| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Ken Giles |
| January 16, 1997 | (301) 504-7052 |
| Release # 97-059 |
CPSC and Sta-Rite Industries Announce Pool Fittings Recall
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Sta-Rite Industries Inc. of Delavan, Wis., is announcing a recall to retrofit model 08417 floor inlet fittings in gunnite and concrete pools and spas. Over 135,000 model 08417 floor inlet fittings have been manufactured for use in these pools and spas during the past 25 years. This inlet fitting is not used in above ground or vinyl-lined pools.Sta-Rite's model 08417 floor inlet fitting is designed to be used to cover pipes carrying water into a pool or spa. When the inlet fitting is improperly installed as an equalizer or suction fitting to cover pipes carrying water out of a pool or spa, a bather's hair may be drawn toward the cover and become entangled in the fitting, holding the bather's head under water.
Sta-Rite is aware of two drownings resulting from hair getting trapped in the inlet fitting that was used on an equalizer pipe line in a swimming pool and a spa.
Consumers should check with their pool or spa contractor to determine whether this floor inlet fitting is installed in their gunnite or concrete pools and spas. If the floor inlet fitting is installed as an equalizer or suction fitting, call Sta-Rite toll-free at 1-(888)-446-8285 to receive a free replacement part.
In June 1996, Sta-Rite began asking pool operators, builders and, suppliers to inspect all suction fittings installed in their pools and their customers' pools to determine whether Sta-Rite's model 08417 floor inlet fitting was being used as an equalizer or suction fitting.
