A Nationwide Recall Underscores the Importance of Pool Safety
In July 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada announced a massive recall of approximately 5 million above-ground pools in the United States and over 266,000 in Canada due to a serious drowning hazard for young children. The recall affects pools from major manufacturers including Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup, and underscores the critical importance of pool safety and engineering.
What Happened in the Recall?
The recalled pools are 48 inches and taller and feature external horizontal compression straps. These straps, designed to provide structural support, can create a foothold that allows young children to climb into the pool—even when the ladder has been removed. Tragically, there have been multiple reports of child drownings associated with this design flaw.
Affected Products Include:
- Bestway: Power Steel and Steel Pro models
- Intex: Metal Frame, Ultra Frame, and Prism Frame models
- Polygroup: Summer Waves, Summer Escapes, and Funsicle models
These pools were sold between 2002 and 2025 through major retailers like Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Amazon, as well as directly from manufacturers’ websites.
Consumer Guidance:
Owners of these pools are urged to immediately contact the manufacturer for a free repair kit, which includes a barrier to prevent the compression straps from being used as a climbing aid. Until the kit is installed, safety officials advise installing a secondary safety fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate, or draining the pool entirely if immediate mitigation isn’t possible.
Why Inground Pools Are the Safer Choice
This recall highlights a fundamental difference between temporary above-ground pools and professionally built inground pools: engineering and safety standards.
1. Built for Safety and Stability
Custom inground pools from Sunset Pools & Spas are engineered into the ground with reinforced concrete or gunite, designed to last decades. Their structure eliminates the risk of collapses or external climbing hazards.
2. Meets or Exceeds Safety Codes
Every inground pool we build is designed to meet or exceed strict safety standards, including barrier requirements and circulation systems that protect swimmers of all ages.
3. No External Footholds
Unlike above-ground pools with external frames and straps, inground pools integrate seamlessly into the landscape, reducing access points for children and improving overall safety.
4. Long-Term Value and Peace of Mind
While above-ground pools can seem like an affordable option, they often come with safety compromises and limited lifespans. A custom inground pool is a long-term investment that provides a secure, enjoyable environment for years.
Safety Must Always Come First
The above ground pool recall serves as a reminder that when it comes to pools, shortcuts in design or materials can put lives at risk. Multiple layers of safety are essential for any pool, especially in homes with young children.
Choose Safety and Quality with Sunset Pools & Spas
At Sunset Pools & Spas, we build custom inground pools engineered for safety, durability, and luxury. If you’re considering upgrading from an above-ground pool or want a safer, lasting solution for your family, we can help.
Contact Sunset Pools & Spas today for a free consultation or quote and let us design a secure, beautiful inground pool you can trust for decades.