Above-Ground Swimming Pools Recalled in Canada and US Due to Drowning Risk

Health Canada has issued a recall notice for over 260,000 above-ground swimming pools sold in Canada since 2002 due to a risk of drowning. The pools have compression straps that can create a foothold for small children, allowing them to access the water unattended. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall advisory for over 5 million pools in the U.S. The pool companies are offering a free repair kit and consumers are urged to contact them for instructions.

Health Canada and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have issued recalls for over 260,000 and 5 million above-ground swimming pools, respectively, sold in Canada and the U.S. since 2002. The pools, manufactured by Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup, pose a significant drowning risk to young children due to compression straps that can create footholds, allowing them to access the water unattended.

The recall involves pools that are 48 inches (122 cm) and taller, with compression straps running on the outside and over the vertical support legs. These straps can create a foothold, enabling children to climb into the pool, even if the ladder is removed [1]. The CPSC has reported nine drowning incidents involving children aged 22 months to 3 years old between 2007 and 2022 [2].

Both Health Canada and the CPSC have advised consumers to contact the respective pool manufacturers to receive a free repair kit. The kit consists of a rope that attaches to each vertical support pole at the ground level and wraps around the pool, maintaining its structural integrity. Consumers should secure the repair before cutting and removing the compression strap from the pool [1].

The recalled pools have been sold at major retailers and online platforms, including Walmart, Target, Amazon, and Wayfair. The pool models and brands affected by the recall include Bestway and Coleman, Intex, and Polygroup. Consumers should check their pool's brand and model numbers, printed on the pool liner, to determine if it is part of the recall [2].

In the meantime, consumers are advised to ensure that children cannot access the pool unattended or, alternatively, drain the pool until the repair can be installed. Health Canada and the CPSC have emphasized the importance of pool safety and the use of barriers, covers, and alarms to prevent drowning incidents [1].

The recall underscores the importance of consumer safety and the role of regulatory bodies in addressing product safety concerns. Investors and financial professionals should monitor this issue, as it may impact the pool industry's reputation and potential liabilities for the manufacturers involved.

References:

[1] https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/select-bestway-intex-and-polygroup-above-ground-pools-48-inches-and-taller-recalled
[2] https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Bestway-Intex-and-Polygroup-Recall-Certain-Above-Ground-Pools-48-Inches-and-Taller-Due-to-Drowning-Hazard-Nine-Deaths-Reported-Five-Million-Pools-Sold-Since-2002