Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup Swimming Pool Strap Drowning Death Lawsuit Lawyers

How Dangerous Compression Straps Led to 9 Tragic Deaths and What Families Can Do to Hold Pool Manufacturers Accountable

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a nationwide recall impacting over five million above-ground swimming pools manufactured by Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup. These pools, measuring 48 inches or taller, have been sold since 2002 at popular retailers across the country. Despite being marketed as safe and family-friendly, they include a critical design flaw that has been linked to multiple child drownings.

The problem lies in the compression straps that wrap around the outside of the pool legs. These straps can function as footholds, enabling small children to climb the pool walls, even without a ladder in place. The CPSC has identified this specific feature as the cause of nine tragic deaths over a 15-year period.

Families who relied on these pools to be safe backyard recreational items are now facing the horrifying realization that a product they trusted may have contributed to the loss of their child. The recall is extensive and targets not just recently sold units but also those sold as far back as 2002.

How Compression Straps Became Deadly Design Hazards

The recall focuses on a particular type of strap used in pool construction: the external compression strap. Originally intended to stabilize the pool frame, these straps unintentionally created footholds, making it easier for toddlers to climb the sides.

Even with the ladder removed, young children have been able to gain access to the pool by stepping onto the straps. This poses an immense risk, especially in homes where adult supervision may lapse for even a moment.

Children between the ages of 22 months and 3 years are particularly vulnerable. At this age, they are mobile, curious, and unable to assess danger appropriately. Once inside the pool, they may lack the coordination or swimming ability to stay afloat, leading to rapid and silent drowning.

Known Deaths and the States Affected

According to the CPSC, at least nine child fatalities have been linked to this defect. These deaths occurred in California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri between 2007 and 2022.

Each case involved a child gaining access to the pool by using the compression straps as makeshift steps. In several cases, caregivers had removed the ladders, believing that doing so made the pool safe. Unfortunately, the design itself undermined these precautions.

No child death is acceptable when it can be prevented. These tragedies are not accidents, they are the result of a known design defect that should have been corrected long ago. Families affected by these deaths deserve answers, accountability, and justice.

Manufacturer Response and the Updated Safety Standard

In a joint statement, Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup acknowledged the issue and said they began working with the CPSC and safety advocates in 2023 to update standards for above-ground pools. This new standard was finalized in May 2025.

The updated designs aim to prevent children from using compression straps as footholds by eliminating or replacing them with safer alternatives. Newer models have incorporated these changes, but millions of earlier models remain in use.

As part of the recall, the manufacturers are offering free repair kits that include ropes to replace the existing straps. Consumers are instructed to remove the original straps and install the replacement parts using the provided instructions.

What Pool Owners Should Do Immediately

If you currently own an above-ground pool manufactured by Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup, check the product for the brand name and model number printed on the outside liner. If your pool is 48 inches or taller and was purchased between 2002 and 2025, assume it is affected until confirmed otherwise.

Next steps:

• Contact the manufacturer (Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup) to request a free repair kit.
• Do not allow unsupervised access to the pool under any circumstances.
• Consider draining the pool or disabling access entirely until the repair has been completed.

These safety steps can save lives while you wait for the manufacturer’s replacement kit.

Legal Rights and Grounds for Compensation

When a company designs, manufactures, or distributes a product with a dangerous defect, especially one that results in the death of a child, it may be liable under product liability laws. These legal claims typically fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Design Defect: The product’s inherent design is unsafe. The use of exterior compression straps is a clear example.
• Failure to Warn: Manufacturers must provide adequate warnings about foreseeable misuse or hazards. Many consumers were unaware that removing the ladder wasn’t enough to prevent access.
• Negligence: Companies may be found negligent if they knew, or should have known, about a safety risk but failed to act.

Families who have lost a child or whose children were injured due to one of these pools may be eligible for significant compensation. Damages can include medical bills, funeral costs, emotional distress, and punitive damages for corporate misconduct.

Time Limits for Filing a Claim

Every state has a statute of limitations for filing product liability or wrongful death lawsuits. These deadlines vary by jurisdiction and type of claim.

In general, you should contact a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible after discovering the injury or fatality was caused by a defective pool. Missing a deadline could mean forfeiting your right to recover damages.

Parker Waichman LLP offers a free case review and can explain exactly how much time you have to act in your specific situation.

How a Lawsuit Can Drive Accountability and Change

While the updated safety standards are a step in the right direction, they came too late for the nine families who lost their children. Filing a product liability lawsuit not only allows families to seek justice and compensation, it pressures manufacturers to implement safer designs and more aggressive recalls sooner.

Litigation has historically been one of the most powerful tools for consumer protection. When companies face financial consequences for ignoring safety, they change how they do business.

Families who come forward can make a difference, not just for themselves, but for others who might face the same dangers in the future.

Why You Should Contact an Attorney Now

If you or someone you know has been affected by one of these recalled pools, legal help is available. It is important to speak with an attorney who understands product liability law and has experience holding large corporations accountable.

The legal process can involve multiple steps, including investigations, expert witness analysis, and negotiations with manufacturers and insurers. Starting early improves your chances of success.

Parker Waichman LLP represents clients nationwide and has extensive experience handling wrongful death and product liability lawsuits. Our attorneys are available to review your case at no cost to you.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For a Free Case Review

If your family has suffered due to a defective above-ground pool with compression straps, take action now. Parker Waichman LLP is a national personal injury law firm ready to help families pursue compensation and hold manufacturers accountable.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free and confidential consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you.