ASTM F1346-91(2003)
(Specification)Standard Performance Specification for Safety Covers and Labeling Requirements for All Covers for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs
Standard Performance Specification for Safety Covers and Labeling Requirements for All Covers for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs
SCOPE
1.1 This specification establishes requirements for safety covers for swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and wading pools (hereinafter referred to as pools, unless otherwise specified). When correctly installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, this specification is intended to reduce the risk of drowning by inhibiting the access of children under five years of age to the water.
1.2 This specification includes performance tests to demonstrate the compliance or noncompliance to requirements herein stated for safety covers. It also includes marking requirements for all covers.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are given for information only.
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods section, Section , of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: F1346 – 91 (Reapproved 2003)
Standard Performance Specification for
Safety Covers and Labeling Requirements for All Covers for
Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1346; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.2 automatic cover—a cover which can be placed over
the water area and removed with a motorized mechanism
1.1 This specification establishes requirements for safety
actuated by a suitable control mechanism. See also power
covers for swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and wading pools
safety cover (PSC), other cover (OC).
(hereinafter referred to as pools, unless otherwise specified).
3.1.3 barrier—something that restrains or obstructs access
When correctly installed and used in accordance with the
to the body of water.
manufacturer’s instructions, this specification is intended to
3.1.4 blanket—a material used for thermal insulation. See
reducetheriskofdrowningbyinhibitingtheaccessofchildren
also solar energy blanket.
under five years of age to the water.
3.1.5 cover—something that covers, protects or shelters, or
1.2 This specification includes performance tests to demon-
a combination thereof, a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub.
strate the compliance or noncompliance to requirements herein
3.1.6 debris cover—a cover with attendant appurtenances
stated for safety covers. It also includes marking requirements
positioned over the pool area which permits the cover to
for all covers.
prevent debris, such as foliage, dirt, windblown trash, and the
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
like from entering the pool. It is intended to be completely
as the standard. The values in parentheses are given for
removed before the entry of bathers. See also other covers
information only.
(OC).
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
3.1.7 decks—thoseareasabuttingapool,spa,orhottubthat
test methods section, Section 9, of this specification: This
are specifically constructed or installed (for example, of wood,
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
concrete, brick, stone, and the like) for use by bathers for
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
sitting, standing or walking and may also act as a base for
of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health
supports for covers.
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita-
3.1.8 dome—a semipermanent enclosure supported by
tions prior to use.
trusses, or positive air pressure erected over the pool area to
2. Referenced Documents
provide temperature and atmospheric control over the pool
environment.
2.1 NFPA Document:
3.1.9 energy conservation—the reduction of heat loss from
National Electrical Code, Article 680-26
pool water through air convection or evaporative cooling, or
3. Terminology
both.
3.1.10 hot tub—a spa constructed of wood with sides and
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
bottoms formed separately; and the whole shape joined to-
3.1.1 appurtenances—subordinate parts or adjunct acces-
gether by pressure from surrounding hoops, bands or rods; as
sory components to the cover such as hardware including
distinct from spa units formed of plastic, concrete, metal, or
buckles, straps, ties, springs, anchors, tracks, rollers, lifting
other materials.
arms, and the like.
3.1.11 inaccessible locations—a location at least 5 ft (1.5
m) above the ground with no other access such as hand or
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on
footholds which would permit a child to reach the location.
Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.28 on
3.1.12 manual cover—acoverwhichrequiresittobeplaced
Covers for Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs.
Current edition approved Feb. 10, 2003. Published May 2003. Originally
over the water area by hand. See also manual safety cover
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 1996 as F1346–91 (1996).
(MSC), and other covers (OC).
DOI: 10.1520/F1346-91R03.
