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

What was recalled

If you have an above-ground swimming pool in your backyard, particularly one that stands 48 inches tall or higher, it is critical to check whether it is part of a significant safety recall announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on July 21, 2025. This action involves approximately five million pools sold since 2002, spanning several decades and multiple major brands. The affected products are primarily manufactured and distributed under three brand umbrellas: Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup. It is important to note that some of these brands, such as Coleman Power Steel, are often sold in partnership with or under the distribution networks of these primary manufacturers, meaning a pool labeled "Coleman" may still fall under this specific recall if it meets the height and model criteria.

The scope of this recall is vast, covering models sold over a long period, from 2002 all the way through to early 2025. For Intex customers, the affected units include Metal Frame Pools and Ultra Frame Pools sold between 2002 and 2012. More recently, specific Intex models were sold exclusively through Intexcorp.com and Walmart from 2024 to 2025; these include the Prism Frame Pool and the Ultra XTR Frame Pool, with records indicating that at least 266 of these newer units are included in the recall. Bestway and Coleman models, specifically the Power Steel and Steel Pro lines, were sold between 2008 and 2024. Polygroup’s Summer Waves (2015-2025), Summer Escapes (2006-2015), Funsicle (2023-2025), Sand n Sun (2008-2011), and Blue Wave (2014-2025) models are also included in this widespread safety notice.

To determine if your specific pool is affected, you must look directly at the pool liner on the outside of the structure. The brand names and specific model numbers are printed clearly on this liner. This is your primary source of verification. Because these pools have been sold for so long and through so many different retailers, there is no single date stamp that covers every unit. Instead, you must cross-reference the model number printed on your pool with the lists provided by the respective manufacturers. If your pool is 48 inches tall or taller and matches one of the listed models from Bestway, Intex, Polygroup, or their associated brands like Coleman, it is part of this recall. The sheer volume of units involved—five million pools—highlights how common these structures are in American homes, making this a widespread issue that requires careful attention from every owner.

The reason for such an extensive recall lies in the design of the pool’s support structure. While the pools themselves function as intended for recreation, the external compression strap that surrounds the outside of the pool legs presents a hidden danger. This strap, which is designed to hold the pool frame together, inadvertently creates a foothold. For small children, this feature can provide the necessary grip to climb over the side barrier of the pool. This design flaw transforms what should be a secure boundary into an accessible entry point for those who are too young to understand water safety. The recall covers all units from these brands that share this specific 48-inch or taller configuration with the problematic compression strap, regardless of when they were originally purchased, as long as they fall within the specified model ranges.

The hazard, explained

To understand why this recall is so critical, it helps to look closely at the specific design feature that has proven dangerous: the compression strap. These above-ground pools rely on tension to keep their walls rigid and upright. To achieve this, manufacturers use a heavy-duty strap that wraps around the outside of the pool’s vertical support legs. On the surface, this looks like a simple structural component meant to hold the pool together. However, for a small child, that strap transforms from a safety feature into a dangerous tool.

The problem arises because the compression strap creates an unintended foothold. Young children are naturally curious and physically capable of climbing things that adults might overlook. When a toddler encounters the side of one of these pools, the rigid strap provides a stable, grippable ledge. It is high enough off the ground to be reachable but low enough to allow a child to hook their foot around it. Once their foot is secure, they can easily pull themselves up, using the pool’s frame as a ladder. This mechanism bypasses any perceived height barrier; what looks like an insurmountable wall to an adult is merely a step-stool to a determined two-year-old.

The consequence of this access is severe and immediate. Once inside, the child faces a drowning hazard that is often silent and rapid. The water in these pools is deep enough to cover a toddler’s head completely, yet the sides are high enough that they cannot easily climb back out on their own. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), this specific mechanism has led to nine tragic deaths of children between the ages of 22 months and 3 years old. These incidents occurred across multiple states, including California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri, spanning from 2007 to 2022. The data shows a clear pattern: the foothold provided by the strap is the primary point of entry.

