#United States #Chandler, Arizona #Bestway #Intex #Polygroup

Major Recall of Above-Ground Pools

In a pressing update from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup have announced a recall affecting approximately five million above-ground swimming pools that are 48 inches or taller. This action follows reports of drowning incidents linked to a design flaw that creates potential hazards for children.

The pools in question feature compression straps that run along the outside, over the vertical support legs. Unfortunately, these straps can unintentionally provide a foothold for children, enabling them to access the pool even when a ladder is removed, posing significant risks of drowning. To date, the CPSC has confirmed nine tragic cases of drowning involving children aged between 22 months and 3 years, occurring across several states, including California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri since 2007.

Given the safety implications, the companies have issued an urgent call to action for consumers. Those affected by the recall should immediately contact Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup to request a complimentary repair kit. This kit contains ropes designed to replace the faulty compression straps, ensuring the structural integrity of the pools. Until these repairs can be completed, consumers are advised to restrict children’s access to the pools or completely drain them.

Consumer Contact Information

• - Bestway: Call 844-593-4003 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday) or visit Bestway Recall Support.
• - Intex: Reach out at 800-549-8829 (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday) or check their website at www.Intexcorp.com/recall.
• - Polygroup: Contact 888-621-4137 (5 a.m. to 11 p.m. MT, Monday through Friday) or go to polygrouprecall.com.

These recalled pools include numerous models sold between 2002 and 2025, characterized by their height of 48 inches or more. The models span various brands including Bestway, Coleman, Intex, and Summer Waves among others, and were widely available in retail locations like Walmart, Target, and online platforms such as Amazon and Wayfair.

Worryingly, the incidents aren't isolated, as there were previous records of children accessing these pools using the compression straps in 2011 and 2012. This history signifies a need for heightened awareness and urgent consumer action to ensure the safety of young children around these products.

Beyond the immediate recall action, the CPSC emphasizes the importance of pool safety for families. Resources available at their website, www.PoolSafely.gov, provide invaluable information on how to secure swimming pools and protect against accidental drownings.

Conclusion

As this situation evolves, it serves as a reminder of the necessity for vigilance and safety in the thereuse of recreational products—particularly those accessible to children. The companies involved are committed to rectifying this situation swiftly, aiming to ensure that such tragic incidents do not recur in the future. Consumers are strongly encouraged to participate in the recall process and prioritize safety in their own homes.