Endless Pools Recalls Manual Retractable Pool Covers Due to Drowning and Entrapment Hazards; Risk of Serious Injury and Death

What was recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall affecting specific Endless Pools Manual Retractable Security Pool Covers. This action addresses a significant safety concern involving the manual pool cover systems that were designed to be installed over custom Endless Pools. These covers are not automatic or motorized; instead, they rely on a hand crank mechanism that allows the user to manually cover and uncover their pool. The system was marketed as a security feature, intended to provide a barrier over the water when the pool is not in use. However, the recall highlights that these particular units may not conform to the voluntary industry standard ASTM F-1346 due to installation issues, creating potential gaps in the cover system.

The recalled products were sold in a variety of colors to match different home aesthetics, including tan, black, gray, light blue, and royal blue. Because these pool covers are custom-fitted to the specific dimensions of each Endless Pool, they vary in size based on the customized width of the pool, ranging from 8 feet to 16 feet wide. The recall does not specify an exact number of units affected, but it notes that Endless Pools is contacting all known purchasers directly regarding this issue. This direct contact method suggests a targeted approach rather than a mass-market public alert for every single unit, though the scope is significant enough to warrant federal attention.

These pool covers were available through various sales channels prior to the recall announcement on June 12, 2025. They were distributed nationwide across the United States. The recall applies specifically to the manual retractable security pool covers that were installed by professionals or DIY enthusiasts who may have inadvertently left gaps larger than 4.5 inches between the cover roller and the pool surface. This gap is critical because it can compromise the integrity of the cover as a safety barrier, particularly for children. If you own an Endless Pool with a manual retractable cover that was installed by a third party or yourself, it is essential to verify whether your specific unit falls within this recall scope.

The decision to issue this recall stems from the realization that improper installation can lead to dangerous entrapment and drowning hazards. While the covers themselves are not defective in manufacturing, their performance is heavily dependent on correct installation techniques. The recall serves as a proactive measure to ensure that pool owners are aware of the potential risks associated with these manually operated security systems. By identifying the specific models and sizes affected, Endless Pools and the CPSC aim to prevent future incidents before they occur.

If you have an Endless Pool with a manual retractable cover, it is important to check your documentation or contact Endless Pools directly to confirm if your unit is part of this recall. The company is offering free inspections and repairs to address any entrapment and drowning risks posed by improper installation. This initiative underscores the importance of regular maintenance and professional oversight for pool safety equipment. By taking immediate action, you can ensure that your pool remains a safe and enjoyable space for your family.

The hazard, explained

Understanding why this recall is necessary requires looking at the simple physics of how a pool cover is supposed to work versus what happens when it is installed incorrectly. Endless Pools manual retractable security covers are designed to rest tightly against the surface of the water when closed. Under normal, correct installation conditions, the roller mechanism pulls the cover snugly enough to meet the voluntary industry standard ASTM F-1346. This standard exists for a critical reason: it ensures there is no significant gap between the edge of the cover and the pool wall or deck.

The specific defect identified in this recall involves a gap that can exceed 4.5 inches. When an installer fails to set up the system precisely, the cover does not lay flat against the water. Instead, it sags or bows away from the surface, creating a dangerous void. This is not merely a cosmetic issue; it transforms the pool cover from a safety barrier into a potential trap.

This gap creates two distinct and severe dangers for anyone near the pool, particularly children. First, the gap allows for entrapment. If a child falls into the water and ends up beneath the partially submerged or loosely resting cover, the 4.5-inch opening may be small enough to prevent them from pushing back up to the surface but large enough for their body to become wedged. Because these covers are manual and rely on tension, a person trapped underneath may not have the strength or leverage to break the seal of the water's surface tension or push against the rigid roller assembly to escape.

Second, the improper installation compromises the structural integrity of the cover as a safety device. A properly installed ASTM F-1346 compliant cover is designed to support weight and prevent access. When the gap exists, the cover loses its ability to distribute force evenly. If someone, especially a child, were to sit or jump on the cover, the uneven tension caused by the incorrect installation could lead to sudden failure or excessive sinking into the water. This increases the risk of being pulled under and held there by the weight of the cover itself.

