In the NW I occasionally get asked if I inspect swimming pools.
First of all I have to get clear on exactly what a swimming pool is---and then I politely say no.
While not quite as rare as chicken's teeth, swimming pools are indeed pretty rare in my neck of the woods. On the rare occasion when I do come across one on a property, I make it pretty clear that someone else will have to inspect it. I will report on missing and/or improper fences and gates ---as well as some electrical issues---but for the most part inspection of these critters is left to others.
The pool in this picture is actually pretty safe---except for the trip hazards where the fence posts used to be.
I know that all around the country there are millions of pools and we are coming into the season when people will be using them more than they did perhaps in the Winter months---unless you happen to live in an area where it is warm enough to use them year round.
So this post is for those of you that do own pools.
A recent CPSC notice announced the recall of over a million pool drain covers that could cause entrapment resulting in drowning.
CompanyModel Information (websites)Dates SoldRemedy
A&A | www.aamfg.com | Dec. 2008 - Apr. 2011 | Replacement or Retrofit |
AquaStar | www.aquastarpoolproducts.com | Dec. 2008 - Apr.2011 | Replacement or Retrofit |
Color Match | www.poolfittings.com | Dec. 2008 - Apr. 2011 | Replacement or Retrofit |
Custom Molded Products | www.c-m-p.com | Dec. 2008 - Apr. 2011 | Replacement or Retrofit |
Hayward Pool Products | www.hayward-pool.com | Dec. 2008 - Apr. 2011 | Replacement or Retrofit |
Pentair Water Pool & Spa | www.pentairpool.com | June 2009 - Apr. 2011 | Replacement or Retrofit |
Rising Dragon | www.risingdragonplastics.com | Dec. 2008 - Apr. 2011 | Replacement or Retrofit |
Waterway | www.waterwayplastics.com | Dec. 2008 - Apr. 2011 | Replacement or Retrofit |
This is a huge recall and I recommend making sure your pool is safe.
Since the first of the year there have been 118 spa and pool related injuries in the United States. The CPSC doesn't clarify whether these injuries were related to these covers or whether they are just making a point that pools and spas are dangerous areas and people need to pay attention.
Lots of people, especially children with long hair, are prone to having their hair sucked into these openings. They end up trapped and then drown.
Be safe in your pool.
PS. This should not be news to anyone---because all homeowners should be subscribed to the CPSC email recall notifications.
Charles Buell, Seattle Home Inspector
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