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Suction covers on five models of "Aqua Swim 'N' Spa"

CPSC Recall #93-073 - May 25, 1993

Recall Summary

Recall Number93-073
Recall DateMay 25, 1993
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 1,300

Product

Suction covers on five models of "Aqua Swim 'N' Spa"

Description

PRODUCT: Suction covers on five models of "Aqua Swim 'N' Spa." Swim spas sold nationally between 1986 and 1990. Affected models are ASNS-16, ASNS-18, ASNS-19, ASJ-SP-14, and ASJ-SS-14. PROBLEM: Swimmer's hair may become entangled in the suction covers while the swim jets are on. This presents a drowning hazard. WHAT TO DO: Consumers who own one of these swim spas should immediately contact Rio Plastics at (956) 831-2715 to arrange to receive two new suction covers free. The replacement covers are designed to prevent hair entrapment. Until the replacement covers are installed, swim spa users should keep hair away from the suction covers. WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Rio Plastics, Inc. of Brownsville, TX (formerly known as Pool Technology Ltd.) in cooperation with CPSC is voluntarily replacing certain suction covers on five models of its "Aqua Swim 'N' Spa" swim spas sold between 1986 and 1990. Rio Plastics is taking this action to prevent the risk of hair entrapment and drowning. To date, Rio Plastics is aware of two accidents in which young female swimmers' hair became entangled in one of the suction covers while the swim jets were on. One child drowned. The other child struggled free and sustained injury to her scalp. Five models of the swim spa were sold nationally between 1986 and 1990: ASNS-16, ASNS-18, ASNS-19, ASJ-SP-14, and ASJ-SS-14. These swim spas are recreational products made of thermoplastic/fiberglass, between 14- and 19-feet long depending on the model, that combine an exercise pool with a spa. (A small number of products were sold as 14-foot exercise pools only and did not have a separate spa.) The exercise pool and spa are separated by a wall that houses the control panel, two swim jets, and two suction openings. Each suction opening is protected by a cover designed to prevent hair entrapment. Of the thousands of swim spas sold, about 1300 were equipped with two 10-inch round, white plastic suction covers that need to be replaced. The suction cover was designed and manufactured by another, unrelated company and purchased by Rio Plastics for use in the swim spas. The swim jets located in the separation wall allow the user to swim in place in the exercise pool. Suction is created as water is drawn through the two suction covers, which are designed to be located at the bottom of the separation wall. Hair can become entangled in one or both of the suction covers when the swim jets are on. Consumers who own one of these swim spas should immediately contact Rio Plastics to arrange to receive two new suction covers free, designed to prevent hair entrapment. Consumers may write the company at P.O. Box 3709, Brownsville, TX 78523. Until the replacement covers are installed, swim spa users should keep hair away from the suction covers. CPSC is issuing this press release as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The Commission's objective is to reduce the estimated 28.6 million injuries and 21,700 deaths associated each year with the 15,000 different types of consumer products under CPSC's jurisdiction.

Hazard

Hair can become entangled in one or both of the suction covers when the swim jets are on, posing a drowning hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

To date, Rio Plastics is aware of two accidents in which young female swimmers' hair became entangled in one of the suction covers while the swim jets were on. One child drowned. The other child struggled free and sustained injury to her scalp.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers who own one of these swim spas should immediately contact Rio Plastics to arrange to receive two new suction covers free, designed to prevent hair entrapment. Until the replacement covers are installed, swim spa users should keep hair away from the suction covers.

What Should You Do?

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

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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 (Repair) 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.

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