Safety drains recalled due to incorrect ratings

by MODE, ignore | May 9, 2012 3:42 pm

[1]

Nearly one million pool and spa drain covers have been voluntarily recalled by several U.S. manufacturers after the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced they were improperly rated for water flow capacity.

According to Scott Wolfson, the CPSC’s public affairs director, the recall was rooted in an incorrect certification process that failed to uphold proper protocol during testing. The ruling was made earlier this year after a CPSC investigation raised concerns regarding drain cover compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA) and the degree to which specific covers were suitable for the flow rates of the water circulation systems to which they were attached.

The recall, however, does not apply to every pool and spa drain. Therefore, it is important to check with the manufacturer or CPSC first before taking any action. For pools equipped with one of the recalled drain covers, operators/owners are asked to immediately contact the manufacturer to receive a replacement or retrofit, depending on the make and model of the cover.

Except for ‘kiddie’ pools, wading pools and inground spas, cover retrofit or replacement is not required in pools with multiple drain systems or gravity drainage systems, or for covers installed before Dec. 19, 2008.

In response to the recall, the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), in co-operation with certain drain cover manufacturers, released the following statement: “We are co-operating fully with the CPSC in this voluntary recall. Most inground pools and inground spas are not affected by the recall. There are approximately 6.2 million residential and public inground pools and spas; this recall will affect less than five per cent of these installations.”

According to Rob Wood, executive director of the Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada (PHTCC), it remains to be determined whether further action will be taken in Canada.

“The PHTCC will keep members informed of any developments with respect to this issue,” he added.

 

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/safety-drains-recalled-due-to-incorrect-ratings/

---