Pool & Spa Drain Cover Recall FAQ
Water safety is an important consideration for every pool or spa owner. Questions about pool drain safety, suction entrapment, and drain cover recalls can be confusing, especially when product safety recalls leave owners unsure what to do next.
This FAQ summarizes drain safety recall information and provides practical next steps for pool and in-ground spa owners who may need to determine whether a drain cover is affected.
Recommended Safety Steps
- Keep pool and spa equipment up to date with current safety requirements and recall information.
- Secure your pool or spa when it is not in use or not under supervision.
- Read water safety information and be prepared in the event of an emergency.
- Take CPR classes and consider certification through the Red Cross or another qualified organization.
- Teach children and pool users about water safety, and set clear rules for using the pool or spa.
Drain Safety Recall Frequently Asked Questions
What is the drain recall all about?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with several manufacturers, announced a voluntary recall of certain pool and in-ground spa drain covers. In some cases, replacement or retrofit of these drain covers may be required.
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.
How do I know if my pool or in-ground spa is affected?
Many pools and spas are not affected. Your pool or spa may not be subject to the recall if the drain covers were installed before December 2008, if the drain is a long channel drain, if the drain is large enough to be considered unblockable, if the pool has more than one drain per pump, or if it uses a gravity drainage system.
Hot tubs, often referred to as portable spas, are not affected by the recall whether they are freestanding, placed in the ground, or surrounded by a deck.
When should I take further action?
If your drain covers were installed after December 2008 and you have an in-ground spa, a wading or kiddie pool, or a pool with only one drain that is not a long channel drain, you may need to determine whether your pool or in-ground spa is included in the recall.
Are photos available of affected drain types?
Yes. The original recall guidance directed pool owners to visit the individual manufacturers’ websites for photos and affected model information.
What should I do if I think my pool or in-ground spa may be part of the recall?
First, do not attempt to remove or alter the drain cover. If replacement or retrofit is necessary, it should only be performed by a qualified pool or spa professional. Removing a drain cover without a safe replacement plan can create a serious safety risk.
Second, review whether your pool or in-ground spa may actually be affected. If you believe it may be covered by the recall, contact your pool builder or pool service provider directly.
Quick Recall Summary
Likely Not Affected
Portable hot tubs, pools with qualifying multiple drains, gravity drainage systems, certain channel drains, and drain covers installed before December 2008 may not be part of the recall.
May Be Affected
In-ground spas, wading pools, kiddie pools, and single-drain pools with post-December 2008 drain covers may require additional review.
Professional Review
A qualified pool builder, service provider, or pool professional should determine whether replacement or retrofit is necessary.
Do Not Remove Covers
Never remove a drain cover without a correct replacement and a qualified professional ready to install it.
Manufacturers Included in the Recall
The recall information listed the following drain cover manufacturers. Drain covers vary in size and shape but may include model number markings and the manufacturer name.
More Drain Recall Questions
Are wading pools or kiddie pools affected? What about hot tubs?
Owners or operators of shallow, built-in wading or kiddie pools may need to determine whether their drain covers are affected and take appropriate action. Store-bought splasher-type pools are not affected. Hot tubs are not affected by the recall.
Does this mean my pool is unsafe to use?
If your drain cover and pool or in-ground spa are determined to be covered by the recall, it is most prudent not to use the pool or in-ground spa until a qualified professional has assessed the situation and determined whether replacement or retrofit is necessary.
Are there reports of injuries associated with affected drain covers?
The original FAQ stated that neither the CPSC nor the drain cover manufacturers were aware of injury reports associated with the use of these drain covers.
If drain covers were installed before December 2008, what should I do?
Those drain covers were not part of this recall. However, because drain cover technology and safety standards have improved, it is still a good idea to consult with a pool industry professional about whether upgrading your covers would make the pool or spa safer.
What will a replacement or retrofit likely cost?
The original FAQ stated that consumers would not incur costs for reasonable replacement or retrofit of recalled drain covers when installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pool owners generally needed to register with the recalled drain cover manufacturer and, where applicable, use an authorized service provider.
Should I call my pool maintenance company, installer, or retailer?
Yes. If you still do not know whether your pool or in-ground spa is covered under the recall, contact the builder of your pool or your pool service provider. They may be able to help determine whether the recall applies.
Other Safety Steps You Can Take
- Never use a pool or spa that has a broken or missing drain cover.
- Never allow 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.