Beyond the fatalities, the CPSC has documented additional alarming incidents. In cases from 2011 and 2012, children who gained access to these pools were reported to have previously used the same compression straps to climb in. This suggests that the hazard is not just a theoretical risk but an active, recurring danger for families with young toddlers. The design flaw is subtle because it serves a necessary structural purpose, which makes it easy for parents to miss until it is too late. Understanding this physical mechanism—the strap acting as a ladder—is the first step in recognizing why immediate action is required to secure your home environment.

Who is most at risk

The primary group facing immediate and severe danger from this recall consists of very young children, specifically those between the ages of 22 months and 3 years old. This age range is critical because toddlers are at a developmental stage where they are becoming mobile and curious but lack the cognitive ability to recognize deep water as a life-threatening hazard. They do not understand that falling into a pool can lead to drowning, nor do they have the physical strength or coordination to climb out on their own once inside. The tragic reality documented by the CPSC is that nine children in this exact age bracket have already lost their lives due to these specific pools, with incidents spanning from 2007 to 2022 across multiple states including California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri.

The specific mechanism of risk here is unique to the design of above-ground pools that are 48 inches tall or taller. The hazard lies in the compression strap that wraps around the exterior of the pool legs. For an adult, this strap is simply part of the structural support system. However, for a toddler, it acts as a convenient and stable foothold. This design flaw effectively turns what should be a barrier into a ladder. A child who might otherwise be unable to scale the side of the pool can now use that strap to pull themselves up and over the edge with alarming ease. The CPSC has also noted three additional incidents in 2011 and 2012 where children used this same compression strap to gain entry, reinforcing that the design itself facilitates unauthorized access for small bodies.

While the recorded fatalities involve toddlers, the risk extends to any child who can walk and reach the height of the pool’s edge. If a child is tall enough or agile enough to step onto the compression strap, they are at risk. This includes older siblings who might leave the pool unattended while playing nearby. Parents and guardians often view above-ground pools as safer than in-ground ones because of the visible wall, but this recall proves that height alone does not guarantee safety if there are climbing aids present. The vulnerability is highest for children under four, but the danger persists for any young child who can navigate around unsupervised areas.

It is also important to consider the context of ownership. These pools were sold over a long period, from 2002 to 2025, meaning they may be in homes where children have grown out of the most vulnerable age range, or in rental properties where new tenants with young children have moved in without knowing the history of the equipment. The risk is not limited to current owners; it affects anyone who allows a young child near these specific models, regardless of how long they have owned the pool. The danger is silent and sudden, making supervision and immediate remediation essential for any household with potential access by small children.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you own an above-ground pool from one of the major brands involved in this recall, the first step is simply checking the brand name printed on the equipment itself. The specific manufacturers affected are Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup. However, it is important to note that some of these pools were sold under different retail brand names at various times. For instance, Bestway and Coleman Power Steel models are included in this recall, as are Intex Metal Frame and Ultra Frame Pools. If you purchased a pool from Polygroup, it might have been labeled as Summer Waves, Summer Escapes, Funsicle, Sand n Sun, or Blue Wave depending on the year of manufacture. The brand names and specific model numbers are printed directly on the pool liner on the outside of the pool, so you will need to look at the exterior surface to find this information.

Once you have identified the brand, you must verify two critical details: the height of the pool and the date it was sold. This recall specifically targets models that are 48 inches tall or taller. If your pool is shorter than 48 inches, it is not part of this specific safety notice. The second factor is the sales period, which varies significantly by brand and model line. For Bestway and Coleman Power Steel models, the recall covers units sold between 2008 and 2024. Intex Metal Frame and Ultra Frame Pools are included if they were sold between 2002 and 2012. There is also a specific subset of Intex models sold only through Intexcorp.com and Walmart between 2024 and 2025, including the Prism Frame Pool and Ultra XTR Frame Pool, with approximately 266 such pools affected.

