The Hazard That’s Claiming Lives
A seemingly harmless feature, external compression straps wrapped tightly around the pool wall, has led to fatal drownings in six states between 2007 and 2022, one of which took place in Michigan. These straps, designed to support the structure, have also doubled as footholds for young children, allowing them to climb into the pool without a ladder. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sounded the alarm on July 21, 2025, partnering with the pool makers, Intex, Bestway, and Polygroup to issue a voluntary recall of over 5 million above-ground pools, 48 inches and taller.
The Recall: What You Need to Know
* If you have purchased one of these pools since 2002, at Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Amazon, Costco, or Sam’s Club, you should check the liner for brand and model information. * Stop using the pool immediately and cut off the compression strap. * Contact the manufacturer to arrange for a free repair kit, which will modify the unit to make it safer.
The Product Details and Information
| Manufacturer | Product Model | Model Years | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bestway & Coleman | “Power Steel,” “Steel Pro,” “Coleman Power Steel” | 2008–2024 | $400 to over $1,000 |
| Intex | “Metal Frame,” “Ultra Frame” (2002–2012); “Prism Frame,” “Ultra XTR Frame” (2024–2025) | 2002–2012, 2024–2025 | $400 to $1,000 |
| Polygroup | Multiple models including “Summer Waves,” “Summer Escapes,” “Funsicle,” “Sand n Sun,” “Blue Wave” | Varying model years | $400 to over $1,000 |
The Impact of the Recall
* Over 260,000 of these pools were also sold in Canada. * There are no refunds offered with this current recall. * The Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup brands are providing free repair kits to modify the units to make them safer.
A Message from the Manufacturer
“We take the safety of our customers very seriously and are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. We urge all affected consumers to take immediate action and contact us to arrange for a free repair kit.” – Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup
What’s Next?
* Stop using the pool immediately and cut off the compression strap. * Contact the manufacturer to arrange for a free repair kit. * Make sure to check the liner for brand and model information to determine if your pool is affected.
Stay Safe This Summer
* Always supervise children when they’re around water. * Make sure the pool is safely fenced and surrounded by a barrier to prevent accidental entry. * Install a fence that meets local building codes and regulations.
