What is this recall about?

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with AquaStar, has announced a voluntary recall of certain pool and in-ground spa drain covers. A replacement or retrofit of these drain covers may be required in certain cases.

Why is a recall necessary?

Some pool and in-ground spa drain covers were determined by the CPSC to have been incorrectly rated by independent third-party laboratories for protection against body entrapment. All of the leading drain cover manufacturers are participating.

How do I know if my pools or spa is affected by the recall?

If the drains in your pool or spa meet any of the following criteria, they are not the subject of the recall.

If the drain covers in your pool or in-ground spa were installed before December 2008 and are not compliant with the VGB Pool and Spa Safety Act, your pool or spa is not affected by this recall. Most of the drain covers affected by this recall were manufactured or sold after December 19, 2008.

If the drain in your pool is a "channel drain"--it is in the shape of a long and narrow rectangle, (typically 3 or 4 inches by 30 or 31 inches or longer) or if the drain is 24”x24” or 9”x36” or larger--it is not affected by this recall.

Hot tubs (often referred to as portable spas) are not affected by the recall, whether they are free standing, placed in the ground or surrounded by a deck.

Swimming pools, aside from built in wading (kiddie) pools, or in ground spas, that have a multiple main drain system or a gravity drainage system are not affected by this recall.

A kiddie or wading pool is generally found at public facilities. It is a permanent built in fixture, with its own separate circulation system and a maximum depth of 18-24 inches.

An in ground spa is a permanent, non factory built structure, typically with a concrete or vinyl bottom, with several return jets.

To summarize, if your drain covers were VGB compliant, and if you have an in ground spa, a wading (kiddie) pool, your pool has only one drain, and that drain is not a long channel drain or larger than 24”x24”, you may need to participate in this recall and should take further action to ensure your pool or in-ground spa is in compliance.

Are there photos of pictures of the types of drains that are affected?

Yes. Click here for photographs of the affected AquaStar drain covers.

What do I do if I think my pool or spa may be a part of this recall?

First, please do not attempt to remove or alter your drain cover in any way! If a replacement or retrofit is necessary, it should only be performed by a qualified pool or spa professional. It may not be necessary to remove your drain covers and doing so may create a safety risk.

Second, please make sure you review the information in number 2 above to determine if your pool or spa may be affected. Many pools and spas are not affected by the recall. If you believe that your pool or spa may have AquaStar drain covers that are covered by this recall , you can either

a. contact AquaStar at 877-768-2717 between the hours of 9:00 am and 6:00 pm ET Before you make that call, find out what you can about the drain covers in your pool and spa. When were they installed? How many drains does your pool or in-ground spa have? What is the shape and size of my drains? This information can be extremely helpful in determining if you are affected by the recall and in expediting a replacement or retrofit, if necessary.

If your drain covers are confirmed to be a part of the recall please click here to register your pool for a free replacement.

Which manufacturers have drain covers affected by this recall?

The drain cover manufacturers whose products are included in this recall are A & A Manufacturing, AquaStar Pool Products, Color Match Pool Fittings, Custom Molded Products, Hayward Pool Products, Lawson Aquatics, Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Waterway Plastics, and Rising Dragon USA. The covers vary in size and shape, but bear model # markings and manufacturer name. If you can determine the manufacturer and model number of the drain cover in your pool, that will be useful information in determining if your drain cover is affected by this recall.

Are wading pools or "kiddie pools" affected by this recall? What about hot tubs?

Yes. Owners or operators of shallow, wading or "kiddie" pools (with a maximum depth of 18 -24 inches), intended specifically for use by small children, need to determine if their drain covers are affected by this recall and take appropriate action. Store bought “splasher” type pools are not affected by this recall. Hot tubs (portable spas) are not affected by this recall. In general, if the pool or spa is installed in-ground (generally in concrete) and cannot be moved, it may be included in the recall if the drain covers were installed on or after December 19, 2008. If it is above ground and can be transported, it is not included.

Does this mean my pool is unsafe to use?

If the your drain cover and pool or spa is determined to be among those covered by this recall, it would be most prudent to not use the pool or spa until a professional has assessed the situation and determined if a replacement or retrofit is necessary.

Are there any reports of injuries associated with the drain covers affected by the recall?

No, neither the Consumer Product Safety Commission nor the drain cover manufacturers are aware of any reports of injuries associated with the use of these drain covers.

If the drain covers were installed before December 19, 2008, what should I do?

These drain covers may not be part of this recall if they are not compliant with the VGB Pool & Spa Safety Act. There have been significant improvements in drain cover technology since the new Federal Law in 2008, however, and we recommend that you consult with a pool industry professional to install new AquaStar drain covers to make your pool or spa even safer. This would be at your own expense however.

What will this likely cost me, in terms of a replacement or retrofit?

Consumers will not incur costs for reasonable replacement or retrofit of recalled drain covers that are installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Pool Owners must register with AquaStar.

In order to receive reimbursement from the recalled drain cover manufacturer for installation of an approved retrofit or replacement drain cover, Pool Owners will be required to submit a Recall Verification Form to the recalled drain cover manufacturer.

Should I call my pool service company, installer or pool retailers about this?

After reviewing this information, if you still do not know whether you have AquaStar drain cover(s) in your pool or spa or if it is covered under this recall, you should contact the builder of your pool or pool service provider, who may be able to provide an answer.

IMPORTANT! It is essential that any replacement or retrofit of a drain cover be performed by a qualified professional. Do not remove a drain cover yourself. Professionals should also not remove a drain cover without having a replacement in hand. These products are not sold directly to consumers. Independent distributors sell the products directly to professional builders/installers.

What is a multiple main drain system?

A multiple main drain system is pool that has two (2) or more drains connected to the same pump, spaced at least three (3) feet apart, center to center, which cannot be isolated. Where two drains are connected to separate pumps, they are each considered to be single main drain.

Are there other steps I can take to make my pool or spa as safe as possible?

Yes. Pool and spa bathers always need to practice basic and simple safety measures,

Never use a pool or spa that has a broken or missing drain cover

Never allow any bathers to play with or swim next to a drain cover

Always make sure children are under constant adult supervision whenever they are in or around a pool, spa or any body of water For more information go to www.poolsafely.gov or www.apsp.org.

Are drain covers installed in public pools in an effort to be compliant with the VGB prior to the December 19, 2008 effective date included in the recall?

Yes, provided that the drain cover is one of the models which has been recalled, and the pool type or configuration falls within the scope of the recall (a wading/kiddie pool, in-ground spa, or single drain pool).