
These pools have been available at major retailers and online platforms, including:
- Walmart
- Target
- Sears
- Lowe’s
- The Home Depot
- Sam’s Club
- Costco
- BJ’s
- Toys “R” Us (before closing)
- Amazon.com
- Wayfair.com
- Intexcorp.com
- Bestway USA
- Funsicle.com
- SummerWaves.com
Prices ranged from $400 to over $1,000.
Affected Models by Brand
| Brand | Models/Years |
|---|---|
| Bestway / Coleman | Power Steel, Steel Pro (2008–2024) |
| Intex | Metal Frame, Ultra Frame, Ultra XTR Frame (2002–2012, 2024–2025 Walmart/Intexcorp.com exclusive) |
| Polygroup | Summer Waves, Summer Escapes, Funsicle, Sand n Sun, Blue Wave (2006–2025) |
If you own one of these pools, the CPSC urges you to:
- Immediately restrict access to the pool
- Drain the pool if children cannot be kept away
- Contact the manufacturer for a free repair kit
How to Request a Free Repair Kit
| Manufacturer | Contact Info |
|---|---|
| Bestway | BWrecallsupport.expertinquiry.com or call 844-593-4003 (M–F, 8AM–5PM ET) or email BWrecallsupport5516@sedgwick.com |
| Intex | www.Intexcorp.com/recall or call 800-549-8829 (M–F, 8:30AM–5PM PT) or email recallhelp@intexcorp.com |
| Polygroup | polygrouprecall.com or call 888-621-4137 (M–F, 5AM–11PM MT) or email poolrecall@polygroup.com |
Could This Lead to a Wrongful Death Claim?
Yes. If your family has suffered the unimaginable loss of a child due to one of these recalled pools, you may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. These claims may be based on:
- Defective product design (i.e., the compression straps creating unintended access points)
- Failure to warn consumers about known hazards
- Negligent manufacturing or testing
- Lack of adequate safety recalls in a timely manner
Manufacturers have a duty to make safe products, especially those designed for home use. If a product poses an unreasonable risk and results in death, the company can be held legally and financially responsible.
At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we are heartbroken by these preventable tragedies. Our team has years of experience handling wrongful death claims, particularly those involving dangerous consumer products and child injuries.
If you or someone you know lost a loved one due to one of these above-ground pools, you are not alone, and legal options may be available.