In a significant safety announcement, more than 5.2 million aboveground swimming pools sold in the United States and Canada over the past twenty years are being recalled. This decision follows the tragic report of nine drowning fatalities associated with these pools, highlighting the importance of urgent safety measures for consumers. The pools involved in this massive recall were manufactured by well-known brands such as Bestway, Intex Recreation, and Polygroup, and were widely available at various major retailers since as far back as 2002.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada issued notices this past Monday, alerting consumers to potential hazards posed by these pools, particularly regarding their design. Specifically, the pools feature compression straps running along the outside—a design attribute that has been flagged as potentially dangerous. The CPSC warns that these straps may inadvertently create footholds for small children, allowing them easy access to the water without supervision. Given the inherent risks associated with unsupervised access to water, this feature poses a serious drowning risk.
Regrettably, the reported incidents are a grim reminder of this danger. According to the CPSC, the drowning deaths linked to these recalled pools occurred between 2007 and 2022, involving young children aged 22 months to 3 years old. The dramatic nature of these fatalities underscores the severe consequences that can arise from such safety oversights. Fortunately, no additional drowning incidents have been reported in Canada related to these specific pools, but the risk remains a critical concern for parents and guardians.
In light of these events, consumers who currently own one of the recalled pool models are advised to take immediate action. The CPSC urges individuals to reach out to Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup to obtain free repair kits designed specifically for this recall. The repair kits will include ropes intended to replace the problematic compression straps, effectively mitigating the risk of child access to the water. While awaiting repairs, it is recommended that pool owners ensure small children are monitored closely whenever their pool is in use. Furthermore, as an added precaution, consumers are advised to drain the pool until the necessary modifications have been made.
All recalled pools are characterized by their height of 48 inches or taller and can be identified through specific brand and model names listed in recall notices from both the CPSC and Health Canada. The sales of these pools disseminated widely across the country and Canada, dating back two decades, which means they could potentially be found in many homes. The varied locations of sales include large retailers such as Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Costco, and online platforms like Amazon, making it imperative for consumers to check if they own one of the implicated models.
In total, approximately 5 million of the recalled pools were sold across the United States, while about 266,000 units were distributed in Canada. This widespread distribution means that a sizable number of households may still be using these unsafe pools without awareness of the recall. Consumers are strongly encouraged to check the recall notice closely to determine if their pool is among those affected and act swiftly to ensure the safety of children around water.
With the recent uptick in recreational activities and the use of aboveground pools, awareness about safety measures and the importance of supervision cannot be overstated. Parents and guardians must stay vigilant, ensuring that their children are always within reach while enjoying water activities. By taking immediate action on recall communications, households can significantly reduce the risk of tragic accidents, promoting a safer environment for summer fun.
