The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall of over 5 million above-ground swimming pools sold by retailers such as Walmart, Target, Lowe's, Home Depot, and Amazon. The recalled products include pools manufactured by Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup, which are 48 inches or taller and feature compression straps that may pose a safety hazard.
The CPSC's notice indicates that the compression straps can provide a foothold, allowing children to access the pools and potentially drown. Reports have linked these pools to nine drowning incidents involving children aged between 22 months and 3 years, occurring in various states including California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri, from 2007 to 2022.
The affected pools have been on the market since 2002, with sales continuing until 2025. Approximately 266,000 of these pools were also sold in Canada. The CPSC advises consumers to contact the manufacturers for a free repair kit, which will replace the compression strap with a safer alternative. In the interim, the agency recommends that pool owners supervise children closely and consider draining the pools until repairs are made.
The recall underscores the importance of safety measures for children's access to swimming pools, particularly in the context of above-ground models, which may present unique risks. The CPSC has highlighted the need for increased vigilance among parents and caregivers regarding pool safety.