Swimming pools sold across Canada recalled with 9 deaths so far

If you have a home swimming pool, you may want to take a look before your next dip, as Health Canada has issued a nationwide recall of select above-ground swimming pools believed to be responsible for the deaths of several young children.

On July 21, the health department issued a recall of certain Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup above-ground pools due to a drowning hazard.

"This recall involves select Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup Above-Ground Pools, 48 inches (122 cm) and taller, with compression straps running on the outside and over the vertical support legs," reads the Health Canada statement.

"The compression strap that surrounds the outside of the pool legs may create a foothold, allowing a child access to the pool, posing a drowning risk."

Source: Health Canada.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately five million of the recalled pools were sold in the United States and about 266,000 were sold in Canada since 2002.

CPSC believe that nine children across the U.S. between the ages of 22 months and 3 years old have drowned after accessing the pools using the compression straps as footholds between 2007 and 2022. They have also received reports of three other incidents in which children gained access to the pools by using the straps.

Source: Health Canada.

Health Canada announced that Bestway, Intex and Polygroup have not received any reports of incidents or injuries in Canada as of July 17, 2025.

"Consumers should immediately determine if their pool is part of the recall, and if so, contact Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup to request a repair kit," added Health Canada. "Consumers should ensure that children cannot access the pool unattended or, alternatively, drain the pool until the repair can be installed."

Bestway, Intex and Polygroup have set up toll-free numbers and email addresses to help Canadians with the affected above-ground swimming pools request repair kits.