A massive recall of above-ground swimming pools has been issued due to reports of nine child drownings over a 15-year period. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recalled more than 5 million Bestway, Intex and Polygroup pools sold at major retailers including Walmart, Lowe’s, Target, Home Depot, Amazon and others. The affected pools are 48 inches tall and use compression straps that can create a foothold for children to access the pool and drown.
The CPSC believes nine children between 22 months and 3 years old drowned in California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri between 2007 and 2022. Although the ladder may be removed, children can still gain access to the pools using the footholds.
The companies involved, Bestway, Intex and Polygroup, have updated their safety standard for above-ground pools to prevent unsupervised children from accessing the pools through the compression straps. Most recently sold pools meet this new standard, but a recall is being issued to ensure all affected pools can be repaired.
Consumers should contact the companies to receive a free repair kit, which includes a rope replacement for the compression strap. To ensure safety, consumers are advised to supervise children when near the pool or drain the pool until the repair is made.
Source: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/over-5m-swimming-pools-sold-major-retailers-recalled-after-reports-9-deaths