The Recall Desk
CriticalCPSC·25393·Announced 2025-07-21

Above-Ground Pools Recalled Due to Drowning Hazard; Nine Deaths Reported

Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup are recalling approximately 5 million above-ground pools 48 inches and taller sold since 2002 due to a drowning hazard. The external compression straps can serve as footholds allowing small children to access the pools; nine deaths have been reported.

What this means for you

Highest-severity recall. Risk of serious injury or death is documented or strongly suspected. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: Nine confirmed child deaths have been reported from drowning related to this hazard. Per the severity rubric, reported deaths mandate a Critical severity score (5) regardless of other factors.

Plain-English summary

Bestway (Hong Kong) International Ltd., Intex Recreation Corp., and Polygroup North America Inc. are recalling approximately 5 million above-ground pools 48 inches and taller that were sold since 2002. The recalled models include Bestway Coleman Power Steel, Bestway Steel Pro, Intex Metal Frame Pools, Intex Ultra Frame Pools, and Polygroup brands including Summer Waves, Summer Escapes, Funsicle, Sand n Sun, and Blue Wave.

The hazard involves the compression strap that runs on the outside of the pool and over the vertical support legs. This strap can create a foothold that allows small children to climb and gain access to the pool, posing a drowning risk.

CPSC believes that nine children between 22 months and 3 years old have drowned after gaining access to these pools. The incidents occurred between 2007 and 2022 in California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri. Additionally, three other incidents were reported in 2011 and 2012 where children gained access to recalled pools via the compression strap but did not drown.

Consumers should contact the manufacturer for a repair kit. Until repairs are installed, consumers should ensure children cannot access the pool unattended or drain the pool. Contact Bestway at 844-593-4003, Intex at 800-549-8829, or Polygroup at 888-621-4137 for repair kit information.

The recalled product

Product
48-inch and taller above-ground pools with compression straps running on the outside and over the vertical support legs
Category
Consumer Product — Recreational Equipment
Hazard
  • drowning
  • unintended-access
Affected units
266,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same category