Sta-Rite System 2 and AquaTools Filters and Filter Systems
CPSC Recall #04-072 — January 27, 2004
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 04-072 |
| Recall Date | January 27, 2004 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | 8,500 |
| Manufacturer | Sta-Rite Industries, Inc. of Delavan, Wis. |
| Manufactured In | United States |
Where It Was Sold
| Pool equipment retail stores and wholesale distribution branches or installed by professional installers nationwide from January 2003 through October 2003 for between $400 and $800. |
Product
Sta-Rite System 2 and AquaTools Filters and Filter Systems
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Sta-Rite Industries, Inc. of Delavan, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 8,500 Sta-Rite System 2 and AquaTools Filters and Filter Systems. The Posi-Lok locking ring, which secures the filter's upper tank shell to the lower tank shell (see diagram below), can disengage from the lower tank shell allowing the top shell of the filter to blow off causing injury to nearby consumers.Name of product: Sta-Rite System 2 and AquaTools Filters and Filter SystemsUnits: 8,500Manufacturer: Sta-Rite Industries, Inc. of Delavan, Wis.Hazard: The Posi-Lok™ locking ring, which secures the filter's upper tank shell to the lower tank shell (see diagram below), can disengage from the lower tank shell allowing the top shell of the filter to blow off causing injury to nearby consumers.Incidents/Injuries: Sta-Rite has received three reports of the upper tank shell blowing off, including two reports of minor scratches and bruises to hands and/or arms of individuals servicing the filters.Description: These modular pool filters are designed for use with above ground pools and small in-ground pools. These filters are used to remove particles from the water. The System 2 product line is sold under the brand names "Sta-Rite" and "AquaTools," located on a decal on the upper tank shell. The cylindrical filter tank measures 27 inches high and 18 inches in diameter. Sta-Rite System 2 filter tanks were sold with model numbers beginning with PLM or PLD and AquaTools filter tanks were sold with model numbers beginning with AT84100, AT84150 or AT82130. Serial numbers are located on on the nameplate decal on the upper tank shell. Only filters with the following serial numbers are affected (the 5th character is irrelevant for the purposes of this recall):1A03_1B03_1C03_1D03_1EH03_1F03_1G03_1H03_1J03_If the Posi-Lok™ locking ring has the phrase "Lubricate Tank "O" Ring - see instructions" molded into it, the ring has been updated and no further action is necessary for that filter.Sold at: Pool equipment retail stores and wholesale distribution branches or installed by professional installers nationwide from January 2003 through October 2003 for between $400 and $800.Manufactured in: U.S.Remedy: Consumers should check the filter model plates to locate model numbers and serial numbers. Consumers should not disturb their filters and contact Sta-Rite toll-free at (866) 681-9148 to confirm the identity of their filter and receive a free replacement Posi-Lok™ locking ring and installation instructions. In addition, Sta-Rite will reimburse consumers $10 for each Posi-Lok™ locking ring that is shipped back to them and provide a pre-paid box for shipping. For consumers who are not comfortable with the replacement procedure, Sta-Rite will arrange to have the affected filters professionally repaired at no cost to the consumers.Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers should call Sta-Rite toll free at (866) 681-9148 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.starite.com.
Hazard
The Posi-Lok™ locking ring, which secures the filter's upper tank shell to the lower tank shell (see diagram below), can disengage from the lower tank shell allowing the top shell of the filter to blow off causing injury to nearby consumers.
Incidents & Injuries
Sta-Rite has received three reports of the upper tank shell blowing off, including two reports of minor scratches and bruises to hands and/or arms of individuals servicing the filters.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should check the filter model plates to locate model numbers and serial numbers. Consumers should not disturb their filters and contact Sta-Rite toll-free at (866) 681-9148 to confirm the identity of their filter and receive a free replacement Posi-Lok™ locking ring and installation instructions. In addition, Sta-Rite will reimburse consumers $10 for each Posi-Lok™ locking ring that is shipped back to them and provide a pre-paid box for shipping. For consumers who are not comfortable with the replacement procedure, Sta-Rite will arrange to have the affected filters professionally repaired at no cost to the consumers.
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.