ASTM F1346-23

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 standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2023
• ICS: 97.220.10 - Sports facilities
• Technical Committee: F15 - Consumer Products
• Drafting Committee: F15.28 - Covers for Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs

Overview

ASTM F1346-23 sets the standard for safety covers and labeling requirements for all covers used with swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and wading pools. Published by ASTM International, this specification aims to significantly reduce the risk of drowning, especially for children under five years of age, by inhibiting unauthorized or accidental access to water. The standard covers essential performance criteria, proper labeling, installation guidelines, and testing methods to ensure that manufactured covers meet rigorous safety benchmarks. Compliance with ASTM F1346-23 not only supports consumer safety but also fulfills regulatory and industry best practice requirements related to pool and spa cover products.

Key Topics

• Scope & Purpose: This standard applies to safety covers for pools, spas, hot tubs, and wading pools, establishing requirements to prevent child access and minimize drowning risks.
• Cover Classifications:
  • Power Safety Covers (PSC): Mechanized covers offering high safety by inhibiting young children’s access.
  • Manual Safety Covers (MSC): Hand-operated barriers meeting stringent safety criteria.
  • Other Covers: Includes debris and thermal covers not intended for unintended access prevention, especially for children under five.
• Performance Testing:
  • Static Load: Covers must withstand specified weights to support rescue operations.
  • Perimeter Deflection: Ensures covers do not allow openings large enough for a child's head.
  • Surface Drainage: Prevents hazardous water accumulation.
• Labeling Requirements:
  • Manufacturer identification, date of manufacture/installation, and detailed warning messages.
  • Signal words, alert symbols, and hazard statements for all covers.
  • Durability, location, size, and color contrast to maintain legibility and attention.
• Installation & Operation:
  • Clear user instructions.
  • Secure fastening and operating mechanisms to prevent unintended removal or opening by children.
  • Compliance with electrical safety codes for powered covers.

Applications

ASTM F1346-23 is an essential reference for:

• Manufacturers and Designers: Ensures development of compliant safety covers for a wide range of pools and spas.
• Pool and Spa Owners: Provides guidance for purchasing appropriate covers to enhance backyard safety and comply with local codes or insurance requirements.
• Regulatory Authorities: Offers a recognized benchmark for pool safety regulations and inspections.
• Installers and Service Providers: Delivers clear instructions for proper installation and labeling, ensuring safety features are fully implemented.
• Facility Managers: Especially critical for hotels, public swimming pools, wellness centers, and recreational facilities where child safety is paramount.

Use of compliant covers supports drowning prevention strategies and can lower legal and insurance risks for property owners or operators.

Related Standards

• NFPA Article 680-26: National Electrical Code section referenced for electrical installations related to pool covers.
• Other ASTM Consumer Product Safety Standards:
  • ASTM F2208: Standard for pool alarms.
  • ASTM F2461: Standard for pool barrier guidelines.
• International References:
  • World Trade Organization (WTO) TBT principles, ensuring global harmonization in product safety requirements.