If your pool was manufactured by Polygroup, the timeline is even broader. Summer Waves models sold from 2015 to 2025 are included, as are Summer Escapes models from 2006 to 2015. Funsicle models from 2023 to 2025 and Sand n Sun models from 2008 to 2011 are also part of this recall. Additionally, Blue Wave models sold between 2014 and 2025 are covered. Because these pools have been on the market for so long, it is possible you may not remember exactly when you bought it or which specific model number was attached. If you cannot find the label or if the information is faded, do not guess. Instead, contact the respective company using the toll-free numbers provided in this article to confirm whether your specific unit is included.

• Bestway/Coleman: Check for Power Steel or Steel Pro labels, sold 2008–2024.
• Intex: Look for Metal Frame or Ultra Frame labels, sold 2002–2012, or Prism/Ultra XTR from Intexcorp/Walmart (2024–2025).
• Polygroup: Check for Summer Waves (2015–2025), Summer Escapes (2006–2015), Funsicle (2023–2025), Sand n Sun (2008–2011), or Blue Wave (2014–2025).

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have determined that your above-ground pool is part of this recall, the good news is that there is a clear and accessible path to resolving the issue without having to replace your entire unit. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), along with manufacturers Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup, has established a specific remedy for this safety concern: they will provide a free repair kit to consumers who contact them directly. This is not a partial discount or a mail-in rebate that requires you to pay upfront; it is a proactive correction designed to eliminate the drowning hazard identified in these models.

The core of the remedy involves obtaining a specialized repair kit that addresses the specific design flaw—the compression strap that creates footholds for children. By installing this kit, you modify the pool’s exterior to remove that dangerous access point, effectively neutralizing the risk while allowing you to keep using your pool for its intended purpose. This approach is generally more convenient and less wasteful than purchasing a new pool, and it directly resolves the safety defect reported in the incidents involving children ages 22 months to 3 years old.

To get your repair kit, you must contact the manufacturer corresponding to the brand of your pool. Do not assume one company can help with another’s product; each brand manages its own recall logistics independently. Below are the specific contact details for each manufacturer involved in this recall:

• Bestway: Call toll-free at 844-593-4003 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. You can also visit their dedicated support portal at https://BWrecallsupport.expertinquiry.com or email BWrecallsupport5516@sedgwick.com.
• Intex: Call toll-free at 800-549-8829 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday. Their online resource is located at www.Intexcorp.com/recall, or you may email recallhelp@intexcorp.com.
• Polygroup: Call toll-free at 888-621-4137 between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. MT, Monday through Friday. You can also visit https://polygrouprecall.com or email poolrecall@polygroup.com.

When you reach out to the appropriate company, be prepared with the model number and brand name printed on the outside of your pool liner. This information is critical because it allows their customer service representatives to verify that your specific unit is included in this recall and to ensure you receive the correct repair kit for your pool’s dimensions. While the recall facts do not specify a deadline for claiming the repair kit, it is wise to act promptly given the severity of the hazard involved.

It is important to note that the remedy described here focuses on repair via the provided kit. The available information does not explicitly mention options for full refunds or complete replacements at this time, so your primary option is to secure and install the repair kit. If you are unable to install the kit yourself, contact the manufacturer’s support line again to ask if they can provide guidance on professional installation or if they have partnered with local service providers to assist with the process.

In the interim, before you receive and install your repair kit, the safety directive remains strict: ensure children cannot access the pool unattended. If you cannot guarantee this level of supervision, the recommended alternative is to drain the pool entirely until the repair can be installed. This temporary measure is a vital part of your overall safety strategy while you wait for the physical remedy to arrive.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is natural to feel overwhelmed when confronted with a major safety recall, especially one involving expensive home goods like above-ground pools. You might look at the list of model numbers and think, "My pool isn't on that list," or perhaps you assume that because your children are older now, the risk has passed. However, ignoring this specific defect carries a severity that goes far beyond typical product defects. The core issue here is not merely structural failure or water leakage; it is a fundamental design flaw that actively facilitates unauthorized entry by young children who should be protected from such access.

