In one of the largest pool-related recalls in recent history, Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup have voluntarily recalled over 5 million above-ground pools that stand 48 inches or taller, citing a critical safety flaw that has resulted in nine child drownings and several additional near-incidents. The recall, announced in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada, affects pool models sold across North America from 2002 through 2023.
What’s the Issue?
At the center of the recall is a structural design flaw involving compression straps located on the outer side of the pools’ support legs. According to the CPSC, these straps have inadvertently acted as climbing footholds, allowing toddlers to scale the pool walls and gain unsupervised access to the water—even in situations where the ladder had been removed for safety.
Between 2007 and 2023, nine children aged 22 months to 3 years tragically drowned after climbing into these pools using the compression straps. Additionally, the agency is aware of at least three other incidents between 2011 and 2012 in which toddlers were able to climb into a pool using the same mechanism but were rescued in time.
Brands and Retailers Affected
The recall includes popular models under the brands:
- Bestway (including Steel Pro MAX and Power Steel)
- Intex (including Easy Set, Metal Frame, Prism Frame, and Ultra Frame)
- Polygroup (including Summer Waves and Summer Escapes)
| Bestway and Coleman Models Sold 2008 to 2024 | Intex Models Sold 2002 to 2012 | Intex Models (Sold only at Intexcorp.com and Walmart, 2024 to 2025) (266 pools) | Polygroup Models Sold 2006 to 2025 |
| Power Steel | Metal Frame Pools | Prism Frame Pool | Summer Waves(2015-2025) |
| Steel Pro | Ultra Frame Pools | Ultra XTR Frame Pool | Summer Escapes (2006-2015) |
| Coleman Power Steel | Funsicle(2023-2025) Sand n Sun(2008-2011)Blue Wave(2014-2025) |
These pools were sold through major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Costco, Lowe’s, Menards, and others. Prices typically ranged from $400 to $1,000, and many were sold online and in-store throughout the U.S. and Canada.
What Should Pool Owners Do?
Consumers should immediately prevent access to the pool by young children. If feasible, drain the pool until a repair can be completed.
Each of the three manufacturers is offering free repair kits to replace the compression straps with a safer, non-climbable rope design. The kits include installation instructions and all necessary components to retrofit the pool and eliminate the climbing hazard.
To request a free repair kit, consumers should contact:
- 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. PT Monday 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.
How to Identify a Recalled Pool
Affected pools have compression straps connecting the upper frame ring and the lower support legs around the outside of the pool. These straps are typically positioned about halfway down the side of the pool.
Owners can identify their specific pool by referring to model names and serial numbers printed on the liner or packaging. A full list of impacted products is available through the CPSC recall announcement.
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