By implementing ASTM F1346-23, stakeholders contribute to standardized safety practices for pools and spas, promote consumer confidence, and help reduce tragic accidents among young children. For full compliance details and the latest updates, refer to the official ASTM International publication.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1346 − 23
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. Terminology
1.1 This specification establishes requirements for safety 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
covers for swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and wading pools
3.1.1 appurtenances—subordinate parts or adjunct acces-
(hereinafter referred to as pools, unless otherwise specified).
sory components to the cover such as hardware including
When correctly installed and used in accordance with the
buckles, straps, ties, springs, anchors, tracks, rollers, lifting
manufacturer’s instructions, this specification is intended to
arms, and the like.
reduce the risk of drowning by inhibiting the access of children
3.1.2 automatic cover—a cover which can be placed over
under five years of age to the water.
the water area and removed with a motorized mechanism
1.2 This specification includes performance tests to demon-
actuated by a suitable control mechanism. See also power
strate the compliance or noncompliance to requirements herein
safety cover (PSC), other cover (OC).
stated for safety covers. It also includes marking requirements
3.1.3 barrier—something that restrains or obstructs access
for all covers.
to the body of water.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.1.4 blanket—a material used for thermal insulation. See
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
also solar energy blanket.
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard. 3.1.5 cover—something that covers, protects or shelters, or
a combination thereof, a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub.
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
test methods section, Section 9, of this specification: This
3.1.6 debris cover—a cover with attendant appurtenances
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, positioned over the pool area which permits the cover to
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
prevent debris, such as foliage, dirt, windblown trash, and the
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
like from entering the pool; it is intended to be completely
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
removed before the entry of bathers. See also other covers
regulatory limitations prior to use.
(OC).
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.7 decks—those areas abutting a pool, spa, or hot tub that
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
are specifically constructed or installed (for example, of wood,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
concrete, brick, stone, and the like) for use by bathers for
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
sitting, standing, or walking and may also act as a base for
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
supports for covers.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.8 dome—a semipermanent enclosure supported by
2. Referenced Documents trusses, or positive air pressure erected over the pool area to
provide temperature and atmospheric control over the pool
2.1 NFPA Document:
environment.
National Electrical Code, Article 680-26
3.1.9 energy conservation—the reduction of heat loss from
pool water through air convection or evaporative cooling, or
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on
both.
Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.28 on
3.1.10 hot tub—a spa constructed of wood with sides and
Covers for Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs.
Current edition approved July 1, 2023. Published July 2023. Originally approved
bottoms formed separately; and the whole shape joined to-
in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as F1346 – 91 (2018). DOI:
gether by pressure from surrounding hoops, bands or rods; as
10.1520/F1346-23.
distinct from spa units formed of plastic, concrete, metal, or
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org. other materials.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1346 − 23
3.1.11 inaccessible locations—a location at least 5 ft (1.5 m) 3.1.20 wading pool—a shallow pool intended for wading,
above the ground with no other access such as hand or not swimming.
footholds which would permit a child to reach the location.
3.1.21 waterline—the waterline shall be defined in one of
the following ways:
3.1.12 manual cover—a cover which requires it to be placed
over the water area by hand. See also manual safety cover
3.1.21.1 skimmer system—the water line shall be at the
(MSC), and other covers (OC).
mid-point of the operating range of the skimmers.
3.1.13 markings—the application of numbers, letters, labels,
3.1.21.2 overflow system—the waterline shall be at the top
tags, symbols, or colors to provide identification and safety
of the overflow outlet.
information and to expedite handling during shipment and
4. Cover Classifications and Minimum Qualification
storage.
Criteria
3.1.14 manual safety cover (MSC)—a barrier which requires
4.1 Power Safety Cover (PSC)—Provides a high level of
it to be placed over the water manually; provides a high level
safety for children under the age of five by inhibiting their
of safety for children under the age of five by inhibiting their
access to the water.
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
3.1.15 other covers (OC)—includes any cover type not
– 8.12, 9.1 – 9.4, 10.1 – 10.4, and all subsections.
incorporated in the other two classifications: PSC, MSC; they
4.2 Manual Safety Cover (MSC)—Provides a high level of
are not intended to serve as a barrier for children under the age
safety for children under the age of five by inhibiting their
of five.
access to the water. May require a longer period of time to be
3.1.16 power safety cover (PSC)—a barrier which can be
fully secured.
placed over the water area and removed with a motorized
4.2.1 Must satisfy 5.1 – 5.3, 6.1 – 6.5, 7.1 – 7.4, 8.1, 8.2, 8.4
mechanism actuated by a suitable control mechanism; provides
