What You Need To Know About the Intex Ultra XTR

The Ultra XTR model is a popular option among large families due to its vast size.

Unfortunately, the nylon support band placed on the outside wall of the pool has created a dangerous design flaw.

Lawyers are currently investigating this design flaw and possible legal action on behalf of families and children who’ve been effected.

About the Intex Ultra XTR

Intex Recreation Corp. is a prominent name in the inflatable and above-ground pool industry.

For over 50 years, the company has made portable pools, inflatable toys and devices, and spas more cost-effective for American households.

Of the many well-known above-ground pool options the company boasts, their Ultra XTR stood as one of their top-selling products.

The company advertised that its Ultra XTR models were more durable than its other lines because of their combined polyester mesh, thicker PVC layers, and galvanized rust-resistant steel support.

The Ultra XTR model also features advanced filtration and aeration technology to keep the pool water clean and clear.

Certain models of the Ultra XTR line feature a sand filter pump to collect sand that could accumulate in the pool.

Complaints and Reports Surrounding Intex Above-Ground Pools

Despite their popularity, Intex pools have faced their fair share of criticism.

Complaints and reports have surfaced, pointing toward potential defects in the pool set that might compromise the safety of users.

These complaints range from structural issues to problems with the pool’s accessories, raising concerns about the product’s overall reliability.

• In one case in 2023, a family bought an Intex Ultra XTR (16 ft x 48 inches). Their daughter was trying to exit the pool when her foot slipped and got entrapped in the ladder, and she fell back into the water face first. Fortunately, a sibling was there to help the girl remove her foot. The 10-year-old child suffered bruises and cuts because of the accident.
• In 2017, a 32-year-old man suffered total paralysis from the neck down after a slip-and-fall accident involving an Intex pool. The man was climbing the stairs when it gave away and struck his head at the bottom of the pool.
• In 2012, a two-year-old child almost died from a drowning accident. The child accessed the pool unsupervised using the support band as a makeshift ladder. The toddler fell into the water face-first. After receiving CPR, the girl was able to breathe again.

Reported Injuries Involving an Intex Swimming Pool

As of writing, there are no fatality reports involving Intex above-ground pools that made it out to the news.

However, one notable news report about the dangers and risks posed by Intex above-ground pools involves the near-death experience of a two-year-old in Florida.

In 2017, both parents found their then-two-year-old son Blake Sutor floating motionless in their Intex above-ground pool.

By this time, Blake Suttor had been deprived of oxygen for an extended time, which resulted in permanent brain damage.

After a thorough investigation, authorities determined that the ladder design allowed easy access for children to dive unsupervised into the pool.

Authorities had notified the manufacturer of this defective ladder design 50 years earlier.

In response to the lawsuit, the company is developing a protective device to cover the entire pool.

In the meantime, they removed the ladder that was included in some of their pool models.

The company settled privately, and the family refused to disclose the settlement amount to the public.

Above-Ground Pool Dangers and Potential Injuries

Above-ground pools are not always a safer alternative to in-ground pools.

According to CBS News, about 400 children die annually from drowning.

In a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report, the agency revealed that an average of 6,300 non-fatal injuries related to pools are documented every year from 2020 to 2022.

Despite being seen as a safer pool option, above-ground pools pose various risks and accidents that might cause injuries or fatalities.

Here are some of the injuries one might sustain from an above-ground pool accident:

• Drowning: Probably the most common danger of using an above-ground pool is drowning. As seen in the above news reports, children may drown from accidental falls or unsupervised access to the pool.
• Slip and Fall Injuries: Given their nature, swimming pools have wet surfaces that might lead to slip-and-fall accidents. Depending on how one falls, a person can sustain broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Elderly individuals are more prone to these accidents, especially if the ladder design is unstable.
• Head Injuries: As seen in the mentioned incidents, pool ladders can cause severe head injuries. The pool’s depth may also be a factor in causing significant trauma to the head.
• Entanglement and Entrapment: Poorly designed pool accessories or faulty mechanisms may lead to entanglement or entrapment, posing severe injuries, especially to children.
• Permanent Brain Damage: In one of the cases we shared earlier, the child suffered permanent brain damage from a near-drowning accident because of prolonged oxygen deprivation. This outcome might lead to lifelong care and medical expenses.

Above-Ground Pool Safety Standards and Regulations

Various safety standards and regulations govern the design and installation of above-ground pools to mitigate these dangers.

Different states have varying rules regarding pool fencing, ladders, and other safety features.

