Massive Drain Cover Recall

Pool Drain Covers Recalled on May 26, 2011

Source: IREM Legislative staff

Federal authorities have urged swimming-pool operators to address the recent recall of faulty pool drain-covers.  In a sweeping announcement on May 26, thousands of pool drain-covers were found to be flawed in preventing potentially deadly “entrapment” accidents.  Per the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act) that was signed into law in late 2007, U.S. pool operators are to install anti-entrapment drain covers and other safety devices, as needed.

On May 26, over 1 million pool and spa drain-cover manufacturers in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) were recalled.  It was determined that some of the tests that check the safety of covers were flawed, thus questioning the effectiveness of the cover itself. CPSC states that all public pools should be closed until either the drain is replaced or fixed or the operator determines the drain is not one of the recalled products.  Faulty drain covers were sold between December, 2008 and April, 2011. 

To determine if you have a faulty swimming-pool drain-cover, first check the brand of the cover.  If your pool is filled, be careful not to block or remove the drain cover while searching for the brand or model number.  This is important in avoiding potentially dangerous entrapment from defective covers.  You can call the recall hotline at 866-478-3521 or visit www.apsp.org/draincoverrecall for more information, including a list of recalled brands.