– 8.12, 9.1 – 9.4, and all subsections.
a high level of safety for children under the age of five by
4.3 Other Covers (OC)—Includes any cover type not incor-
inhibiting their access to the water.
porated in the other two categories MSC, PSC. They are not
3.1.17 safety cover—a barrier (intended to be completely
intended to serve as a barrier for children under the age of five.
removed before entry of bathers), for swimming pools, spas,
Design characteristics may be hazardous when used in the
hot tubs or wading pools, attendant appurtenances and/or
presence of children under the age of five.
anchoring mechanisms which reduces—when properly
4.3.1 Shall satisfy 5.1 – 5.3, 8.1 – 8.3, 8.5 – 8.12, and all
labeled, installed, used and maintained in accordance with the
subsections.
manufacturers’ published instructions—the risk of drowning of
5. Materials and Manufacture
children under five years of age, by inhibiting their access to
the contained body of water, and by providing for the removal
5.1 Only materials not known to be harmful to health,
of any substantially hazardous level of collected surface water.
within the intended application, shall be used.
See also power safety cover (PSC), and manual safety cover
5.2 All materials and components shall be durable and
(MSC).
satisfactory for the intended purpose under the conditions
3.1.18 solar energy blankets—a cover which is a floating
normally prevailing at the site.
translucent (not transparent) heat insulating sheet
5.3 The cover shall be manufactured or fabricated, or both,
incorporating, for example, encapsulated air bubbles or similar
in accordance with generally accepted, good manufacturing
low heat transfer (floating) sheet material whose purpose is to
practices.
inhibit heat dissipation from the pool water surface through air
convection or evaporative cooling; the sheet material, custom-
6. General Requirements for Safety Covers
arily translucent (not transparent) to permit the transfer of solar
6.1 Installation/Use of Safety Covers—Unless installed by
radiation energy directly to the pool water at all depths and
the manufacturer, or responsible parties, or both, detailed
intended for day and night use, is cut to the shape of the pool
instructions for installation shall be given in a form included in
and is not affixed to the pool structure.
the packaging or a label, or both, attached to the cover.
3.1.18.1 Discussion—It is intended to be completely re-
6.2 Labels attached to the cover shall meet the general
moved before the entry of bathers.
requirements described in 8.5.1 and 8.8 – 8.8.2.
3.1.19 energy conservation blanket—a cover which is a
6.3 Markings for Safety Covers Shall Include:
floating heat insulating sheet material incorporating, for
6.3.1 the manufacturer’s name,
example, a cellular foam or similar low-heat transfer material
6.3.2 date manufactured or installed, and
whose purpose is to inhibit heat loss from the covered water,
6.3.3 instructions to consumers to inspect the cover for
through air convection or evaporative cooling, or both; such
premature wear or deterioration.
materials are customarily cut to the shape of the pool and are
6.3.4 Labels attached to covers shall meet the general
intended for a night covering.
requirements described in 8.4.1, 8.7 – 8.8.1, and 8.9.
3.1.19.1 Discussion—The blanket is not affixed to the pool
structure. It is intended to be completely removed before the 6.4 Fastening Mechanisms or Devices—Ties, attachment
entry of bathers. points, anchors, anchorage, and controls for automatic covers
F1346 − 23
or other means of fastening a cover shall include provisions 7.4 Opening Tests—The tests shall be conducted by the test
such as keys, combination locks, special tools, devices, or method described in 9.4 to demonstrate that any opening in the
inaccessible locations, and the like, to inhibit children under major component or between the edge of the cover and the
five years of age from removing or operating the cover. When deck surface or coping wall, or both, and the top surface of the
subjected to the load and perimeter deflection tests described in pool or the top surface of the spa is sufficiently small and
9.1 and 9.2, all fastening devices shall remain in their intended, strong to prevent the opening from being forced to a size that
secured or closed, or both, position. After the test, the intended will allow the test object to pass through.
performance of the device should not be impaired.
8. Minimum Label Requirements for All Covers for
6.5 Openings—The cover shall be designed in such a way
Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs
that, when it is tested by the test method described in 9.4, any
opening in the major component or between the edge of the
8.1 Product Label—All covers shall be labeled/marked to
cover and the deck surface or coping wall, or both, and the top
identify manufacturers or other responsible parties (such as
surface of the spa or pool does not allow the test object to pass
private label distributors), or both. Labels attached to covers
through. The test object shall not gain access to the water, or be
shall meet the general requirements described in 8.5.1 and 8.8
subject to entrapment.
– 8.8.2.
6.6 Seams, ties or welds in the cover shall show no signs of
8.2 Warning Labels—All covers shall be required to have
damage, which will impair intended performance of the device
attached the following warning label:
when the cover is tested by the methods described in 9.1 – 9.4.
8.2.1 Signal Word—WARNING.
8.2.2 Safety Alert Symbol—Preceding the signal word there
7. Performance Requirements for Safety Covers
shall be triangle with an exclamation point inside the triangle.
7.1 Static Load—In the case of a pool with a width or
8.2.2.1 Word Message—The standard word message shall
diameter greater than 8 ft (2.4 m) from the periphery, the cover
be AVOID DROWNING RISK which shall be the first mes-
shall be able to hold a weight of 485 lb (220.0 kg) (2 adults and
sage to appear directly under the signal word.
1 child) to permit a rescue operation.
8.2.2.2 Additional Word Message Statement—Covers with
7.1.1 In the case of a pool with a width or diameter not
any of the outlined hazards in Fig. 1 shall list all applicable
greater than 8 ft (2.4 m) the cover shall withstand the weight of
warning statements on the label.