Available from National Fire Protection Assoc., Batterymarch Park, Quincy,
MA 02269.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F1346 – 91 (2003)
3.1.13 markings—the application of numbers, letters, la- 4. Cover Classifications and Minimum Qualification
bels, tags, symbols or colors to provide identification and Criteria
safety information and to expedite handling during shipment
4.1 Power Safety Cover (PSC)—Provides a high level of
and storage.
safety for children under the age of five by inhibiting their
3.1.14 manual safety cover (MSC)—a barrier which re- access to the water.
quires it to be placed over the water manually. Provides a high 4.1.1 Must satisfy 5.1-5.3, 6.1-6.5, 7.1-7.4, 8.1, 8.2, 8.4-
8.12, 9.1-9.4, 10.1-10.4, and all subsections.
level of safety for children under the age of five by inhibiting
4.2 Manual Safety Cover (MSC)—Provides a high level of
their access to the water.
safety for children under the age of five by inhibiting their
3.1.15 other covers (OC)—includes any cover type not
access to the water. May require a longer period of time to be
incorporated in the other two classifications; PSC, MSC. They
fully secured.
are not intended to serve as a barrier for children under the age
4.2.1 Must satisfy 5.1-5.3, 6.1-6.5, 7.1-7.4, 8.1, 8.2, 8.4-
of five.
8.12, 9.1-9.4, and all subsections.
3.1.16 power safety cover (PSC)—a barrier which can be
4.3 Other Covers (OC)—Includes any cover type not incor-
placed over the water area and removed with a motorized
porated in the other two categories MSC, PSC. They are not
mechanismactuatedbyasuitablecontrolmechanism.Provides
intended to serve as a barrier for children under the age of five.
a high level of safety for children under the age of five by
Design characteristics may be hazardous when used in the
inhibiting their access to the water.
presence of children under the age of five.
3.1.17 safety cover—a barrier (intended to be completely
4.3.1 Shall satisfy 5.1-5.3, 8.1-8.3, 8.5-8.12, and all subsec-
removed before entry of bathers), for swimming pools, spas,
tions.
hot tubs or wading pools, attendant appurtenances and/or
anchoring mechanisms which reduces—when properly la-
5. Materials and Manufacture
beled, installed, used and maintained in accordance with the
5.1 Only materials not known to be harmful to health,
manufacturers’publishedinstructions—theriskofdrowningof
within the intended application, shall be used.
children under five years of age, by inhibiting their access to
5.2 All materials and components shall be durable and
the contained body of water, and by providing for the removal
satisfactory for the intended purpose under the conditions
of any substantially hazardous level of collected surface water.
normally prevailing at the site.
See also power safety cover (PSC), and manual safety cover
5.3 The cover shall be manufactured or fabricated, or both,
(MSC).
in accordance with generally accepted, good manufacturing
3.1.18 solar energy blankets—a cover which is a floating practices.
translucent (not transparent) heat insulating sheet incorporat-
ing, for example, encapsulated air bubbles or similar low heat
6. General Requirements for Safety Covers General
transfer (floating) sheet material whose purpose is to inhibit Requirements for Safety Covers
heat dissipation from the pool water surface through air
6.1 Installation/Use of safety covers—Unless installed by
convection or evaporative cooling.The sheet material, custom-
the manufacturer, or responsible parties, or both, detailed
arilytranslucent(nottransparent)topermitthetransferofsolar
instructions for installation shall be given in a form included in
radiation energy directly to the pool water at all depths and
the packaging or a label, or both, attached to the cover.
intended for day and night use, is cut to the shape of the pool
6.2 Labels attached to the cover shall meet the general
and is not affixed to the pool structure. It is intended to be
requirements described in 8.5.1 and 8.8-8.8.2.
completely removed before the entry of bathers.
6.3 Markings for safety covers shall include:
3.1.19 energy conservation blanket—a cover which is a 6.3.1 the manufacturer’s name,
6.3.2 date manufactured or installed, and
floating heat insulating sheet material incorporating, for ex-
6.3.3 instructions to consumers to inspect the cover for
ample, a cellular foam or similar low-heat transfer material
premature wear or deterioration.
whose purpose is to inhibit heat loss from the covered water,
6.3.4 Labels attached to covers shall meet the general
through air convection or evaporative cooling, or both. Such
requirements described in 8.4.1, 8.7-8.8.1, and 8.9.
materials are customarily cut to the shape of the pool and are
6.4 Fastening mechanisms or devices—Ties, attachment
intended for a night covering. The blanket is not affixed to the
points, anchors, anchorage, and controls for automatic covers
pool structure. It is intended to be completely removed before
or other means of fastening a cover shall include provisions
the entry of bathers.
