SafetyRecalls

Millions of Above-Ground Pools Recalled Due to Drowning Hazard

11 months agoUS
Millions of Above-Ground Pools Recalled Due to Drowning HazardSource: abcnews.go.com
Approximately 5 million above-ground pools are being recalled by Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup following reports of nine children's deaths between 2007 and 2022. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall, citing a drowning hazard due to compression straps that create footholds, allowing children unsupervised access to the pools.

Key Insights

Nine deaths reported:: Children between 22 months and 3 years old drowned after accessing the pools via compression straps.

Recall details:: Pools 48 inches or taller with compression straps running along the outside and over the vertical support legs are affected.

Affected brands:: Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup pools sold since 2002 are included in the recall.

Why this matters:: The compression straps provide unintended footholds, bypassing safety measures like ladder removal, posing a significant drowning risk.

Historical Context:: Incidents occurred between 2007 and 2022, highlighting a long-standing safety issue.

In-Depth Analysis

The recall impacts certain above-ground pools sold since 2002 at major retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Amazon. The compression straps on these pools create a ladder-like effect, enabling young children to climb into the pool even without a ladder.

The CPSC is aware of incidents dating back to 2011 and 2012 where children used these straps to enter the pools. Consumers are advised to contact the manufacturers for a free repair kit, which includes a rope to secure the pool's structure after removing the hazardous straps. The repair involves attaching a rope to each vertical support pole at ground level and wrapping it around the pool to maintain structural integrity.

How to Prepare:

1.

Check if your above-ground pool is part of the recall.

2.

Contact Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup for a free repair kit.

3.

Supervise children closely around pools or drain the pool until the repair is installed.

Who This Affects Most:

This recall primarily affects families with young children who own above-ground pools with compression straps. It is crucial for pool owners to take immediate action to prevent further tragedies.

FAQs

Q: How do I know if my pool is part of the recall?

Check the pool's height (48 inches or taller) and look for compression straps running along the outside and over the vertical support legs. See the CPSC, Bestway, or Intex websites for a list of affected models.

Q: What should I do if my pool is recalled?

Contact Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup to request a free repair kit. Until the repair is installed, ensure children cannot access the pool or drain the pool completely.

Q: Where were these pools sold?

The recalled pools were sold at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Sears, and online via Amazon and the manufacturers' websites.

Key Takeaways

Millions of above-ground pools are being recalled due to a significant drowning hazard.

Compression straps on the pools can act as footholds, allowing unsupervised access for young children.

Contact the manufacturer immediately for a free repair kit and take precautions to prevent access to the pool until it is fixed.

This recall highlights the importance of constant vigilance and safety measures around swimming pools.

Discussion

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