FAUTLY DRAIN COVERS CAN CAUSE ENTRAPMENT
"From 1999 to 2009, federal regulators received reports of 94 entrapments, including a dozen deaths, in pools, hot tubs and whirlpool tubs. A federal law passed in 2007, after a 7-year-old girl died in a hot tub, requires public pools and spas to install anti-entrapment drain covers certified as having passed safety tests at one of three approved labs."
This quote comes from an excellent investigative piece in the Chicago Tribune, which highlights faulty drain covers that have made their way into hot tubs and pools despite failed safety evaluations. According to the article, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has received complaints for two years regarding such drain covers. The agency is currently investigating whether testing procedures at independent labs allowed drain covers to be sold even though they fail to comply with federal law.
The Tribune identified a particular manufacturer -- AquaStar Pool Products Inc. -- who after knowing that its drain covers failed tests did not issue warnings to the public or recall the products. Consumers that own AquaStar products should contact the company and/or its distributors immediately.
Regardless of the manufacturer of a particular drain cover, anyone using a pool or hot tub should take steps to prevent entrapment in pools and spas, such as:
Keep children away from drains, pipes and other openings.
If you see a loose or broken drain cover, leave the water and let the owner know that the pool or spa should be closed until fixed.
Hire professionals to replace broken drain covers.
Make sure whoever services your pool secures all drain covers.
Always keep long hair tied back.
