Above ground pools recalled
Above ground pools recalled Leyla M/Unsplash

More than five million above ground swimming pools have been recalled across the United States and Canada following the deaths of nine children who drowned after climbing into the pools unassisted.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) confirmed the recall on 21 July 2025, stating that the pools pose a fatal drowning hazard due to a structural design flaw. The products affected were sold between 2002 and 2025 and remain widely present in homes ahead of the summer season.

Pool Safety Hazard Caused by External Compression Straps

The recall, carried out in cooperation with Health Canada, includes pools standing 48 inches or taller and featuring external compression straps. These straps, initially intended to provide structural support, have been found to act as footholds that allow young children to climb over the side of the pool without needing a ladder.

Authorities say the nine victims, all aged between 22 months and three years, died in separate incidents that occurred across six states, including California, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas and Missouri. The pools were sold at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Amazon, Lowe's, Costco and Wayfair, with prices ranging between $400 (£300) and $1,000 (£745).

CPSC Recall Follows Years of Warnings and New Safety Standards

The decision to recall the products follows a years-long investigation and growing pressure on manufacturers to address safety concerns linked to pool access. The CPSC revealed that, aside from the nine fatal drownings, three non-fatal incidents involving children climbing into pools using the straps were reported in 2011 and 2012.

In May 2025, a new safety standard was adopted for above-ground pools, requiring designs that eliminate features that could aid unsupervised child access. Pools with external tension straps are now considered non-compliant with these updated guidelines.

Affected Pool Brands Include Bestway, Intex and Polygroup

According to the recall notice, brands included in the recall are Bestway, which markets models under names such as Coleman Power Steel and Steel Pro; Intex, which includes Metal Frame, Prism Frame, Ultra Frame and Ultra XTR models; and Polygroup, known for Summer Waves, Funsicle, Summer Escapes, Blue Wave and Sand 'n Sun pools. These brands account for a large share of the North American market and are commonly used in residential back gardens.

Pool Owners Urged to Remove Straps and Install Repair Kits

In response to the hazard, the CPSC said consumers should contact these affected manufacturers to 'receive a free repair kit.' The kits replace the external compression straps with safer rope components that maintain pool stability while eliminating the climbing hazard.

The CPSC is also advising all owners of these pools to remove and dispose of the original straps immediately and install the provided rope system before allowing further use of the pool. If installation is not possible right away, parents are urged to either block off access or drain the pool entirely to prevent accidental entry.

Summer Pool Safety Emphasised as Temperatures Rise

As reported by the Houston Chronicle, Peter Feldman, chairman of the CPSC, described the situation in a statement as 'a textbook example of a dangerous design flaw'. He noted that many of the incidents occurred even when pool ladders had been removed, highlighting the unexpected risk posed by the strap configuration.

Dennis Brickman, a forensic engineering expert involved in testing the pools, confirmed that toddlers were able to climb the pool walls within seconds by using the straps as steps.

With summer temperatures rising and outdoor pool use at its peak, authorities are reiterating the importance of pool safety, particularly in homes with young children. Proper fencing, secure covers and active supervision remain essential, even with safer pool designs in place.

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