Nearly two decades after the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (VGBA) took effect, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) continues recalling swimming pool drain covers that never should have reached the marketplace.

Recent recalls reveal a consistent pattern: inexpensive imported replacement drain covers sold through online marketplaces under unfamiliar brand names that fail to meet mandatory federal antientrapment requirements.

Re p . Debb i e Wa s s e rman Schultz, who helped champion the VGBA, said the continuing influx of unsafe imported products remains a ser ious concer n .

“We're seeing an influx of dangerous products mainly from China,” she said. “Whether it's a faulty drain cover or aboveground pools with footholds for children to slip into the water, we must continue to rid these illicit products from the marketplace and hold bad actors accountable.”

In April, the CPSC announced three recalls and one safety warning covering roughly 1,460 non-compliant pool and spa drain covers.

Drain covers are among the most important life-safety devices in a swimming pool. Several of the recalled products either failed mandatory anti- entrapment standards or lacked the permanent markings, service-life information or installation instructions needed to verify compliance.

Because homeowners increasingly purchase replacement parts online, service companies should verify that any customer-supplied drain cover is properly marked, certified and compatible with the existing sump before installation.

Before installing a customersupplied drain cover, verify that it has:

• Manufacturer identification.

• Model number.

• Required certification markings.

• Appropriate flow rating.

• Compatibility with the existing sump/body.

• Published service life.

• Installation instructions. If any of this information is missing — or the product's origin cannot be verified — replace it with a certified drain cover from a recognized manufacturer.

Recent CPSC Actions

• Yeeluzan — Approximately 640 pool drain covers recalled for failing mandatory VGBA anti-entrapment requirements.

• Muscccm — Approximately 480 pool drain covers recalled for failing mandatory anti-entrapment standards.

• Arrogantf — Approximately 340 spa drain covers recalled because they did not meet federal VGBA requirements.

• Houoto Model 642-2150V — Subject of a CPSC Safety Warning, rather than a recall, after the seller declined to conduct an acceptable recall. The drain cover lacked required product markings, servicelife information and installation instructions needed to verify compliance. In every case, the CPSC advised consumers to stop using the drain covers immediately and replace them with VGBA-compliant models. No incidents or injuries were reported.