such as keys, combination locks, special tools, devices, or
3.1.20 wading pool—a shallow pool intended for wading,
inaccessible locations, and the like, to inhibit children under
not swimming.
five years of age from removing or operating the cover. When
3.1.21 waterline—the waterline shall be defined in one of
subjectedtotheloadandperimeterdeflectiontestsdescribedin
the following ways:
9.1and9.2,allfasteningdevicesshallremainintheirintended,
3.1.22 skimmer system—the water line shall be at the
secured or closed, or both, position.After the test, the intended
mid-point of the operating range of the skimmers.
performance of the device should not be impaired.
3.1.23 overflow system—the waterline shall be at the top of
6.5 Openings—The cover shall be designed in such a way
the overflow outlet. that, when it is tested by the test method described in 9.4, any
F1346 – 91 (2003)
opening in the major component or between the edge of the private label distributors), or both. Labels attached to covers
cover and the deck surface or coping wall, or both, and the top shall meet the general requirements described in 8.5.1 and
surface of the spa or pool does not allow the test object to pass 8.8-8.8.2.
through.Thetestobjectshallnotgainaccesstothewater,orbe 8.2 Warning Labels—All covers shall be required to have
subject to entrapment. attached the following warning label:
6.6 Seams, ties or welds in the cover shall show no signs of 8.2.1 Signal Word—WARNING.
damage, which will impair intended performance of the device
8.2.2 Safety Alert Symbol—Preceding the signal word there
when the cover is tested by the methods described in 9.1-9.4. shall be triangle with an exclamation point inside the triangle.
8.2.2.1 Word Message—The standard word message shall
7. Performance Requirements for Safety Covers
be AVOID DROWNING RISK which shall be the first mes-
sage to appear directly under the signal word.
7.1 Static Load—In the case of a pool with a width or
diameter greater than 8 ft (2.4 m) from the periphery, the cover 8.2.2.2 Additional Word Message Statement—Covers with
any of the outlined hazards in Fig. 1 shall list all applicable
shallbeabletoholdaweightof485lb(220.0kg)(2adultsand
1 child) to permit a rescue operation. warning statements on the label.
8.3 Color—Non-safety cover warning label.
7.1.1 In the case of a pool with a width or diameter not
greater than 8 ft (2.4 m) the cover shall withstand the weight of 8.3.1 Signal Word—Black letters with orange background.
275 lb (125 kg) (weight of a child and an adult). Compliance 8.3.2 Safety Alert Symbol—Black triangle with orange ex-
shall be determined by the test method described in 9.1. clamation point.
7.2 Perimeter Deflection—The cover shall be designed in 8.3.3 Word Message—Black lettering on white background
such a way that, when it is tested by the test method described or white letters on black background.
in 9.2, deflection of the cover does not allow the test object to 8.4 Color—Safety cover warning label.
pass between the cover and the side of the pool, or to gain 8.4.1 Colors assigned to the signal word panel may also be
access to the water.
used for the message word panel provided the panel colors
7.3 Surface Drainage—The cover shall be so constructed, contrast with the lettering of the label. This is applicable to
or incorporate a system, or have an auxiliary system provided,
covers conforming with the PSC and MSC classifications only.
that when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc-
8.5 Warning Label—Letter size.
tions,shalldrainsubstantiallyallstandingwaterfromthecover
8.5.1 Lettering shall be of a size that enables a person with
within a period of 30 min after cessation of normal rainfall.
normal vision, including corrected vision, to read the safety
Compliance shall be determined by the test in 9.3.
sign or label at a safe viewing distance from the hazard.
7.4 Opening Tests—The tests shall be conducted by the test
Considerations should be given to environmental variables that
method described in 9.4 to demonstrate that any opening in the
will affect readability.
major component or between the edge of the cover and the
8.5.2 Signal Word—Letter height shall be at least 50 %
deck surface or coping wall, or both, and the top surface of the
greater than the selected height of the message panel wording.
pool or the top surface of the spa is sufficiently small and
8.5.3 Safety Alert Symbol—Safety alert symbol, when used
strong to prevent the opening from being forced to a size that
with the signal word shall precede the signal word.The base of
will allow the test object to pass through.
the safety alert symbol shall be on the same horizontal line as
the base of the letters of the signal word. The height of the
8. Minimum Label Requirements for All Covers for
safety alert symbol shall equal or exceed the signal word letter
Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs
height.
