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Five Million Above-Ground Pools Recalled After Nine Child Drownings Linked to Design Flaw

Jason Turchin, Esq.

If your child was injured or tragically lost their life due to a recalled above-ground pool, contact the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at (800) 337-7755 for a free consultation. Our team has experience handling product liability and wrongful death claims and can help your family pursue justice and compensation.

Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup Pools Recalled Due to Drowning Hazard

On July 21, 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of over 5 million above-ground pools manufactured by Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup. The recalled models are 48 inches or taller and contain external compression straps that can serve as footholds, allowing children to climb into the pool without a ladder and posing a serious drowning risk.

The pools, sold nationwide since 2002, have been connected to the deaths of at least nine children between the ages of 22 months and 3 years, along with several near-drowning incidents.

What’s the Hazard?

A Fatal Design Flaw: Climbable Compression Straps

The recalled pools use compression straps to help maintain structural integrity. However, these straps run on the outside of the pool, wrapping over the vertical support legs—unintentionally creating a climbable surface for young children.

Even when the ladder is removed, a child can step on the compression strap, pull themselves up using the support poles, and gain access to the water. Tragically, this design has allegedly led to fatal consequences in multiple states, including California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri.

Products Involved in the Recall

The recall includes above-ground pools measuring 48 inches or taller with external compression straps. The affected models were sold under various brand names at major retailers and online outlets.

Recalled Brands and Model Lines:

Bestway (2008–2024)

  • Power Steel
  • Steel Pro
  • Coleman Power Steel

Intex (2002–2012, 2024–2025)

  • Metal Frame Pools
  • Prism Frame Pools
  • Ultra Frame Pools
  • Ultra XTR Frame Pools

Polygroup (2006–2025)

  • Summer Escapes (2006–2015)
  • Summer Waves (2015–2025)
  • Funsicle (2023–2025)
  • Sand n Sun (2008–2011)
  • Blue Wave (2014–2025)

These pools were sold at:

  • Walmart, Target, The Home Depot, Sam’s Club, Costco, BJ’s, Toys “R” Us, Kmart, Big Lots, Sears, and others
  • Online at Amazon.com, Wayfair.com, and brand websites

Prices ranged from $400 to over $1,000, depending on model and included accessories.

recalled pool drowning claim

What Should Pool Owners Do?

Immediate Steps:

  • Stop using the pool if children are present
  • Ensure the pool area is fenced or completely inaccessible
  • Drain the pool if necessary, especially if no fencing is available
  • Do not rely on ladder removal alone

How to Get a Free Repair Kit:

Each manufacturer is offering a free repair kit, which includes a safety rope system to replace the compression strap’s structural function. Once installed, consumers are instructed to cut and remove the original compression strap.

Contact by Brand:

Bestway

Intex

Polygroup

What If Your Child Was Injured or Drowned?

Product Liability and Wrongful Death

If your child was harmed by a recalled pool—whether through injury or death—you may be entitled to file a product liability or wrongful death claim. These claims help hold manufacturers accountable for unsafe products and may provide financial relief for the harm caused.

Manufacturers are responsible for designing products that are safe for their intended use. When a design flaw leads to a child’s preventable death, the legal system allows families to seek justice.

Potential Compensation May Include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of companionship or parental guidance
  • Punitive damages in extreme cases

Why Contact the Law Offices of Jason Turchin?

The Law Offices of Jason Turchin has experience representing families in wrongful death and defective product cases involving children. We are here to help:

  • Evaluate your legal options during a free consultation
  • Guide your family through the process of filing a claim
  • Pursue compensation to help you recover and find justice

We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.

FAQs About the Above-Ground Pool Recall

What is the hazard?

The external compression strap creates a climbable step for children, allowing them to enter the pool even if the ladder is removed.

What injuries or deaths have occurred?

The CPSC is aware of nine drowning deaths of children ages 22 months to 3 years, plus three other near-drowning incidents.

Is the recall only for certain brands?

Yes. The recall includes Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup pools 48 inches or taller with external compression straps.

How do I know if my pool is affected?

Look for the brand and model printed on the pool liner. If your pool is 48 inches or taller and has a compression strap running on the outside of the vertical supports, it is likely included.

Can I still use my pool?

Not until the repair kit is installed and the compression strap is removed. Until then, secure the area or drain the pool to prevent access.

If your family has suffered due to a recalled Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup pool, call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at (800) 337-7755 or visit www.jasonturchin.com for a free consultation. We are here to help you pursue justice, accountability, and peace of mind.

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