Weather conditions this weekend in Utah are cloudy skies, scattered rain and some thunder and lightening sounding in from time to time. Temperatures from 45˚ F inching its way up to the low 60’s is about as good as we’ll get. The sun checks in every so often, but doesn’t hang around.
The Memorial Day BBQ has run for cover. The movie theatre or bowing alley is more likely to get attention this weekend than the swimming pools. However, for those of you who are enjoying beautiful sunny, warm or even hot weather, the swimming pool, either private or public, may be in your plans. If so, beware of the dangers of these over zealous pool or spa drain covers recalled by Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).As always CPSC’s timing is impeccable. The announcement of the recall of an estimated one million pool and spa drain covers was made just in time to inject chaos and fear into your holiday swimming plans. Fortunately no injuries have been reported with any of these specific drain covers, but it was discovered that eight manufacturers’ designs have been incorrectly rated and could pose a potentially fatal threat to swimmers, particularly young children who are naturally inquisitive and unaware of the danger surrounding pool or spa drains.
Drains that do not regulate the flow of water through the drain properly can cause a dangerously strong suction point at the drains. Children and adults alike can become so strongly attached that they cannot pull themselves free, and drowning can result.
To see if your pool drain is part of this recent recall, check the official CPSC recall here. You will also be able to access individual company information and contact information there as well. If you own or operate a pool or spa in the USA, it is critical that you take the time immediately to check your drain covers against the information in the recall to be sure swimmers are protected from injury or drowning.
Company | Model Information (websites) | Dates Sold | Remedy |
A&A | Dec. 2008 - Apr. 2011 | Replacement or Retrofit | |
AquaStar | Dec. 2008 - Apr.2011 | Replacement or Retrofit | |
Color Match | Dec. 2008 - Apr. 2011 | Replacement or Retrofit | |
Custom Molded Products | Dec. 2008 - Apr. 2011 | Replacement or Retrofit | |
Hayward Pool Products | Dec. 2008 - Apr. 2011 | Replacement or Retrofit | |
Pentair Water Pool & Spa | June 2009 - Apr. 2011 | Replacement or Retrofit | |
Rising Dragon | Dec. 2008 - Apr. 2011 | Replacement or Retrofit | |
Waterway | Dec. 2008 - Apr. 2011 | Replacement or Retrofit |
Table taken from the CPSC Recall dated May 26, 2011
As of December 20, 2008, all public and private pools were required to have anti-entrapment drain covers that comply with the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 performance standard. This standard was mandated by the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Safety Act (VGB Act) that was signed into law in December 2007. This critical piece of legislation was advocated by the parents of 7-year-old, Virginia Graeme Baker, who was swimming in the family spa in 2002 and became entrapped by the strong suction of the spa’s drain. Unable to be pulled free by mother or two men, Virginia drowned. The VGB Act, a federal regulation, applies to all new and existing pools and spas. An additional level of entrapment protection was also mandated for pools and spas that have only one drain.
The CPSC is aware of 97 reports of circulation entrapments in pools or spa from January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2010. In conjunction with their new pool safety educational campaign, CPSC released their most current statistics on pool and spa drowning and entrapment incidents. Already in 2011, they have received 118 pool and spa incidents. That is quite a significant increase as we head into the summer, when many youngsters will be jumping into pools across the USA.
The statistics indicate that this is a very real hazard and one that responsible parents and caregivers should not take lightly. Before sending your child to your backyard pool, a neighbor's pool, the local community pool, or even grandma’s pool, get the 4-1-1 on the drain covers they have installed. It would be wise for any owner of a pool or spa to keep the safety documentation on their pool covers on hand so this information can quickly be verified upon request.
Your child’s life may depend on it, so here are a few things to think about before your child jumps in.
1. Discuss the hazard of the suction around the drain with your child so they know not to play in that area. Young children can learn about water safety while following the adventures of a young boy and his safety-hero dragon, in A Treasure at Sea for Dragon and Me, a delightful water safety paperback book by Jean Pendziwol.
2. Check the drain cover itself – the marking “VGB 2008” should be imprinted or molded into the cover.
3. Ask your pool maintenance worker to check to be sure the drain cover meets the requirements laid out in the VGB Act.
4. If using a public or neighbor’s pool, ask the owner to provide you with documentation that shows the drain covers comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act.
5. If the pool has only one drain, ask what additional level of entrapment protection the owner has installed on the drain.
6. Will there be a swimming-abled adult supervising the children at all times? If not, offer to take the job.
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