8.1 Product Label—All covers shall be labeled/marked to 8.5.4 WordmessageletterheightshallbeasdefinedinTable
identify manufacturers or other responsible parties (such as 1.
“HAZARD/WARNING STATEMENT CHART”
If This Hazard Exists: Add This Warning Statement:
*Will not support weight (as defined in this specification) Nonsecured or *Stay off cover—will not support weight.
improperly secure
...
This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:F1346–91(Reapproved 1996) Designation: F 1346 – 91 (Reapproved 2003)
Standard Performance Specification for
Safety Covers and Labeling Requirements for All Covers for
Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1346; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification establishes requirements for safety covers for swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and wading pools
(hereinafter referred to as pools, unless otherwise specified). When correctly installed and used in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions, this specification is intended to reduce the risk of drowning by inhibiting the access of children under
five years of age to the water.
1.2 Thisspecificationincludesperformanceteststodemonstratethecomplianceornoncompliancetorequirementshereinstated
for safety covers. It also includes marking requirements for all covers.
1.3 Thevaluesstatedininch-poundunitsaretoberegardedasthestandard.Thevaluesinparenthesesaregivenforinformation
only.
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods section, Section 9, of this specification: This standard
does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 NFPA Document:
National Electrical Code, Article 680-26
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 appurtenances—subordinate parts or adjunct accessory components to the cover such as hardware including buckles,
straps, ties, springs, anchors, tracks, rollers, lifting arms, and the like.
3.1.2 automatic cover—a cover which can be placed over the water area and removed with a motorized mechanism actuated
by a suitable control mechanism. See also power safety cover (PSC), other cover (OC).
3.1.3 barrier—something that restrains or obstructs access to the body of water.
3.1.4 blanket—a material used for thermal insulation. See also solar energy blanket.
3.1.5 cover—something that covers, protects or shelters, or a combination thereof, a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub.
3.1.6 debris cover—a cover with attendant appurtenances positioned over the pool area which permits the cover to prevent
debris, such as foliage, dirt, windblown trash, and the like from entering the pool. It is intended to be completely removed before
the entry of bathers. See also other covers (OC).
3.1.7 decks—those areas abutting a pool, spa, or hot tub that are specifically constructed or installed (for example, of wood,
concrete, brick, stone, and the like) for use by bathers for sitting, standing or walking and may also act as a base for supports for
covers.
3.1.8 dome—a semipermanent enclosure supported by trusses, or positive air pressure erected over the pool area to provide
temperature and atmospheric control over the pool environment.
3.1.9 energy conservation—the reduction of heat loss from pool water through air convection or evaporative cooling, or both.
3.1.10 hot tub—a spa constructed of wood with sides and bottoms formed separately; and the whole shape joined together by
pressure from surrounding hoops, bands or rods; as distinct from spa units formed of plastic, concrete, metal, or other materials.
3.1.11 inaccessible locations—a location at least 5 ft (1.5 m) above the ground with no other access such as hand or footholds
which would permit a child to reach the location.
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F-15 F15 on Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.28 on Covers for
Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs.
Current edition approved Aug. 15, 1991. Published December 1991.
Current edition approved Feb. 10, 2003. Published May 2003. Originally approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 1996 as F 1346–91 (1996).
Available from National Fire Protection Assoc., Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F 1346 – 91 (2003)
3.1.12 manual cover—a cover which requires it to be placed over the water area by hand. See also manual safety cover (MSC),
and other covers (OC).
3.1.13 markings—the application of numbers, letters, labels, tags, symbols or colors to provide identification and safety
information and to expedite handling during shipment and storage.
3.1.14 manual safety cover (MSC)—a barrier which requires it to be placed over the water manually. Provides a high level of
safety for children under the age of five by inhibiting their access to the water.
3.1.15 other covers (OC)—includes any cover type not incorporated in the other two classifications; PSC, MSC. They are not
intended to serve as a barrier for children under the age of five.
