Reports from the Consumer Product Safety Commission indicate that approximately 5 million above-ground pools are being recalled across the United States. This action follows the tragic deaths of nine children over 15 years.
Three major manufacturers, Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup, have jointly announced the recall in conjunction with the CPSC. The pools in question, inches or taller and feature compression straps that run along the outside and over the vertical support legs.
According to reliable sources, these compression straps have created an unintended foothold, allowing children between 22 months and 3 years of age to climb into the pools without adult supervision. The evidence suggests that this design flaw has led to nine fatalities across six states between 2007 and 2022.
The recall affects pools sold since 2002 through major retailers including Walmart, Target, and The Home Depot, as well as online marketplaces such as Amazon. The price range for these pools was substantial, from $400 to over $1,000.
This situation raises important questions about product safety and the responsibility of manufacturers. The companies involved have stated their commitment to customer safety and are offering free repair kits to address the issue.
On the one hand, the pools have provided enjoyment for millions of families. On the other hand, the potential risk to young children cannot be ignored. The CPSC’s involvement underscores the seriousness of the situation.
Customers are being advised to either prevent unsupervised access to the pools or to drain them until repairs can be made. The repair process involves attaching a rope at ground level and removing the problematic compression strap.
