After several Midwest deaths, millions of above-ground pools recalled

After the deaths of several children in the Midwest and other states, millions of above-ground pools sold at retailers nationwide were recalled for a potential drowning risk.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of about 5 million above-ground pools after the deaths of nine children over a 15-year span, including some in Michigan, Wisconsin and Missouri.

Here’s what to know:

Which pools are being recalled?

The recall impacts pools that are 48 inches and taller and use compression straps.

The impacted models include 48-inch and taller above-ground pools under the brand names Bestway, Coleman, Intex, and Polygroup, according to a release from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recalled pools range in price from approximately $400 to over $1,000.

See the full list of recalled pools below:

The safety commission noted a key difference between the recalled pools and other pools sold by these brands.

Which pools are being recalled? , Where were they sold? , Why were the pools recalled?, Where were drownings reported?, What should you do if you have a recalled pool?

Where were they sold?

The products have been sold at a variety of retailers, including Walmart, Target, Sears, Lowe’s, Kmart, Toys “R” Us, Sam’s Club, The Home Depot, Big Lots, Costco and BJ’s, as well as online at Amazon.com, Wayfair.com and Bestway USA, Intex, Funsicle and Summer Waves websites.

Why were the pools recalled?

The compression straps that wrap around the pool on the outside of the supporting poles may create a foothold, allowing a child to access the pool even if the ladder is removed and drown, the recall notes.

Which pools are being recalled? , Where were they sold? , Why were the pools recalled?, Where were drownings reported?, What should you do if you have a recalled pool?

Where were drownings reported?

At least nine children under the age of 3 have drowned in pools that the CPSC believes were accessed through the compression straps. The incidents occurred in California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin and Missouri between 2007 and 2022.

CPSC said it also aware of three other incidents in 2011 and 2012 where children who gained access to the recalled pools were reported to have previously used the compression strap to gain entry to the pool.

What should you do if you have a recalled pool?

Consumers should immediately contact Bestway, Intex and Polygroup to request a free repair kit. In the interim, consumers should ensure that children cannot access the pool unattended or, alternatively, drain the pool until the repair can be installed.

Consumer Contact information:

  • Bestway toll free at 844-593-4003 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at https://BWrecallsupport.expertinquiry.com or email at [email protected] for more information.
  • Intex toll-free at 800-549-8829 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. PTMonday through Friday, or online at www.Intexcorp.com/recall or email [email protected]  for more information. 
  • Polygroup toll-free at 888-621-4137 from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. MT Monday through Friday or online at https://polygrouprecall.com or email at [email protected] for more information.