WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thousands of above-ground swimming pools sold nationwide are being recalled after safety officials warned that a design feature could allow children to climb into the pools, creating a serious drowning risk.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Blue Wave Products Inc. is recalling about 13,400 above-ground pools that are 48 inches deep or taller after identifying a hazard involving a compression strap that runs around the outside of the pool’s vertical support legs. According to CPSC, the strap may act as a foothold, allowing children to access the pool even when the ladder has been removed.
The recall affects several Blue Wave pool models sold under various product names and finishes, including round pools ranging from 15 to 24 feet in diameter. Model numbers subject to the recall were printed on the original packaging and instruction manuals, and the Blue Wave logo appears on the liner outside the pool.
| Model | Description | UPC Code |
|---|---|---|
| NB19790 | Blue Wave 15-Ft Rd 48-In Active Frame Pool | 672875005895 |
| NB19791 | Blue Wave 18-Ft Rd 52-In Active Frame Pool | 672875005925 |
| NB19797 | Blue Wave 18-Ft Rd 52-In Dark Cocoa Wicker Frame Pool | 672875006106 |
| NB19798 | Blue Wave 24-Ft Rd 52-In Dark Cocoa Wicker Frame Pool | 672875006137 |
| NB19890 | Blue Wave Rustic Cedar 15-Ft Round 48-In Deep Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover | 672875004874 |
| NB19891 | Blue Wave Rustic Cedar 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover | 672875004881 |
| NB19900 | Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Gray Rattan Swimming Pool Package W/Cover | 672875009565 |
| NB19902 | Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Espresso Wicker Swimming Pool Package W/Cover | 672875009589 |
| NB19904 | Blue Wave 15-Ft Round 48-In Navy Blue Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover | 672875009916 |
| NB19905 | Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Navy Blue Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover | 672875009923 |
| NB19906 | Blue Wave 15-Ft Round 48-In Aspen Swimming Pool Package W/Cover | 672875009930 |
| NB19907 | Blue Wave Mocha Wicker 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover | 672875009954 |
| NB19908 | Blue Wave Mocha Wicker 24-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover | 672875009961 |
| NB19909 | Blue Wave Laguna 15-Ft Round 48-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover | 672875009978 |
| NB19910 | Blue Wave Laguna 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover | 672875009985 |
The CPSC said the compression strap, sometimes referred to as a reinforcing belt, wraps around the exterior of the pool near the support poles, unintentionally providing a step that children could use to climb into the water.
Consumers are asked to contact Blue Wave for a free repair kit, which will address the foothold hazard. Until the repair is installed, families should ensure children cannot access the pool without supervision or drain the pool entirely, officials said.
The recalled pools were sold between January 2021 and July of this year at major retailers including The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Dunham’s Sports, as well as online through Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. Prices ranged from $600 to $2,000, depending on size and accessories.
Call Blue Wave Products Inc. at toll-free at (800) 603-0475 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Monday through Friday, email at [email protected], or visit the company’s website.
