The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a joint recall of 5 million pools sold by multiple companies. At issue is a design flaw of specific above-ground pools that the companies have sold for over 20 years. That flaw has reportedly already contributed to the deaths of nine children as young as 22 months. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s happened?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has posted a recall notice on its website stating that up to 5 million above-ground pools are being recalled because their design poses a significant drowning hazard to young children.
The design flaw centers around compression straps used on the above-ground pools. The steps wrap around the exterior sides of the pools, helping them retain their shape when filled with water. However, the straps can also be used as a makeshift step by young children to stand on and gain access to the pool.
The CSPC says that it believes nine children have died because of this design flaw. The agency says the deaths occurred between 2007 and 2022. During that time, nine children ranging in age from 22 months to 3 years gained access to the pools and drowned in them.
The deaths occurred in California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri.
What pools are being recalled?
Up to 5 million above-ground pools are being recalled. These pools have been sold by several companies since 2002.
The companies involved in the recall include Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup, according to the recall notice. The pools measured 48 inches or taller in height and retailed for between $400 and over $1,000, depending on the model.
A list of the recalled models can be found here, along with images of the design flaw.
Where were the recalled pools sold?
The CSPC notice says that the recalled pools were sold nationwide, including at some of the most popular physical and online retailers. Stores where the recalled pools were sold since 2002 include, among others:
- Walmart
- Target
- Sears
- Lowe’s
- Kmart
- Toys “R” Us
- Sam’s Club
- The Home Depot
- Big Lots
- Costco
- BJ’s
- Amazon.com
- Wayfair.com
- Bestway USA’s website
- Intex’s website
- Funsicle’s website
- Summer Waves’ website
About 266,000 of the pools were also sold in Canada.
What do I do if I have one of the recalled pools?
Consumers should ensure that children cannot access the recalled pools unattended, the CSPC says. As a precautionary measure, consumers may want to drain their recalled pool until the design flaw can be repaired.
Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup will send affected consumers who contact them about the recall a free repair kit, which will contain a rope that is to be used to replace the current compression strap.
Consumers with a recalled pool should contact Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup, depending on their pool’s model. Full details of the recall can be found on the CSPC’s website.
No comments