CPSC, Sta-Rite Industries Announce Recall of Pool Filters

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Sta-Rite Industries, Inc. of Delavan, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 8,500 Sta-Rite System 2 and AquaTools Filters and Filter Systems. The Posi-Lok locking ring, which secures the filter's upper tank shell to the lower tank shell (see diagram below), can disengage from the lower tank shell allowing the top shell of the filter to blow off causing injury to nearby consumers.

Name of product: Sta-Rite System 2 and AquaTools Filters and Filter Systems

Units: 8,500

Manufacturer: Sta-Rite Industries, Inc. of Delavan, Wis.

Hazard: The Posi-Lok™ locking ring, which secures the filter's upper tank shell to the lower tank shell (see diagram below), can disengage from the lower tank shell allowing the top shell of the filter to blow off causing injury to nearby consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Sta-Rite has received three reports of the upper tank shell blowing off, including two reports of minor scratches and bruises to hands and/or arms of individuals servicing the filters.

Description: These modular pool filters are designed for use with above ground pools and small in-ground pools. These filters are used to remove particles from the water. The System 2 product line is sold under the brand names "Sta-Rite" and "AquaTools," located on a decal on the upper tank shell. The cylindrical filter tank measures 27 inches high and 18 inches in diameter. Sta-Rite System 2 filter tanks were sold with model numbers beginning with PLM or PLD and AquaTools filter tanks were sold with model numbers beginning with AT84100, AT84150 or AT82130. Serial numbers are located on on the nameplate decal on the upper tank shell. Only filters with the following serial numbers are affected (the 5th character is irrelevant for the purposes of this recall):

If the Posi-Lok™ locking ring has the phrase "Lubricate Tank "O" Ring - see instructions" molded into it, the ring has been updated and no further action is necessary for that filter.

Sold at: Pool equipment retail stores and wholesale distribution branches or installed by professional installers nationwide from January 2003 through October 2003 for between $400 and $800.

Manufactured in: U.S.

Remedy: Consumers should check the filter model plates to locate model numbers and serial numbers. Consumers should not disturb their filters and contact Sta-Rite toll-free at (866) 681-9148 to confirm the identity of their filter and receive a free replacement Posi-Lok™ locking ring and installation instructions. In addition, Sta-Rite will reimburse consumers $10 for each Posi-Lok™ locking ring that is shipped back to them and provide a pre-paid box for shipping. For consumers who are not comfortable with the replacement procedure, Sta-Rite will arrange to have the affected filters professionally repaired at no cost to the consumers.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers should call Sta-Rite toll free at (866) 681-9148 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.starite.com.

Consumers should check the filter model plates to locate model numbers and serial numbers. Consumers should not disturb their filters and contact Sta-Rite toll-free at (866) 681-9148 to confirm the identity of their filter and receive a free replacement Posi-Lok™ locking ring and installation instructions. In addition, Sta-Rite will reimburse consumers $10 for each Posi-Lok™ locking ring that is shipped back to them and provide a pre-paid box for shipping. For consumers who are not comfortable with the replacement procedure, Sta-Rite will arrange to have the affected filters professionally repaired at no cost to the consumers.

Sta-Rite has received three reports of the upper tank shell blowing off, including two reports of minor scratches and bruises to hands and/or arms of individuals servicing the filters.