According to a Monday notice from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup-branded 48-inch and taller above-ground pools with external compression straps are being recalled due to a significant drowning risk to children.
“Nine children between the ages of 22 months and 3 years old have drowned after gaining access to the pools via the footholds,” the notice said.
The incidents occurred in California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri between 2007 and 2022. Besides the nine, the agency was aware of three other incidents in 2011 and 2012 involving children.
The recall affects around 5 million pools sold since 2002, with the majority of them being 48-inch and taller pools. These pools were sold under various brands, including Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup.
When the compression strap, which surrounds the outside of the pool, goes over the vertical pool legs, it creates a foothold that allows children to climb and access the pool, posing a drowning risk.
Pool Models and Manufacturers
- Bestway models were sold from 2008 to 2024.
- Intex models were sold between 2002 and 2012.
- Polygroup models were sold from 2006 to 2025 under sub-brands such as Summer Waves, Summer Escapes, Funsicle, Sand n Sun, and Blue Wave.
Pricing for the pools ranged from approximately $400 to over $1,000, depending on the size and model of the pool and the additional accessories purchased.
Recall and Repair Process
Consumers who purchased the recalled product should contact Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup to receive a free repair kit consisting of a rope that attaches to each of the vertical support poles at the ground level and wraps around the pool.
The rope essentially replaces the compression strap and maintains the structure’s integrity. Consumers are advised to first secure the rope before cutting off the strap.
People with children are requested to drain the pool while awaiting the repair kit.
Affected Markets and Sales
| Brand | Affected Markets | Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Bestway | USA and Canada | Approximately 5 million pools sold since 2002 |
| Intex | USA and Canada | About 266 pools sold in 2024 and 2025 |
| Polygroup | USA, Canada, and other countries | Pricing varies depending on the size and model of the pool and additional accessories |
Approximately 266,000 pools were sold in Canada, and around 5 million pools were sold in the USA since 2002.
What to Do
Consumers who purchased the recalled product should contact Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup to receive a free repair kit.
People with children are requested to drain the pool while awaiting the repair kit.
It is recommended to secure the rope before cutting off the strap, and to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Cautionary Statement
Children under the age of 3 are particularly vulnerable to drowning risks, and it is essential to take precautions to prevent unauthorized access to the pool.
Parents and caregivers should always supervise children when they are near or in the pool, and ensure that the pool is securely fenced and covered when not in use.
Recall History
The recall affects around 5 million pools sold since 2002, with incidents reported in California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri.
Besides the nine reported incidents, the agency was aware of three other incidents in 2011 and 2012 involving children.
The recall also includes approximately 266 pools sold by Intex Models solely at Intexcorp.com and Walmart from 2024 to 2025.
The Polygroup models were sold from 2006 to 2025 under sub-brands such as Summer Waves, Summer Escapes, Funsicle, Sand n Sun, and Blue Wave.
Additional Information
The recalled above-ground pools were manufactured in China and sold at stores nationwide, including Walmart, Target, Sears, Lowe’s, Kmart, Toys “R” Us, Sam’s Club, The Home Depot, Big Lots, Costco, and BJ’s (among others), as well as online at Amazon.com, Wayfair.com, and Bestway USA, Intex, Funsicle, and Summer Waves websites.
Pricing for the pools ranged from approximately $400 to over $1,000, depending on the size and model of the pool and the additional accessories purchased.
Conclusion
Consumers who purchased the recalled product should take immediate action to prevent any further incidents.