The danger is compounded by the fact that these hazards can occur without warning. The gap does not necessarily widen over time due to wear; it is present from the moment of incorrect installation. Therefore, the cover may look functional and intact to the naked eye, but it fails to provide the critical safety margin required to keep a child from slipping through or becoming trapped. This is why the CPSC emphasizes that the risk of drowning and serious injury is immediate for any household with this specific installation error.

Who is most at risk

The primary group facing immediate and severe danger in this recall are young children, particularly those under the age of five. While the Endless Pools manual retractable security covers were designed to act as a barrier against accidental entry into the water, the specific defect identified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) undermines their effectiveness for the most vulnerable users. The hazard stems from an improper installation that creates a gap exceeding 4.5 inches between the cover roller and the pool surface. For an adult, this space might be noticeable or even navigable with difficulty, but for a small child, it represents a critical failure point. Toddlers are naturally curious, agile, and often lack the spatial awareness to recognize deep water as a threat. A gap of that size is wide enough for a small body to slip through or become wedged in a position where they cannot free themselves, turning what should be a safety feature into a trap.

The risk of entrapment is particularly acute because of the mechanical nature of these manual covers. Unlike automatic systems that might have sensors or alarms, these units rely on a hand crank mechanism and precise alignment to sit flush against the pool deck. When installed incorrectly, the cover does not conform to ASTM F-1346, the voluntary industry standard for pool safety covers. This non-conformance means the cover cannot reliably support weight or seal the perimeter. If a child were to climb onto the cover—perhaps attracted by toys left nearby or simply exploring—the improper tension and gaps could cause the cover to shift, collapse, or trap limbs beneath it. The combination of water pressure and the mechanical components can lead to rapid submersion with little time for rescue.

While young children are the most statistically likely victims in drowning incidents involving pool covers, other individuals may also face heightened risks depending on their physical abilities. Individuals with limited mobility or those who rely on walkers or canes might be more prone to falling onto the pool area. If they fall onto a defective cover, the risk of entrapment increases significantly because they may not have the strength to push themselves back up quickly. Furthermore, elderly users or those with balance issues are at greater risk of injury from the fall itself before even considering the drowning hazard. The CPSC’s warning emphasizes that no one should sit, stand, or jump on the pool cover, but it is especially critical that caregivers and family members ensure that any individual with reduced mobility is kept well away from the pool deck until the repair is completed.

It is also important to recognize that parents and guardians are indirectly at risk during this period. The stress of managing a hazardous environment while waiting for a service representative can be overwhelming. The recall notice explicitly states that pool owners must not allow children to use or access the pool unsupervised. This places an additional burden on adults who must constantly monitor their children, effectively removing the peace of mind that a safety cover is supposed to provide. Until Endless Pools sends out a service representative to remedy the entrapment and drowning risks, the home environment remains compromised for anyone living in or visiting the household.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Determining whether your pool cover is part of this specific recall requires careful attention to detail, as the affected products are custom-made rather than off-the-shelf items. The primary identifier for this recall is the brand name Endless Pools. If you do not see this branding on your equipment, this particular recall likely does not apply to you. However, because these covers are integrated into a larger pool system, you must verify that the unit in question is specifically a Manual Retractable Security Pool Cover. It is important to note that this recall does not cover motorized or automated versions of the cover; it applies exclusively to systems operated by a hand crank mechanism. If your pool cover opens and closes via an electric motor, you are outside the scope of this specific safety notice.

To confirm if your unit is included, you need to look at the physical characteristics of the cover itself. These recalled items were designed to fit custom Endless Pools with widths ranging from 8 feet to 16 feet. While there is no single universal serial number provided in the initial recall facts that serves as a definitive filter for all consumers, you should check your original purchase documentation or the manufacturer’s plaque on the roller housing for model specifications. The covers were sold in a variety of colors to match different deck aesthetics. If your cover is one of the following colors, it could be part of the recalled batch: tan, black, gray, light blue, or royal blue. Note that because the size varies based on the customized dimensions of the specific pool installation, the physical width of your cover will tell you if it falls within the 8-to-16-foot range, but color alone is not a definitive proof of inclusion.

