More than five million above-ground swimming pools sold across the United States and Canada are being recalled following the tragic deaths of nine children over the past two decades.

The sweeping recall affects a wide range of pool models manufactured by Bestway, Intex Recreation, and Polygroup. These pools, many of which have been available on the market since 2002, were sold through major retailers including Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Costco, and Amazon. Approximately five million units were sold in the U.S., with an additional 266,000 in Canada.

According to joint announcements by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, the recall was prompted by safety concerns related to the pools’ exterior compression straps. These straps, which run along the outer wall of the pool, may function as footholds for young children, allowing them to climb into the water without supervision. Regulators warn that this poses a serious drowning hazard.

Authorities say nine children between the ages of 22 months and three years have drowned in such circumstances across the United States between 2007 and 2022. No fatalities have been reported in Canada to date.

Consumers are urged to stop using the pools immediately unless they can be secured to prevent unsupervised access by children. Manufacturers are offering a free repair kit, which includes a rope replacement for the compression strap. The CPSC advises that, until repairs are made, owners should consider draining the pool or taking other steps to ensure child safety.

All recalled models are 48 inches or taller and can be identified by specific model names listed in the official recall notices issued by both U.S. and Canadian authorities. The recall encompasses a broad array of designs and sizes that were sold both online and in physical stores over a span of more than 20 years, including pools sold as recently as 2025.

This is one of the largest above-ground pool recalls in North American history, highlighting the hidden risks of seemingly minor design elements. Regulators emphasize that even small, overlooked features can create dangerous scenarios for young children, and they’re calling on parents and guardians to take immediate action to prevent further tragedies.