Five Million Pools Recalled Following Drowning Deaths
The Product Recall Lawyers at The Lyon Firm are investigating a recent consumer recall announced for over five million above-ground pools sold across the United States and Canada, following reports of nine drowning accidents.
The pool recall, announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), involves pools manufactured by Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup. These three brands have been linked to a design flaw that poses a serious drowning hazard, particularly for young children.
Contact our legal team to learn more about this specific recall and to schedule a free consultation. Our attorneys have the resources and experience to file a product liability claim on your behalf and seek compensation for financial damages or the loss of life.
The Recalled Pools: Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup
The pool recalls target above-ground pools that are 48 inches or taller, sold under the brand names Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup. Since 2002, these pools have been sold at major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Amazon, Costco, Lowe’s, and other stores, both in-store and online. Consumers can identify recalled pools by looking for the brand name and model number printed on the pool liner on the exterior of the pool.
The safety issue stems from a compression strap that wraps around the pool’s vertical support legs but creates a unique hazard. Designed to reinforce the pool’s structure, this strap unintentionally serves as a foothold, allowing children to climb into the pool even when the ladder is removed. This flaw has had fatal consequences, with nine children—aged 22 months to 3 years—drowning between 2007 and 2022 after gaining access via the strap.
These incidents occurred across multiple states, including California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri. The CPSC also reported three near-drowning incidents in 2011 and 2012, where children were rescued after using the strap to enter the pool.
Drowning Accidents in Residential Pools
Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death for children aged 1 to 4, and residential pools—both in-ground and above-ground—play a significant role in these tragedies. The CPSC reports that approximately 87% of drowning deaths in this age group occur in home pools or hot tubs, with about a quarter tied to above-ground pools. These pools are often perceived as safer because they’re elevated, and removing the ladder is a common precaution. However, the compression strap on the recalled Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup pools undermines this safety measure by providing an alternative way for children to climb in.
The recalled pools highlight how design flaws can turn a seemingly secure environment into a deadly risk, emphasizing the need for robust safety features and constant supervision.
If you own a Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup pool that’s 48 inches or taller, contact the manufacturer (Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup) to obtain a free repair kit. The kit includes a rope that attaches to the vertical support poles at ground level, replacing the compression strap. After installing the rope, you can cut and remove the strap, eliminating the foothold risk. Until the repair is complete, prevent children from accessing the pool unsupervised. Dismantle the pool or install additional barriers to block pool entry. Even an empty pool poses a climbing hazard if the strap remains in place.
Can I file a Pool Recall Lawsuit?
Taking legal action following an accident caused by a defective product can help victims reach a rightful settlement for the harm caused by any negligent company. Contact The Lyon Firm to discuss the next steps and to discuss filing a pool recall lawsuit.
The deaths associated with the recalled pools span a period of 15 years, raising questions about why the recall wasn’t issued sooner. The answer lies in the evolution of safety standards. In 2023, Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup began collaborating with the CPSC to update the national safety standards for above-ground pools. The revised standard, finalized in May 2025, mandates that pools must not include features that children can use as footholds to climb into the pool. The recall, announced shortly after, is part of this effort to bring older models in line with the new guidelines.
While the delay may frustrate some, it reflects the complexity of identifying risks, revising standards, and coordinating with manufacturers to implement solutions. The result is a proactive recall aimed at preventing further incidents.