3.1.16 power safety cover (PSC)—a barrier which can be placed over the water area and removed with a motorized mechanism
actuatedbyasuitablecontrolmechanism.Providesahighlevelofsafetyforchildrenundertheageoffivebyinhibitingtheiraccess
to the water.
3.1.17 safety cover—a barrier (intended to be completely removed before entry of bathers), for swimming pools, spas, hot tubs
or wading pools, attendant appurtenances and/or anchoring mechanisms which reduces—when properly labeled, installed, used
and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers’ published instructions—the risk of drowning of children under five years
of age, by inhibiting their access to the contained body of water, and by providing for the removal of any substantially hazardous
level of collected surface water. See also power safety cover (PSC), and manual safety cover (MSC) .
3.1.18 solar energy blankets—a cover which is a floating translucent (not transparent) heat insulating sheet incorporating, for
example, encapsulated air bubbles or similar low heat transfer (floating) sheet material whose purpose is to inhibit heat dissipation
from the pool water surface through air convection or evaporative cooling. The sheet material, customarily translucent (not
transparent) to permit the transfer of solar radiation energy directly to the pool water at all depths and intended for day and night
use, is cut to the shape of the pool and is not affixed to the pool structure. It is intended to be completely removed before the entry
of bathers.
3.1.19 energy conservation blanket—a cover which is a floating heat insulating sheet material incorporating, for example, a
cellular foam or similar low-heat transfer material whose purpose is to inhibit heat loss from the covered water, through air
convection or evaporative cooling, or both. Such materials are customarily cut to the shape of the pool and are intended for a night
covering. The blanket is not affixed to the pool structure. It is intended to be completely removed before the entry of bathers.
3.1.20 wading pool—a shallow pool intended for wading, not swimming.
3.1.21 waterline—the waterline shall be defined in one of the following ways:
3.1.22 skimmer system—the water line shall be at the mid-point of the operating range of the skimmers.
3.1.23 overflow system—the waterline shall be at the top of the overflow outlet.
4. Cover Classifications and Minimum Qualification Criteria
4.1 Power Safety Cover (PSC)—Provides a high level of safety for children under the age of five by inhibiting their access to
the water.
4.1.1 Must satisfy 5.1-5.3, 6.1-6.5, 7.1-7.4, 8.1, 8.2, 8.4-8.12, 9.1-9.4, 10.1-10.4, and all subsections.
4.2 Manual Safety Cover (MSC)—Provides a high level of safety for children under the age of five by inhibiting their access
to the water. May require a longer period of time to be fully secured.
4.2.1 Must satisfy 5.1-5.3, 6.1-6.5, 7.1-7.4, 8.1, 8.2, 8.4-8.12, 9.1-9.4, and all subsections.
4.3 Other Covers (OC)—IncludesanycovertypenotincorporatedintheothertwocategoriesMSC,PSC.Theyarenotintended
to serve as a barrier for children under the age of five. Design characteristics may be hazardous when used in the presence of
children under the age of five.
4.3.1 Shall satisfy 5.1-5.3, 8.1-8.3, 8.5-8.12, and all subsections.
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 Only materials not known to be harmful to health, within the intended application, shall be used.
5.2 All materials and components shall be durable and satisfactory for the intended purpose under the conditions normally
prevailing at the site.
5.3 The cover shall be manufactured or fabricated, or both, in accordance with generally accepted, good manufacturing
practices.
6. General Requirements for Safety Covers General Requirements for Safety Covers
6.1 Installation/Use of safety covers—Unlessinstalledbythemanufacturer,orresponsibleparties,orboth,detailedinstructions
for installation shall be given in a form included in the packaging or a label, or both, attached to the cover.
6.2 Labels attached to the cover shall meet the general requirements described in 8.5.1 and 8.8-8.8.2.
6.3 Markings for safety covers shall include:
6.3.1 the manufacturer’s name,
6.3.2 date manufactured or installed, and
6.3.3 instructions to consumers to inspect the cover for premature wear or deterioration.
