Specification

~~~ Designation: F 1346 - 91
AMERJ~ SOCIETYFOR TESTINGAND 1M TERIALS
\810 Raee SL Phi.delphl., Po 18\03
Rep'ltU<Illom the AMuaI Bookof ASTlo4 SLonclo,dl.Copyright ASTlo4
IfnoIlloted In the current combined ~de", wll oppe.' ~ I"" next ltdlion.
Standard Performance Specification for
Safety Covers and Labeling Requirements for All Covers for
Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs'
2. Referenced Document
2.1 NFPA Document:
National Electrical Code, Article 680-26
2
I This sr><.'Cilic~lionis undcr Ihe jurisdiClion of I\STM C'llllllllillCC 1'.15 on
'\lOsumer I'roduCls and is Ihe direcl rcsponsibilily of Sub\:ommillcc 1'15.2K on
Co_en for Pools, Spas, and HOI Tubs.
Currenl edilion approved Aug. 15. 1991. Published Deccmber 1991.
, Available from Nauonal Firc Protcclion Assoc .• Ballcrymarch Park. Quincy,
. MA 02269.
This standard is issued under Ihe fixed dcsignalion F 1346; Ihe number immedialely following the designalion indicales the year of
original adoplion or. in the case of revision. Ihe year or lasl revision. A number in parentheses indicalcslhc year of last reappro'al. A
SUperscriPI epsilon (I) indicales an edilorial change since the last revision or rcapproval.
1. Seope
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 dem-
onstrate 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 9, of this specification: This
standard does not purport to address all of the safety
problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsi-
bility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate
safety and healrh practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
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.
3.1.1 0 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 cOller-a cover which requires it to be
3. Terminology placed over the water area by hand. See also manual safety
3.1 Description of Terms Specific to This Standard: cOlier(MSC), and other covers (OC).
3.1.1 appurtenances-subordinate parts or adjunct acces- 3.1.13 markings-the application of numbers, letters, la.
sory components to the cover such as hardware including bels, tags, symbols or colors to prbvide identification and
buckles, straps, ties, springs, anchors, tracks, rollers, lifting safety information and to expedite handling during shipment
arms, and the like. and storage.
3.1.2 auromaric cover-a cover which can be placed over 1t ~.1.1.4 manual safery cover (MSC)-a barrier which re-
the water area and removed with a motorized mechanism l' qUires It to be placed over the water manually. Provides a
actuated by a suitable control mechanism. See also power high level of safety for children under the age of five by
safety cOlier(PSC), other cOlier(OC). inhibiting their access to the water.
3.1.3 barrier-something that restrains or obstructs access 3.1.15 other covers (OC)-includes any cover type not
to the body of water. incorporated in the other two classifications; PSC, MSC.
3.1.4. blanket-a material used for thermal insulation. See They are not intended to serve as a barrier for children under
also solar energy blanket. the age of five.
3.1.5 ,'over-something that covers, protects or !ihcltcrs, 3.1.16 power safi'ty cover (PSC)-a barrier which can be
or a combination thereof, a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub. placed over the water area and removed with a motorized
mechanism actuated by a suitable control mechanism .
. Provides a high level of safety for children under the age of
five by inhibiting their access to the water.
3.1.17 sa/ety,'uver-a barrier (intended 10 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 la.
*