More than 5 million above-ground pools are being recalled after nine children drowned over a 15-year period, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced Monday.
The recall affects Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup pools that are 48 inches or taller. These pools use exterior compression straps around support poles — which the CPSC says can act as footholds, making it easier for children to climb in and drown.
According to the agency, children were able to access the pools using the straps, even when ladders had been removed. The nine drownings involved kids between 22 months and 3 years old and occurred between 2007 and 2022 in six states, including California, Texas, and Florida.
The companies said they began working with the CPSC in 2023 to update safety standards. A new standard aimed at preventing unsupervised access was finalized in May 2025.
“Most above-ground pools 48 inches or taller currently being sold today have already addressed this concern,” the companies said in a joint statement. “This recall ensures those changes can be applied to all pools sold since 2002.”
The recalled pools were sold nationwide at major retailers including Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Costco, and Amazon. About 266,000 affected units were sold in Canada.
Consumers can find the brand and model number printed on the pool liner outside the pool. Affected users should contact the manufacturer for a free repair kit that includes a safer replacement for the strap.
Until the fix is in place, the CPSC urges pool owners to restrict child access or drain the pool completely to prevent accidents.