April 4, 2007
Intex Recreation Corp. is recalling nearly half a million above-ground pool ladders because of a fall hazard.
The recall includes "Intex," "Easy Set" and "Sand N Sun" ladders. The ladders' plastic steps can be assembled backward on the support brackets. If this happens, the ladder steps can break and the user can fall.
Intex has received 172 reports of steps breaking during use. There were 127 reports of injuries, including six leg lacerations requiring up to 21 stitches, five reports of bone fractures, two back injuries, two reports of torn ligaments, eight sprained ankles, and other minor injuries.
The recall includes 42-inch, 48-inch, and 52-inch "A" frame pool ladders. The ladders were sold with above ground pools with the brand names "Intex," "Easy Set" and "Sand N Sun" in the following sizes: 15-foot by 42-inch; 15-foot by 48-inch; 16-foot by 42-inch; 16-foot by 48-inch; 18-foot by 48-inch; and 24-foot by 52-inch.
Each leg of the recalled ladder has two pieces joined together with a metal sleeve. The ladders have either three or four blue plastic steps on each side of the "A" that attach to blue plastic support brackets mounted on the legs.
The following pool ladders are not included in the recall:
• "A" frame ladders with single piece legs;
• "A" frame ladders with two-piece legs and a 300 lb. weight limit listed on the ladder warning label (sold with pools after February 2007).
The ladders were sold at Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, and Target stores nationwide, from February 2006 through February 2007. Pools with 52-inch ladders were also sold at other retailers nationwide during this time. Above-ground pool sets that included the ladders sold for between $150 and $800 depending on pool size and included accessories.
Consumers should immediately stop using the ladders and contact Intex to obtain information about how to obtain a free replacement ladder.
Consumer Contact: Consumers should call Intex at (800) 549-8829 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit www.intexcorp.com.
The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