275 lb (125 kg) (weight of a child and an adult). Compliance
8.3 Color—Non-safety cover warning label.
shall be determined by the test method described in 9.1.
8.3.1 Signal Word—Black letters with orange background.
7.2 Perimeter Deflection—The cover shall be designed in
8.3.2 Safety Alert Symbol—Black triangle with orange ex-
such a way that, when it is tested by the test method described
clamation point.
in 9.2, deflection of the cover does not allow the test object to
8.3.3 Word Message—Black lettering on white background
pass between the cover and the side of the pool, or to gain
or white letters on black background.
access to the water.
8.4 Color—Safety cover warning label.
7.3 Surface Drainage—The cover shall be so constructed,
8.4.1 Colors assigned to the signal word panel may also be
or incorporate a system, or have an auxiliary system provided,
used for the message word panel provided the panel colors
that when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s
contrast with the lettering of the label. This is applicable to
instructions, shall drain substantially all standing water from
covers conforming with the PSC and MSC classifications only.
the cover within a period of 30 min after cessation of normal
rainfall. Compliance shall be determined by the test in 9.3. 8.5 Warning Label—Letter size.
“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
F1346 − 23
8.5.1 Lettering shall be of a size that enables a person with 8.9 Replacement—Product/Warning labels should be re-
normal vision, including corrected vision, to read the safety placed by the product user when they no longer meet legibility
sign or label at a safe viewing distance from the hazard. requirements for safe viewing distance described in 8.5.1 and
Considerations should be given to environmental variables that 8.7.1. In cases where products have an extensive expected life
will affect readability. or where exposed to extreme co
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM 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 2018) F1346 − 23
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
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 given in parentheses are given for
information only.mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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).
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.28 on Covers for Pools,
Spas and Hot Tubs.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2018July 1, 2023. Published February 2018July 2023. Originally approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 20102018 as F1346
– 91 (2010). DOI: 10.1520/F1346-91R18.(2018). DOI: 10.1520/F1346-23.
Available from National Fire Protection Assoc., Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1346 − 23
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. Itpool; 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.
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. Providesmanually; 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. Theyclassifica-
tions: 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
actuated by a suitable control mechanism. Providesmechanism; provides a high level of safety for children under the age of five
by inhibiting their access 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. Thecooling; 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.
F1346 − 23
3.1.18.1 Discussion—
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. Suchboth; 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.
3.1.19.1 Discussion—
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:
3.1.21 skimmer system—waterline—the water line shall be at the mid-point of the operating range of the skimmers.waterline shall
be defined in one of the following ways:
3.1.21.1 skimmer system—the water line shall be at the mid-point of the operating range of the skimmers.
3.1.21.2 overflow system—the waterline shall be at the top of the overflow outlet.
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)—Includes any cover type not incorporated in the other two categories MSC, PSC. They are not intended
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
6.1 Installation/Use of Safety Covers—Unless installed by the manufacturer, or responsible parties, or both, detailed instructions
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.
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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.
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—The cover shall be designed in such a way that, when it is tested by the test method described in 9.4, 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
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, ties or welds in the cover shall show no signs of damage, which will impair intended performance of the device when
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.
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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.
8.4 Color—Safety cover warning label.
8.4.1 Colors assigned to the signal word panel may also be used for the message word panel provided the panel colors contrast
with the lettering of the label. This is applicable to covers conforming with the PSC and MSC classifications only.
8.5 Warning Label—Letter size.
8.5.1 Lettering shall be of a size that enables a person with normal vision, including corrected vision, to read the safety sign or
label at a safe viewing distance from the hazard. Considerations should be given to environmental variables that will affect
readability.
8.5.2 Signal Word—Letter height shall be at least 50 % greater than the selected height of the message panel wording.
8.5.3 Safety Alert Symbol—Safety alert symbol, when used with the signal word shall precede the signal word. The base of 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 safety alert
symbol shall equal or exceed the signal word letter height.
8.5.4 Word message letter height shall be as defined in Table 1.
8.6 Letter Style:
8.6.1 Signal Word shall be in sans serif letters in upper case only.
8.6.2 Message Panel shall be in sans serif letters. Letters may be in upper case only.
“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
*Con
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