6.3.4 Labels attached to covers shall meet the general requirements described in 8.4.1, 8.7-8.8.1, and 8.9.
F 1346 – 91 (2003)
6.4 Fastening mechanisms or devices—Ties, attachment points, anchors, anchorage, and controls for automatic covers or other
means of fastening a cover shall include provisions such as keys, combination locks, special tools, devices, or inaccessible
locations, and the like, to inhibit children under five years of age from removing or operating the cover. When subjected to the
load and perimeter deflection tests described in 9.1 and 9.2, all fastening devices shall remain in their intended, secured or closed,
or both, position. After the test, the intended performance of the device should not be impaired.
6.5 Openings—Thecovershallbedesignedinsuchawaythat,whenitistestedbythetestmethoddescribedin9.4,anyopening
in the major component or between the edge of the cover and the deck surface or coping wall, or both, and the top surface of the
spa or pool does not allow the test object to pass through. The test object shall not gain access to the water, or be subject to
entrapment.
6.6 Seams,tiesorweldsinthecovershallshownosignsofdamage,whichwillimpairintendedperformanceofthedevicewhen
the cover is tested by the methods described in 9.1-9.4.
7. Performance Requirements for Safety Covers
7.1 Static Load—In the case of a pool with a width or diameter greater than 8 ft (2.4 m) from the periphery, the cover shall be
able to hold a weight of 485 lb (220.0 kg) (2 adults and 1 child) to permit a rescue operation.
7.1.1 In the case of a pool with a width or diameter not greater than 8 ft (2.4 m) the cover shall withstand the weight of 275
lb (125 kg) (weight of a child and an adult). Compliance shall be determined by the test method described in 9.1.
7.2 Perimeter Deflection—The cover shall be designed in such a way that, when it is tested by the test method described in 9.2,
deflection of the cover does not allow the test object to pass between the cover and the side of the pool, or to gain access to the
water.
7.3 Surface Drainage—The cover shall be so constructed, or incorporate a system, or have an auxiliary system provided, that
when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, shall drain substantially all standing water from the cover within
a period of 30 min after cessation of normal rainfall. Compliance shall be determined by the test in 9.3.
7.4 Opening Tests—The tests shall be conducted by the test method described in 9.4 to demonstrate that any opening in the
major component or between the edge of the cover and the deck surface or coping wall, or both, and the top surface of the pool
or the top surface of the spa is sufficiently small and strong to prevent the opening from being forced to a size that will allow the
test object to pass through.
8. Minimum Label Requirements for All Covers for Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs
8.1 Product Label—All covers shall be labeled/marked to identify manufacturers or other responsible parties (such as private
label distributors), or both. Labels attached to covers shall meet the general requirements described in 8.5.1 and 8.8-8.8.2.
8.2 Warning Labels—All covers shall be required to have attached the following warning label:
8.2.1 Signal Word— WARNING.
8.2.2 Safety Alert Symbol—Preceding the signal word there shall be triangle with an exclamation point inside the triangle.
8.2.2.1 Word Message—The standard word message shall be AVOID DROWNING RISK which shall be the first message to
appear directly under the signal word.
8.2.2.2 Additional Word Message Statement— Covers with any of the outlined hazards in Fig. 1 shall list all applicable warning
statements on the label.
8.3 Color—Non-safety cover warning label.
8.3.1 Signal Word—Black letters with orange background.
8.3.2 Safety Alert Symbol—Black triangle with orange exclamation point.
8.3.3 Word Message—Black lettering on white background or white letters on black background.
“HAZARD/WARNING STATEMENT CHART”
If This Hazard Exists: Add This Warning Statement:
*Will not support weight (as defined in this specification) Nonsecured or *Stay off cover—will not support weight.
improperly secured covers
*Concealment by slipping under cover *Keep children away. Children or objects cannot be seen under cover.
*Drowning on top of cover in accumulated surface water (as defined in this *Remove Standing Water—child can drown on top of cover.
specification)
*Concealment, Entrapment—Drowning under cover *Remove cover(s) completely before entry of bathers—entrapment possible.
*General requirement for all covers *Non-secured or improperly secured covers are a hazard.
*Option to above for Safety Covers *Failure to follow all instructions may result in injury or drowning.
*Cover does not meet all requirements of this specification for PSC, MSC. *This is not a Safety Cover.
FIG. 1 Hazard/Warning Statement Chart
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