Before You Jump In: Pool Drain Covers Recalled

CPSC Investigates

As the temps soar in many parts of the country pools, both public and private, will be filling to be sure. In the Twin Cities, pools are just beginning to open as we have abnormal near 100 temperatures this week. So, the question is how safe is the drain in the pool?

I have mentioned several times now that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has been investigating what had been thought to be new and improved pool and spa drain covers that complied with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. These drain covers were supposed to have been designed to prevent drownings and injuries by suction entrapment.

Safety Recalls

However, the CPSC issued a press release a little over a week ago announcing widespread recalls of 8 manufacturers' pool and spa drain covers. In its investigations, CPSC strived to determine whether the testing methods used to approve these new drain covers were sufficient in checking the safety of these products.

Drain covers from A&A Manufacturing, AquaStar Pool Products, Inc., Color Match Pool Fittings, Custom Molded Products, Hayward Pool Products, Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Rising Dragon USA and Waterway Plastics have been recalled. These drain covers were incorrectly rated to handle the flow of water through the cover and could still pose an entrapment hazard to swimmers.

No incidents have been reported, but the CPSC has advised pool owners with these drain covers to close until drain cover is replaced or retrofitted. Some of these manufacturers do have replacements or retrofit available now. For more information, regarding the manufacturers and the drain covers involved in this recall, please see the CPSC press release.

It is vital that if you have a private pool or frequent a private pool that you check the drain covers and discontinue use of the pool or spa if the recalled cover is being used until a new drain covers is in place. Entrapment injuries and deaths are tragic and horrific. You do not want this to happen to your family, friends, or anyone using your pool.

The Scoop

I understand it's hot, but it's not worth the risk involved in using an unsafe pool. Need another reason? Read my post on Abigail Taylor who eventually died from excruciatingly painful and horrible suction entrapment injuries after sitting on a drain cover in a kiddie pool at a country club. If you are using a private pool, be sure to ask about their drain covers. It may sound over the top and paranoid, but better than dead or disemboweled.

Tomorrow I will post about lake safety. After all, I live in the land of 10,000 plus lakes. Be sure to peruse my sun and pool safety posts below too. Over and out...

Anna

You may also like:

The Overly Cautious Traveler: Must Read Pool Safety Tips

Distracted Vigilance: Tips for Preventing Drownings

What's Your SPF? The Dangers of Sunscreen

Sunburn... I mean Summer Memories: Tips for Playing it Safe in the Sun

Comments

[Jennifer]

Thanks so much for this post, Anna. Just wanted to let you and your readers know that, in addition to the eight companies in the combined recall, which you mention above, there were three other pool-drain-cover recalls issued the same day. A list with images of all the recent pool and spa related recalls is available here:
http://wemakeitsafer.com/tools/recalledproducts.php?type=Swimming+Pool+%26+Hot+Tub+%2F+Spa

I hope you and your readers find it useful. Thanks for getting the word out about these important safety issues!