European suppliers are considering the ramifications of the recall of approximately one million swimming pool drain covers from at least eight manufacturers.
In a landmark move in June, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled the
pool drain covers they say were incorrectly rated to handle the flow of water – posing a potential entrapment risk.
The move primarily impacts on pools with a single-drain that do not have an unblockable drain, gravity feed system or drain covers that were fitted before December 2008.
Although SPATA regulations recommended pools should have two main drains; many UK pools with single drain pools still exist. The move is also likely to have repercussions for hundreds of children’s pools, paddling pools and in-ground spas.
A full list of affected products is included on the web pages of the Association Pool and Spa Professional website at: www.apsp.org/ draincoverrecall. They include specific drain-cover models from the following manufacturers as part of what the CPSC describes as a ‘voluntary’ recall:
• A&A Manufacturing
• AquaStar Pool Products
• Color Match Pool Fittings
• Custom Molded Products
• Hayward Pool Products
• Pentair Water Pool and Spa
• Rising Dragon Plastics
• Waterway Plastics
Earlier this year, the CPSC launched an investigation to determine whether the testing methods used to approve drain covers were sufficient to confirm the safety of the product.
All American-installed covers are required to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act that came into effect in December 2008.
