5 Million Above-Ground Pools Recalled After Multiple Child Drownings

An overlooked design flaw in certain above-ground pools has resulted in the reported deaths of at least nine children.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Bestway (Hong Kong) International Ltd., Bestway (USA) Inc. of Chandler, Arizona, Intex Recreation Corp. of Long Beach, California, and Polygroup North America Inc. of El Paso, Texas, has issued a recall for approximately 5 million above-ground pools that are 48 inches tall or higher and use compression straps for support. 

The reason? These straps can form a dangerous foothold, allowing children to climb over the side and potentially drown, even if the ladder has been removed.

A Hidden Hazard With Devastating Consequences

The compression straps in question are located on the outside of the pool's supporting poles. Though intended to provide structural support, their placement creates a step-like surface a child can use to climb into the pool unassisted.

Tragically, this design flaw has already contributed to the deaths of at least nine children, all between the ages of 22 months and 3 years old, according to CPSC. These drownings occurred between 2007 and 2022 in California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri.

CPSC is also aware of three non-fatal incidents in 2011 and 2012 in which children were known to have climbed the compression strap to access the pool, meaning that this hazard is not new and could have been addressed much sooner.

Which Pools Are Affected?

The recall includes 48-inch and taller above-ground pools manufactured or sold by Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup.

These models use compression straps that wrap around the pool and are supported by vertical poles. If your pool matches this description, act immediately, even if you've already taken precautions like removing the ladder.

What Should Consumers Do?

If you own one of these pools, stop using it immediately and contact the manufacturer (Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup) to request a free repair kit. The kit includes a safety rope that attaches to the pool's vertical support poles at ground level and replaces the compression strap, as well as instructions to secure the rope and safely cut and remove the existing compression strap.

This fix is designed to maintain the pool’s structural integrity without allowing children to climb into the water unnoticed.

Can Families Sue for Pool-Related Drownings?

When a company fails to design a safe product or doesn’t act swiftly enough to fix a known hazard, they may be held legally responsible for the injuries or deaths that result.

If your family has been affected by one of these recalled pools, you may have a case. 

At Morgan & Morgan, we fight for families who have suffered unimaginable loss due to dangerous or defective products. As a family law firm, we’re not just lawyers—we’re parents, neighbors, and people who understand the pain such accidents can cause. You shouldn’t have to bear the burden of someone else’s mistake, and you shouldn’t have to absorb the emotional and financial costs on your own.

If a loved one was injured or killed due to one of these recalled pools, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation.