Millions of Above Ground Pools Recalled After Accidents

Millions of above ground swimming pools have been recalled after the deaths of several children.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that pools from the brands Bestway, Intex and Polygroup have been recalled, effective from July 21. The five million pools under recall have issues with their compression straps.

Children are able to use the straps as footholds, gaining access to the pool. Some have been unable to get back out or to the surface after being submerged in water, and they've drowned.

The CSPC says that nine children between 22 months and three years old have died in the years between 2007 and 2022. The deaths took place in states across the country, including in California, Florida, Michigan and Texas.

The recalled pool models have been sold since 2002. They each sit 48 inches or taller and feature the compression straps along the outside and on the vertical legs of the pool.

These straps keep the pool's shape and make sure that it remains upright even before being filled with water.

The three companies issued a joint statement addressing the recalls, adding that they "have a shared commitment to customer safety."

The companies noted that most pools in this height range or taller that are currently being sold have addressed this problem. The recall is a preventative measure for those with older pools that aren't as safe as the newer models.

"The safe use of our products is important to us, and we are working together to get the word out about this recall and create a seamless process for our customers to participate," the companies said.

Those who have the older models affected by the recall are advised to put the pool in a position where children cannot access it, or to drain it until a repair can be installed.

Customers are able to contact any of the three affected companies in order to request a free repair kit for their pool. The repair kit includes a rope that attaches to each of the vertical supports and wraps around the pool, an addition the companie say will improve "structural integrity."

After installing the rope, the customers can then cut the compression strap from the pool.