Over 5.2 million pools sold across the U.S. and Canada are under recall after reports of nine deaths
Jul 21, 2025, 8:02 AM | Updated: 8:12 am
NEW YORK (AP) 鈥� More than 5.2 million aboveground swimming pools sold across the U.S. and Canada over the last two decades are being recalled after nine drowning deaths were reported.
The recall covers a range of Bestway, Intex Recreation and Polygroup pools that were sold by major retailers as far back as 2002. According to Monday notices published by the and , these pools have compression straps running along the outside of the product 鈥� which 鈥渕ay create a foothold鈥� for small children and allow them to access the water unattended.
That can pose a serious drowning risk, the safety regulatory warn. To date, the CPSC believes nine children across the U.S. have drowned after gaining access to these now-recalled pools in this way. Those deaths occurred between 2007 and 2022, involving children between the ages of 22 months and 3 years old. No additional fatalities have been reported in Canada.
Consumers in possession of these pools are urged to immediately , and/or to receive a free repair kit 鈥� which will consist of a rope to replace the compression strap. Owners of these pools should otherwise ensure that small children cannot access the pool without supervision, regulators note 鈥� and could alternatively drain the pool until the repair is made.
All of the pools being recalled are 48 inches or taller 鈥� and can be identified by brand and model names listed on both the CPSC and Health Canada’s . Sales of the pools ranged by model and location, but date as far back to 2002 and as recently as 2025.
About 5 million of these now-recalled pools were sold across the U.S. 鈥� including both online and in-stores at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Costco and Amazon. Another 266,000 were sold in Canada.
