The American Society for Testing and Materials

Provisional Specification for Pool Alarms, was developed by ASTM to present safety and performance requirements for increased reliability of these devices. Alarms meeting the ASTM standard sound at poolside and in adjacent buildings when a minimum weight of 18 lbs hits the water. Acting on the May 2000 report that 350 pool drownings occur each year to children under 5, the US Consumer Safety Commission (CPSC) requested that a safety specification be developed by alarm manufacturers, testing, and safety specialist in ASTM Subcommittee F15.49 on Pool Alarms Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs.

"This was a group effort from a committee of very informed members," said Merle I. Stoner, subcommittee chairman, and president of Poolguard/PBM Industries, Inc., North Vernon, IN, who has been producing pool alarms for 20 years. "The standard raises the safety requirements for pool alarms and their manufacturing," he affirmed. "The only way to make pools safer is to have products that meet safety standards such as ASTM, and develop consumer awareness and confidence in these products."

In the May 2000 report, the CPSC noted that pool alarms are not substitutes for guarding children at poolside.

The Standard Specification for Pool Alarms became an International Permanent Standard in 2002. Designation Number is F2208-02.

ASTM standards are available from Consumer Service web site: www.astm.org, telephone: 610-832-9585; or e-mail service@astm.org.

Established in 1898, ASTM is one of the largest standards development and delivery systems in the world. ASTM standards are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems, and commercial transactions around the globe.

Poolguard/PBM Industries, Inc. Receives ETL Verification

The Poolguard In-Ground and Above-Ground Pool Alarms were tested by Intertek Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL). Each model was found to be in compliance with the ASTM International Standard for Pool Alarms, ASTM F 2208-02. ASTM developed the safety and performance standard for pool alarms in 2002 at the request of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Poolguard Pool Alarms – Model PGRM-2 and PGRM-AG were thoroughly tested to the performance requirements and test procedures of ASTM F 2208-02. The NEW 2004 Model Poolguard Pool Alarms now have the ETL Verified Mark.