Recall: Pollenex Announces Retrofit Program For Whirlpool Hot Spa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
November 17, 1988  
Release # 88-102

Pollenex Announces Retrofit Program For Whirlpool Hot Spa

WASHINGTON, D.C.-The makers of the Pollenex Whirlpool Hot Spa and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced a safety program designed to protect spa users against electrocution that could result from immersion of a spa in a bathtub. The spa maker urges use of its product with specially protected outlets and is offering spa owners plug-in shock protectors at a price below cost. To date, with about 420,000 units shipped since the summer of 1987, CPSC and the company know of no injuries.

The spas consist of a triangular shaped motor, a plastic mat for the bottom of the tub and a flexible hose to connect the two. The name "Pollenex Whirlpool Hot Spa" appears on the top of the motor.

The company said that the product is UL listed and, in light of the product's strong warnings, immersion is unlikely. To protect against electrocution if the spa motor is immersed in the tub, owners of the Pollenex Whirlpool Hot Spa are urged to take the following steps:
  • If Ground Fault Circuit interrupters (GFCIs) protect the bathroom, plug theses portable appliances into protected outlets only.

  • If your outlets are not GFCI protected, order a plug-in GFCI from Pollenex. All Pollenex spa owners may receive the plug-in GFCI, a $20.00 retail value, for $5.00 plus shipping. This GFCI helps protect against other electrical risks around the home as well.
To order a plug-in GFCI, Pollenex spa owners should contact the company by calling toll-free 1-800-621-0786.