In a major safety recall, about 5 million swimming pools have been linked to the tragic deaths of nine children since 2007. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that the affected pools, specifically those 48 inches in height or taller, are equipped with compression straps that can act as footholds. These straps allow small children to climb into the pool even when a ladder is removed, creating a significant hazard.

The recall affects pools manufactured by Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup, and has been issued after nine children aged between 22 months and three years old died in incidents across several states, including California, Texas, Florida, Wisconsin, and Missouri, between 2007 and 2022. Additionally, three other incidents were reported in 2011 and 2012 where children used the compression straps to access the pools.

To address the issue, the manufacturers have been working with the CPSC to revise safety standards for above-ground pools. In May 2025, an updated safety standard was finalized, aiming to prevent children from gaining access to the pools using these straps. The new safety measures involve replacing the compression straps with a rope that attaches to the pool's vertical support poles, ensuring the pool's structural integrity.

Pools affected by the recall were sold in major retail stores such as Walmart, Target, Sears, Kmart, Lowe's, and Toys "R" Us, as well as online platforms like Amazon. Prices for these pools range from $400 to $1,000. In Canada, approximately 266,000 of these pools were also recalled, as confirmed by Health Canada.

Anyone with an affected pool should contact the manufacturer to request a free repair kit, which includes the new rope system that replaces the dangerous compression straps. For parents and pool owners, it’s crucial to take immediate action to ensure safety, as the risk of an unsupervised child gaining access to the pool can be life-threatening.