The hazard lies in the compression strap that wraps around the outside of the pool legs. While intended to hold the pool together, this strap creates a stable foothold. For an adult, this is irrelevant. But for a toddler or a young child between the ages of two and three, who are naturally curious and developing their climbing skills, this strap acts as a ladder. The CPSC has confirmed that nine children have drowned after using these footholds to gain access to the water. These were not isolated accidents in difficult circumstances; they were preventable tragedies where the product itself provided the means of entry. The ages of the victims ranged from 22 months to three years old, a demographic that can drown in as little as one inch of water and often silently.

If you continue to use the pool without addressing this defect, you are leaving a dangerous pathway open. The recalled pools include models sold by Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup dating back to 2002. This means many households may still have these units in their yards, potentially unaware that the very structure holding their water together is also helping children climb in. The incidents reported span from 2007 to 2022, occurring in states across the country, including California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri. This geographic spread indicates that the hazard is not dependent on local climate or usage patterns but is inherent to the design of these specific models.

Beyond the tragic loss of life already documented, there is the lingering danger of near-drowning incidents. The CPSC is aware of additional cases where children used these straps to enter pools without suffering fatal outcomes. Every time a child accesses the pool unattended, they are exposed to the risk of submersion, inhalation of water, and subsequent respiratory distress or long-term health complications. Even if no immediate harm occurs, the psychological trauma of such an event for both the child and the family is profound. The "foothold" defect effectively removes the barrier that parents rely on to keep their children safe, turning a recreational item into a hidden trap.

Furthermore, ignoring the recall does not make the hazard disappear. The compression strap remains intact and functional as a climbing aid until it is physically removed or covered by the repair kit. As long as the pool is filled with water, the temptation for a young child to investigate and climb will exist. By delaying action, you are essentially gambling with your child's safety every time the pool is accessible. The remedy provided—a free repair kit—is designed specifically to eliminate this foothold, thereby restoring the pool’s intended safety profile. Choosing not to install it means choosing to live with a known, lethal risk that has already claimed nine lives.

Staying safe: broader tips

While the immediate steps for this specific recall are critical, protecting your family from drowning hazards requires a comprehensive approach that extends well beyond any single product. Drowning is often silent and swift, occurring in as little as 20 seconds, which means that passive safety measures and consistent supervision are your most reliable defenses. Regardless of the type of pool you own, whether it is an inflatable air-beam model or a rigid frame structure, the fundamental principle remains the same: create layers of protection that prevent unsupervised access.

The first and most effective layer is physical separation. Install a four-sided isolation fence that completely separates the pool area from the house and yard. These fences should be at least four feet high, with self-closing and self-latching gates that open outward, away from the water. The latches should be placed high enough or positioned in a way that young children cannot reach or manipulate them. If installing a permanent fence is not feasible, ensure that any removable mesh fencing is installed immediately upon pool setup and remains in place whenever the pool is not in active use with direct adult supervision.

Supervision is equally vital but often misunderstood. "Water watchers" should rotate every 15 to 20 minutes to maintain alertness, as attention wanes quickly during prolonged tasks. Never leave a child unattended near water, even if they are wearing floatation devices. It is important to remember that inflatable arm bands, wrist floats, and similar toys are not safety devices; they can deflate or slip off, giving a false sense of security. Instead, rely on U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for non-swimmers or weak swimmers. Additionally, consider enrolling children in age-appropriate swim lessons, which have been shown to reduce the risk of drowning significantly by improving water competency and survival skills.

Beyond pools, general home safety practices play a crucial role in overall child protection. Ensure that all windows and doors leading to the pool area are equipped with alarms or locks that children cannot open. Regularly inspect your home for other potential hazards, such as unsecured furniture that could be climbed, and keep toys away from the pool perimeter to prevent them from becoming climbing aids. Finally, stay informed by signing up for recall alerts from the CPSC and checking their website periodically. Consumer products evolve, and new safety standards are regularly implemented. By staying proactive and maintaining a vigilant, multi-layered safety environment, you create a resilient buffer against accidents, ensuring that recreation remains safe for everyone in your family.