Category Archives: Pool and Spa Safety

Hot Tubs and Saunas, Pool and Spa Maintenance, Pool and Spa Safety

Major Recall on Pool Drain Covers

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Anti-Vortex Pool Drain Cover
Yesterday, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall on pool drain safety covers that is expected to affect many pool owners and operators across the country. Up to one million pools and spas could be affected. “The recalled drain covers were incorrectly rated to handle the flow of water … which could pose a possible entrapment hazard,” stated the press release from the CPSC. In cases where retrofit or replacement drain covers are necessary, the manufacturer will be responsible for paying for parts and labor. Pools needing a replacement should be shut down until arrangements can be made to correct the faulty drain covers. Please see the list below to find out if your anti-entrapment drain covers are affected by this recall. If you do own one of these drain covers, please refer to the manufacturer’s website below or call the Drain Cover Recall Hotline at (866) 478-3521 (24 hrs. a day, 7 days a week).

Company: A&A
Website: www.aamfg.com
Dates Sold: Dec. 2008 – April 2011

Company: Aqua Star
Website: www.aquastarpoolproducts.com/draincoverrecall
Dates Sold: Dec. 2008 – April 2011

Company: Color Match
Website: www.poolfittings.com/drain_cover_recall.htm
Dates Sold: Dec. 2008 – April 2011

Company: Custom Molded Products
Website: www.c-m-p.com/draincoverrecall.htm
Dates Sold: Dec. 2008 – April 2011

Company: Hayward
Website: www.ahayward-pool.com/draincoverrecall
Dates Sold: Dec. 2008 – April 2011

Company: Pentair
Website: www.pentairpool.com/draincoverrecall
Dates Sold: Dec. 2008 – June 2009

Company: Rising Dragon
Website: www.risingdragononline.com/draincoverrecall
Dates Sold: Dec. 2008 – April 2011

Pool and Spa Safety, Pool Fun

Break a World Record and Help Prevent Drowning

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Swimming Safety

You can help set a world record on June 14, 2011, when you join the “World’s Largest Swimming Lesson” in your community.  The goal of this event is to raise awareness about the importance of teaching children how to swim.   A whopping 3,971 people from 34 states and 5 countries participated in this event in 2010 — you can help break that record in 2011.

The “World’s Largest Swimming Lesson” was put together by a coalition of the nation’s leading water safety and training organizations, including the International Swim Instructors Association, National Recreation and Parks Association, United States Swim School Association, and the World Waterpark Association, among others.  By raising awareness about water safety, these organizations hope to reduce incidents of accidental drowning, which is the second leading cause of death for children ages 1-14.

To find out where you can participate in the “World’s Largest Swimming Lesson” in your community, or to become a host facility for this record-breaking event, visit the event website at www.worldslargestswimminglesson.org.

Hot Tubs and Saunas, Pool and Spa Safety

Safety Tips for Hot Tubs and Spas

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Hot Tub and Spa Safety

Residential hot tub safety is not always given as high a priority as swimming pool safety, but just as many dangers exist in and around hot tubs and spas as there are around pools.  Here are a few safety tips recommended by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that can keep everyone safe in the spa:

  • Hot Tub Cover — Always use a hot tub cover, and be sure to secure and lock it when the spa is not in use.  Remind children frequently to stay away from the hot tub unless they are accompanied by a responsible adult.
  • Drains and Drain Covers — Spas and hot tubs should have at least two drains which have compliant anti-entrapment drain covers.  Single-drain spas create a powerful suction that can entangle hair and entrap body parts, leading to injury and even death.  Check the hot tub’s drain covers several times throughout the year.  Replace damaged or missing drain covers immediately.
  • Pump Shut-Off — Know the location of the hot tub pump’s shut-off switch.  Turn off the pump immediately in any emergency situation.
  • Water Temperature — Keep the water temperature in your hot tub at or below 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Alcohol Consumption — Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while in a hot tub or spa.

Make these few safety precautions a priority around the spa.  Doing so will keep everyone safe and ensure that hot tub time is relaxing and fun.

Innovative Solutions, Pool and Spa Safety

Protect Your Pets and Other Critters From Accidental Drowning

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Protecting your children in your family pool is a given! Every parent knows the importance of protecting your loved ones, but have you considered protecting small creatures that may wander into your pool? Small animals such as cats, dogs, frogs, squirrels, and rodents can often find their way into your pool water. In the U.S. alone, over 50,000 family pets drown needlessly in swimming pools and walled lakes each year . This number does not even include non-pet drownings. There are tools available to help prevent this sad occurrence. In addition to the humane act of sparing the small animals’ lives, you minimize bacteria from animal waste because they will be safe and sound on your pool deck instead of being trapped in your pool skimmer. The Pool Critter Escape Ramp is a floating ramp with a weighted pillow that sits on your pool deck. When small animals fall into your water, they will instinctively swim to the sides of the pool looking for a way out. When they encounter the escape ramp, they can crawl out on their own. The Skamper-Ramp works in a similar way. It is constructed of blowmolded polyethylene that is both light and sturdy. It is also chemical and weather resistant to offer protection over many seasons! Both choices are affordable and almost effortless to install!

Pool and Spa Equipment, Pool and Spa Maintenance, Pool and Spa Safety

The Time and Money-Saving Benefits of Pool Covers

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In Ground Solar Pool Covers - 14 mil Clear   Mesh Safety Cover / Pool Size 12ft x 27ft Rectangle / 12 yr

Winter is finally over, and the winter pool cover will soon be stored away until next year.  Continuing to cover your pool throughout the swimming season is important, though.  Whether you use a solar pool cover or a safety cover, you can enjoy the following benefits from consistently covering your swimming pool when it is not in use:

  • A covered pool significantly reduces evaporation and retains the pool’s heat, thereby lowering expenses and extending the swimming season.
  • A covered pool requires fewer chemicals because evaporation is greatly reduced, and the water stays chemically balanced for longer periods of time.
  • A covered pool means a cleaner pool.  Dirt, leaves, and other debris stay out when a pool cover is on.

In addition to these advantages, solar pool covers and safety covers offer additional, unique benefits that should be considered.  Deciding which pool cover is best for your swimming pool will depend on your particular situation.

Solar pool covers are intended to draw the sun’s heat into the pool, keeping the water comfortably warm for longer periods of time.  This type of pool cover is perfect for pools that are not frequented by small children and pets.

Safety covers, on the other hand, are ideal for family pools where children and pets could potentially wander too close to the water.  Safety covers must be able to hold a minimum of 485 pounds per 5 square feet, according to standard F1346-91 set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

Solar pool cover or safety cover — no matter which pool cover you choose, covering your pool regularly during the swimming season offers a number of time and money-saving benefits that should make the extra few minutes required to cover and uncover your pool worth the effort.