Swimming Pool Clamps

CPSC Recall #95-125 — May 25, 1995

Recall Summary

Recall Number95-125
Recall DateMay 25, 1995
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedApproximately 75,000

Product

Swimming Pool Clamps

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Buddy L Inc. of Gloversville, N.Y., is recalling metal clamps used to hold filter hoses in above-ground swimming pools. If installed incorrectly, the metal clamps placed on the inside of the pool can scratch or cut individuals in the pool who come in contact with the edge of the metal clamps. Since May 1994, Buddy L has received 18 reports of injury from people using the above-ground pools with improperly installed metal clamps. Buddy L distributed approximately 75,000 pools with the metal clamps which includes model number 1213 (12 inches in diameter by 36 feet in height), model number 1214 (15 feet in diameter by 36 feet in height) and model number 1215 (15 inches in diameter by 42 inches in height). Hardware, discount and specialty stores sold the pools during the 1994 summer season for about $151.95, $199.95 and $309.95, respectively. CPSC and Buddy L urge pool owners who purchased the above model numbers to discontinue use of the pools with the metal clamps and call Buddy L at (800) 589-3343 for free, plastic, replacement clamps. The pool can continue to be used without the metal clamps.

Hazard

If installed incorrectly, the metal clamps placed on the inside of the pool can scratch or cut individuals in the pool who come in contact with the edge of the metal clamps.

Incidents & Injuries

Since May 1994, Buddy L has received 18 reports of injury from people using the above-ground pools with improperly installed metal clamps.

Remedy Instructions

CPSC and Buddy L urge pool owners who purchased the above model numbers to discontinue use of the pools with the metal clamps and call Buddy L at (800) 589-3343 for free, plastic, replacement clamps. The pool can continue to be used without the metal clamps.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.