Bestway, Intex & Polygroup Above‑Ground Pool Recall

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada issued a voluntary recall on July 21, 2025, affecting roughly 5 million above‑ground pools 48 inches and taller from Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup. The recall stems from reports of nine tragic child drowning deaths in the U.S. between 2007 and 2022 – all involving children between 22 months and 3 years old who climbed using the pool’s external compression straps. These straps can unintentionally act as footholds, rendering safety measures like ladder removal ineffective.

Why This Is a Serious Hazard

These pools share a common design flaw: compression straps on vertical support legs that undermine intended safety barriers. The CPSC notes:

• Straps create unintended footholds, enabling toddlers to climb into the pools unsupervised.
• Most victims were unable to swim and drowned despite the ladder being removed.

Owners are urged to:

• Contact the manufacturers immediately for a free repair kit (replacement rope).
• Prevent access to the pool or drain it until repairs are complete.

How Many Pools Are Affected?

• Approximately 5 million pools sold in the U.S. since 2002.
• An additional 266,000+ sold in Canada.
• Distributed through major retailers: Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Costco, Amazon, Sears, Kmart, Home Depot, Sam’s Club, BJ’s, and Big Lots.
• Affected models include a wide array: Bestway, Coleman, Intex, Summer Waves, Funsicle, Summer Escapes, Blue Wave, Prism Frame, Metal Frame, Power Steel, Ultra Frame, Ultra XTR, and Coleman Power Steel.

Real Tragedies Behind the Recall

Nine children sadly lost their lives between 2007 and 2022 after gaining entry to the pools via these faulty straps. Incidents occurred in multiple states, including California, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, Texas, Wisconsin, and others. Additionally, three near-drowning events were reported in 2011 and 2012, all involving the same strap design.

Common Injuries Associated with the Defective Pools

While drownings are the most tragic outcome, injuries sustained in “near-drowning” scenarios can be severe:

• Hypoxic brain injury due to lack of oxygen during submersion.
• Respiratory issues, including pulmonary edema.
• Long-term psychological impacts for survivors and families.
• Secondary trauma like anxiety and phobias.

Victims often require intensive medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term emotional support.

What to Do If You Own a Recalled Pool

1. Check your model: Look for brand and size info on the pool liner (must be ≥48″).
2. Apply repair immediately:
   • Contact
     1. Bestway: call Bestway toll free at 844-593-4003 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at https://bwrecallsupport.expertinquiry.com/?lang=en or email at BWrecallsupport5516@sedgwick.com for more information.
     2. Intex: call Intex toll-free at 800-549-8829 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. PTMonday through Friday, or online at www.Intexcorp.com/recall or email recallhelp@intexcorp.com for more information. 
     3. Polygroup: call Polygroup toll-free at 888-621-4137 from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. MT Monday through Friday or online at https://polygrouprecall.com or email at poolrecall@polygroup.com for more information.
   • Secure the rope properly before removing the dangerous strap.
   • Keep children away or drain the pool until fixed.
3. Document everything: save receipts, take photos, and retain installation records.
4. Seek medical help if a child nearly drowned.
5. Report the incident to CPSC if they don’t respond or produce defective kits.

Can I Get Compensation for Injuries?

Residents in Illinois affected by this recall, whether via injury, near-drowning, or death, may have legal options under personal injury or wrongful death claims.

Grounds for Liability

• Strict product liability (design defect makes the pool unreasonably dangerous).
• Negligence (failure to warn or fix defect).
• Breach of warranty, either implied or express.

Key Legal Deadlines & Damages

• Statute of limitations is typically 2 years for injury claims in Illinois.
• Victims may claim:
  • Medical expenses (ER, hospitalization, rehab)
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Wrongful death benefits (funeral, loss of companionship)
  • Potential punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.

Establishing Evidence in Product Liability Claims

To succeed, you’ll need:

• Proof of pool ownership & model.
• Photos showing strap design.
• Medical records confirming injury.
• Incident documentation (911 reports, doctor notes).
• Correspondence regarding recall/repair.

Why an Illinois Product Liability Attorney Helps

Illinois personal injury lawyers can:

• Preserve critical evidence early.
• Gather expert testimony on pool hazards.
• Navigate complex product liability law.
• Negotiate with manufacturers or insurers.
• Litigate if necessary.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we fight for full compensation for children and families harmed by defective pools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Recalled Pools

Q: Do I have to return the pool to get the repair kit?
A: No. You simply clip the rope kit in place and remove the original compressive strap after it’s secured.

Q: Can I still file a claim if my child didn’t drown but was injured?
A: Absolutely. Near-drowning injuries, especially brain or respiratory trauma, are valid personal injury claims.

Q: What if I already fixed the pool?
A: Installing the repair kit doesn’t waive your rights. You can still pursue legal action for injuries or losses.

Q: Is there a class-action lawsuit?
A: No nationwide class action has been announced yet, but personal injury claims are possible. Our Illinois defective product lawyers can assess your case on an individual basis.

Q: What if my pool isn’t listed in the recall?
A: The models involved are all above-ground pools 48″ or taller featuring external compression straps from Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup. If your pool doesn’t match, review the specific recall list to confirm eligibility.

Contact the Award-Winning Illinois Product Liability Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

This recall serves as a poignant reminder of how small design oversights, like a compression strap, can result in catastrophic consequences. With five million pools sold and nine young lives lost, the cost has been tragically steep.

If you’re an Illinois resident affected by this recall, whether through injury, near-tragedy, or loss, time is critical. You may be entitled to recover significant compensation for:

• Medical care and rehabilitation
• Future healthcare needs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Funeral and related expenses

Don’t face this alone. At John J. Malm & Associates, we have extensive experience with defective products. Our dedicated team offers free consultations, works on a contingency fee basis, and helps families hold manufacturers accountable.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review. We act fast to preserve evidence, expedite repairs, and guide you through your legal rights. Your family deserves safety, closure, and justice, and we’re here to help.