Pool, hot tub drain covers recalled over drowning risk

WASHINGTON - Eight manufacturers have voluntarily recalled about one million pool and in-ground spa drain covers because of incorrect water flow ratings.

The U.S. Product Safety Commission announced the recall Thursday.

“This hit us today and immediately our phones started blowing up,” said Brian Morris, who owns We Fix Ugly Pools.

Morris tells ABC15 the voluntary recall has sent pool builders like him into a frenzy.

“We don't know if we have to go rip these out of pools or if they have to go through re-certification before we start making this change,” he said.

The agency says the recalled covers could pose a possible entrapment hazard to swimmers and bathers. They were manufactured between December 2008 and April 2011.

No injuries have been reported.

The manufacturers are Arizona-based A&A Manufacturing and Color Match Pool Fittings, California-based AquaStar Pool Products Inc. and Waterway Plastic, Georgia-based Custom Molded Products, New Jersey-based Hayward Pool Products, North Carolina-based Pentair Water Pool and Spa and Tennessee-based Rising Dragon USA.

Morris says while backyard pool drains are part of the recall, the greater danger will be in commercial pools.

“In a commercial pool this may be your only barrier between yourself and a five, or seven or ten horsepower pump,” he said.

Morris said major legislation came about after several people suffered serious accidents and even drowned due to faulty drain covers.

“You can drown if you have your hair caught in there,” he said. “There have been some cases where it's been extreme where internal organs have been sucked out of the body.”

At apartment or commercial pools, Morris suggested checking with the leasing office or HOA.

Homeowners should contact the maker of their drain cover to see what action if any is needed to make their pool or spa safe.

To find out if your pool drain cover is being recalled, click here , or call the recall hotline at 866-478-3521.