However, here are some of the most common safety standards and regulations for above-ground pools:

• Pool Fencing: Most states require pool owners to have a fence with a self-closing gate surrounding their above-ground pool. The pool fence should be at least four feet tall, preventing children from accessing the pool while unsupervised.
• Ladder Design and Placement: Pool ladders should meet specific design requirements to ensure stability and prevent accidents. Some states also mandate the installation of a pool ladder with a self-latching and self-closing gate to prevent unauthorized access.
• Safety Covers: In some areas, pool owners must have a safety cover for their above-ground pools when not in use. These covers should meet specific strength requirements to support the weight of an adult and prevent accidental falls into the pool.
• Warning Labels and Instructions: Manufacturers should include warning labels and instructions on using the pool safely, including proper ladder usage, supervision guidelines, and other safety precautions.

What You Can Do To Minimize Above-Ground Pool Accidents?

Despite the serious injuries and risks associated with above-ground pools, you can take preemptive steps to minimize the chances of accidents and make your pool safer for your children and other non-swimmers.

Here are some tips you can follow:

• Proper Supervision: Always have an adult present when children use the pool, even if they know how to swim. Younger children may still be at risk of drowning, and having a designated “water watcher” can prevent accidents from happening.
• Install Safety Features: As mentioned earlier, some states require the installation of self-latching doors. Even if they’re not required in your area, utilizing self-closing doors leading outside the area can provide added security to prevent children from accessing the pool without supervision.
• Use Pool Alarms: Various types of pool alarms are available that can detect motion or water displacement, which automatically sounds an alert when someone enters the pool. These alarms can give you an early warning sign in case of accidental falls or unsupervised access to the pool.
• Remove Clutter: Remove any toys, inflatables, and other objects that can obstruct the pool area or cause accidents. Keeping the pool area clean and free from unnecessary items will reduce the risk of tripping or entanglement accidents.
• Downsize: If possible, consider downsizing your pool or opting for small pools that are easier to supervise and maintain. This option may come with a lower cost and fewer risks than larger pools.

The Importance of Holding Manufacturers Liable for Design Defects

Families and individuals injured by a negligent pool design might feel intimidated standing up against major pool manufacturers.

However, holding them accountable for their design defects can improve safety and prevent future accidents.

Here are some reasons why it’s vital to hold large establishments accountable for their products’ safety:

• Reinforce Consumer Safety: By taking legal action against a pool manufacturer, you reinforce the importance of consumer safety and hold companies accountable for their actions. This action can incentivize them to prioritize safety in future designs.
• Compensation for Damages: Injuries from above-ground pool accidents can lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. By holding manufacturers liable, you may receive compensation for your damages and ease the financial burden of medical expenses and other losses.
• Prevent Future Accidents: By bringing attention to a faulty design or safety issue in above-ground pools, you are protecting yourself and future consumers who might be at risk of similar accidents. Your actions can help prevent future tragedies and make above-ground pools safer for everyone.
• Improve the Market Regulations: Taking legal action and holding manufacturers responsible for their products’ safety can also lead to stricter regulations in the market. These changes can result in better product designs and more stringent safety standards, ultimately making above-ground pools safer for everyone.

You Have Legal Rights

Holding pool companies accountable might be challenging.

With the proper evidence and legal representation, it’s possible to file a case against these companies and seek justice for the injuries you or your loved one suffered.

Qualifying for litigation takes a careful examination of the case, considering state laws and safety regulations.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an above-ground pool accident due to a product defect, consulting with an experienced attorney is critical to see if you could qualify for a case.

Your attorney could help you gather evidence, navigate complex product defect laws, and build a strong case against the manufacturer.

With proper legal representation, you can hold manufacturers liable for their design defects, make above-ground pools safer for everyone, and seek financial compensation for your or your child’s injuries.

TorHoerman Law: See if You Qualify for an Intex Ultra XTR Pool Lawsuit

Above-ground pools can provide affordable recreation and relaxation for families and individuals, but safety must be the top priority.

Reinforcing safety and security measures, such as installing self-locking fences, alarms, and proper supervision, can reduce the risks of accidents.

You might be eligible for compensation if the faulty design or manufacturing of an Intex Ultra XTR pool or any other above-ground pool has injured you or a loved one.

We can help you take the first step toward justice and hold negligent companies accountable for their actions.

Contact TorHoerman Law today to see if you qualify for a case.

You can also use our chatbot on this page for a free and instant case evaluation.