Backyard Pools Are Being Pulled From Stores Like Target and Walmart–Parents, Take Note!

The CPSC Recalls Above-Ground Pools From Stores Nationwide Due To A 'Drowning Risk'

On July 21st, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued an urgent recall of several different brands that manufacture above-ground pools that can be found in people's backyards. They estimate the total number of pools that need to be recalled to be approximately five million, as they were sold by numerous brands, including Bestway, Intex, Coleman, and Polygroup, to massive retailers around the country, like Walmart, Target, Costco, Amazon, and more, between 2002 and now.

You may be wondering, "What could have caused such an urgent and sudden recall of products that have been sold over the span of 23 years?" Shockingly, the CPSC reported that a specific part used to build and support the pools was responsible for the death of nine young children since 2007. On these backyard pools is a "compression strap," which, according to the CPSC, "surrounds the outside of the pool legs [and] may create a foothold, allowing a child access to the pool, posing a drowning risk."

Essentially, young children were able to use the strap found along the sides of the pools like a step ladder, allowing them to climb into the pool, presumably without adult supervision.

What To Do If You Own A Recalled Above-Ground Pool

Although there are millions of backyard pools involved in this recall, you'll want to learn more details before panicking. But if you have one set-up in your yard and also have young children, it's essential to be extra vigilant.

According to their statement, the CPSC notes that the only pools affected by this recall are "48-inch and taller above-ground pools with compression straps running on the outside and over the vertical support legs." Therefore, if you do not have a strap running across your backyard pool, you likely don't have anything to worry about.

However, it's important to keep in mind that over the last ten years, these pools have been sold at some of today's most popular online and in-person stores, including Walmart, Target, Costco, Amazon, Wayfair, Home Depot, Sam's Club, and more.

The pools typically cost anywhere from $400 to $1,000, and it's a good idea to spread the word to anyone you may know who owns one, to raise awareness and prevent further incidents.