The most reliable way to identify your product is through your purchase history or direct contact with the manufacturer. Since these are custom-fit security covers, they are not typically sold in general retail stores like big-box hardware chains. They are usually ordered directly from Endless Pools or authorized dealers as part of a pool installation package. If you purchased your pool system recently, check your contract or invoice for the specific model number associated with the "Manual Retractable Security Pool Cover." Because the recall involves covers that may have been installed incorrectly by the installer, visual inspection alone can be tricky. A properly installed cover might look fine from the outside, but the internal gap issue is not always visible to the untrained eye. Therefore, if you own an Endless Pools system with a manual crank cover in one of the listed colors and sizes, do not rely solely on your memory or visual guesswork.

If you are unsure whether your specific model number or installation date falls within this recall, the safest course of action is to verify directly. The CPSC has noted that Endless Pools is contacting all known purchasers directly, but if you have not received a notification, you should proactively reach out. You can confirm your status by calling their toll-free line at 800-910-2714 (available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday) or by emailing poolhelp@endlesspools.com. You can also visit their support page at https://myendlesspool.com/s/support/product-recalls to enter your details. Do not assume that because the cover looks intact or has been in use for years that it is safe; the hazard lies in the potential gap created during installation, which can exist even on older units if they were not fitted to the current voluntary industry standard, ASTM F-1346.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you own one of the recalled Endless Pools Manual Retractable Security Pool Covers, it is important to understand exactly how the company intends to make things right for you. In this specific recall situation, the remedy provided by Endless Pools does not involve sending you a check or mailing you a completely new cover unit out of the box. Instead, the primary solution centers on professional intervention and correction of the installation error that caused the safety hazard in the first place. The company has committed to providing a free inspection and a free repair performed directly by an Endless Pools support services representative. This approach is designed to ensure that the physical gap between the cover roller and the pool surface—which can exceed 4.5 inches if installed incorrectly—is properly addressed by experts who understand the specific mechanics of their equipment.

The process begins with you reaching out to Endless Pools to initiate the service request. It is worth noting that while the company is contacting all known purchasers directly, you should not wait passively for a phone call. Proactively contacting them ensures your case is prioritized and helps prevent any delays in getting the safety issue resolved. When you contact them, you will be arranging for an inspection of your pool cover system. Once the inspection confirms the installation does not conform to the voluntary industry standard (ASTM F-1346), a service representative will be sent out to remedy the entrapment and drowning risks. This means the repair work is handled on-site or through their specialized support network, rather than requiring you to troubleshoot or fix the mechanism yourself.

To access these free services, you have several convenient options for making contact. You can call Endless Pools toll-free at 800-910-2714. Their customer service team is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, so plan your calls during these hours for the best availability. If you prefer written communication or need to provide specific details about your pool’s size and color (which ranged from tan, black, gray, light blue, and royal blue), you can send an email to poolhelp@endlesspools.com. Additionally, you can visit their online support portal at https://myendlesspool.com/s/support/product-recalls or go to https://myendlesspool.com/s/ and click on "Product Recalls" at the bottom of the page. These digital channels are useful for documenting your inquiry and receiving written confirmation of the repair appointment.

While you wait for the free inspection and subsequent repair to be scheduled, it is critical that you do not assume the cover is safe to use. The remedy is the eventual professional fix, but in the interim, safety relies on your behavior. You must not allow children to use or access the pool or the pool cover unsupervised. Until the official repair for the pool cover is completed, keep children away from the pool cover when it is closed. Furthermore, to prevent serious injury or death due to entrapment under the pool cover, do not allow anyone—especially children—to sit, stand, or jump on the pool cover at any time. The free repair option is your path to long-term safety, but immediate vigilance is your best protection right now.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to act quickly on a product recall. Life is busy, contractors are hard to schedule, and the idea of pausing your routine to deal with a manufacturer’s notice can feel like an unnecessary burden. You might think that because the pool cover looks fine on the surface, or because it has been working for months without issue, there is no immediate danger. However, ignoring this specific recall from Endless Pools carries significant and potentially irreversible risks that go far beyond mere inconvenience. The core issue here is not a mechanical failure of the motor or a tear in the fabric; it is a structural gap created by improper installation. When a pool cover does not conform to the voluntary industry standard ASTM F-1346, it leaves a critical opening of more than 4.5 inches between the cover roller and the water’s surface. This gap is not merely an aesthetic flaw; it is a functional breach of safety that transforms a secure barrier into a perilous trap.

