Pool and Patio Product Recalls: Is There a Hazard in Your Yard?

Recalls: Sept 1, 2011 and June 2011

While those ceramic gel pots look cool on a patio table at night, they have the potential to flare up unexpectedly. Because of the risks of flash fire and burns when consumers add pourable gel to an already-burning fire pot, consumers should immediately stop using the pourable gel fuel.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled gel fuel in June 2011 made by Napa Home & Garden. On September 1, 2011, the CPSC recalled gel fuels produced by an additional nine manufacturers. Find out the brands that have been recalled, along with other important information regarding the recalls.

Recall: May 26, 2011

The CPSC and 10 manufacturers of pool and spa drain covers issued a massive recall due to incorrect ratings. Consumers are advised to stop using the recalled drain covers, which iare incorrectly rated to handle the flow of water through the cover, and could pose a possible entrapment hazard to swimmers or hot tub bathers.

One million products have been recalled; no incidents have been reported. Find out if your drain cover is on the list.

Recall: January 20, 2011

Did you miss the recall of the Safety Vacuum Release System by Vacless Systems, Inc? The hazard: improper plastic material found inside the product has been associated with vacuum release failtures.

Find out if your model and serial number is on the recall list.

Recall: January 2010

In January 2010, the CPSC and Lane Publishing Co., Sunset Books, Lowe's and Oxmoor House Inc.. issued a recall of do-it-yourself books published from 1975 to 2009.

Why? The electrical wiring instructions in nine titles by those publishers could lead to incorrect installation or repair. In other words, there is a potential for shock and burn hazards if the wiring instructions were used by a DIYer.

Find out which titles are on the list.

Recall: July 2009

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with Fiesta Gas Grills announced in July 2009, a voluntary recall of approximately 88,000 Blue Ember Gas Grills sold in the United States and Canada.

This follows a recall in October 2008, of about 47,000 Blue Ember Gas Grills in the United States, with an additional 25,000 recalled in Canada.

Recall: July 22, 2009

The CPSC and Aqua-Leisure Industries recalled 4 million babies and toddlers' pool floats after 31 reports of the seats tearing. While no injuries were reported, consumers were urged to stop using or return the kiddie floats and contact Aqua-Leisure for a full refund. Do you still have one of these pool floats in your storage cupboard?

Recall: September 2009

Have you ever bought one of those Hawaiian tiki-style torches to add ambience to your outdoor oasis? In September 2009, the CPSC and Lamplight Farms, Inc., recalled flame guards on Clear-Vu Torch Fuel Containers due to a possible fire hazard.

Recall: November 5, 2009

Wooden play sets and swing sets made by Adventure Playsets of Amarillo, Texas, were recalled due to more than 1,400 reports of decaying wood. About 16 injuries were reported before the CPSC and Health Canada issued the recall.

If you bought a used wooden play set in the past few years, make sure it's not on this list.

Recall: December 11, 2009

This recall involved the Cooks Outdoor BBQ Grills that were sold at JC Penney for seven months in 2009. The reason: the grill's drip pan didn't adequately drain, posing a fire and burn hazard. Did you buy a grill at JC Penney or online and miss the recall? See if yours is on the list.

Recall:  Fall 2008

Let's hope you didn't buy these pool dive sticks from Target a few years ago and store them away for a sunny day. About 365,000 of the dive stick sets were sold at Target stores in the United States between April and August 2008 for about $1. Why were they recalled? A possible impalement hazard if they remained in an upright position in the pool water.