The most immediate consequence of ignoring this recall is the preservation of a severe drowning hazard, particularly for children. The recalled Manual Retractable Security Pool Covers are designed to provide a physical barrier over the water, but if installed incorrectly, that barrier is compromised. A gap larger than 4.5 inches is wide enough for a small child’s body to slip through or become wedged under the edge of the cover. Once entangled or trapped beneath the tensioned material, a child can be pulled underwater with little ability to free themselves. The CPSC has explicitly stated that this poses a risk of serious injury or death. Unlike a minor burn from hot water or a cut from sharp glass, drowning is rapid and silent. It does not allow for time to react or call for help. By delaying the free inspection and repair offered by Endless Pools, you are leaving a known, unmitigated trap in your backyard.

Beyond the risk of drowning, there is the distinct danger of entrapment and serious physical injury for anyone who interacts with the cover improperly. The recall notice explicitly warns against allowing anyone—especially children—to sit, stand, or jump on the pool cover at any time. If you ignore the recall, you may continue to treat the cover as a safe lounging area or a trampoline-like surface. However, because the cover is not conforming to the required safety standards due to the installation gap, it may not distribute weight or tension as intended. This instability can lead to sudden collapses, falls into the water, or severe strain injuries from trying to stabilize oneself on an uneven surface. While no incidents have been reported yet, the absence of past injuries does not guarantee future safety; it simply means the hazard has not yet manifested in a documented way. The consequence of waiting is that you are gambling with the well-being of your family and guests against known odds.

Furthermore, ignoring the recall means missing out on the remedy that Endless Pools is providing at no cost to you. They are offering a free inspection and a free repair by their support services representatives. This is a proactive measure to correct the installation error before it causes harm. By not contacting them, you are not only risking safety but also forfeiting the opportunity to have your pool cover brought up to code without financial penalty. The longer you wait, the more the gap persists, and the greater the likelihood that someone will come into contact with that dangerous 4.5-inch opening. Safety is not just about avoiding current problems; it is about eliminating known risks before they become tragedies. In this case, the risk is clear, the remedy is free, and the potential consequence of inaction is too high to ignore.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a critical gap in the installation of manual retractable pool covers, drowning and entrapment remain serious risks that extend far beyond a single brand or model. Water safety is rarely about one perfect solution; it is about building layers of protection that work together to keep your family secure. One of the most effective strategies is to view your pool area as a dynamic environment that requires regular, proactive inspection. Even if you do not own a recalled item, checking that all safety equipment—such as drain covers, anti-entrapment fittings, and perimeter barriers—is compliant with current standards should be part of your seasonal routine. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) updates its database frequently, so making it a habit to visit their official website monthly ensures you are aware of new alerts before they impact your home.

Physical barriers are your first line of defense, but they must function correctly to be effective. For pools with manual covers, the mechanism itself is only as safe as its maintenance. Lubricate moving parts according to the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure that locking pins engage fully every time. If you have a pool with an automatic cover, test the emergency release mechanism monthly to guarantee it works during a power failure or mechanical jam. Additionally, consider installing door alarms on any home access points leading directly to the pool area. These simple devices provide an auditory alert if a child wanders out unsupervised, buying you precious seconds to respond when visual supervision is momentarily broken.

Perhaps the most vital layer of safety is active adult supervision. No mechanical device can replace the vigilance of a responsible caregiver who is within arm’s reach of non-swimmers and young children. Designate a specific "water watcher" during gatherings, rotating this responsibility every 15 to 30 minutes to prevent attention fatigue. Ensure that the person on duty puts away phones and other distractions. Furthermore, invest in formal swimming lessons for all family members as early as possible. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swim lessons starting at age one, which can significantly reduce the risk of drowning by teaching water competency and self-rescue skills.

Finally, educate everyone in your household about the dangers of pool covers, regardless of type. Never allow children to treat a pool cover as a trampoline or a play surface. The structural integrity of these materials is designed for weight distribution over a large area, not concentrated pressure from jumping or standing, which can lead to sudden collapse and submersion. By combining vigilant supervision, regular equipment checks, and open conversations about water safety, you create a robust culture of protection that stays effective long after any single recall has been resolved.