ASTM F1346-23

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1346 − 23
Standard Performance Specification for
Safety Covers and Labeling Requirements for All Covers for
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Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1346; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This specification establishes requirements for safety 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
covers for swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and wading pools
3.1.1 appurtenances—subordinate parts or adjunct acces-
(hereinafter referred to as pools, unless otherwise specified).
sory components to the cover such as hardware including
When correctly installed and used in accordance with the
buckles, straps, ties, springs, anchors, tracks, rollers, lifting
manufacturer’s instructions, this specification is intended to
arms, and the like.
reduce the risk of drowning by inhibiting the access of children
3.1.2 automatic cover—a cover which can be placed over
under five years of age to the water.
the water area and removed with a motorized mechanism
1.2 This specification includes performance tests to demon-
actuated by a suitable control mechanism. See also power
strate the compliance or noncompliance to requirements herein
safety cover (PSC), other cover (OC).
stated for safety covers. It also includes marking requirements
3.1.3 barrier—something that restrains or obstructs access
for all covers.
to the body of water.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.1.4 blanket—a material used for thermal insulation. See
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
also solar energy blanket.
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard. 3.1.5 cover—something that covers, protects or shelters, or
a combination thereof, a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub.
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
test methods section, Section 9, of this specification: This
3.1.6 debris cover—a cover with attendant appurtenances
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, positioned over the pool area which permits the cover to
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
prevent debris, such as foliage, dirt, windblown trash, and the
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
like from entering the pool; it is intended to be completely
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
removed before the entry of bathers. See also other covers
regulatory limitations prior to use.
(OC).
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.7 decks—those areas abutting a pool, spa, or hot tub that
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
are specifically constructed or installed (for example, of wood,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
concrete, brick, stone, and the like) for use by bathers for
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
sitting, standing, or walking and may also act as a base for
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
supports for covers.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.8 dome—a semipermanent enclosure supported by
2. Referenced Documents trusses, or positive air pressure erected over the pool area to
provide temperature and atmospheric control over the pool
2.1 NFPA Document:
environment.
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National Electrical Code, Article 680-26
3.1.9 energy conservation—the reduction of heat loss from
pool water through air convection or evaporative cooling, or
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This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on
both.
Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.28 on
3.1.10 hot tub—a spa constructed of wood with sides and
Covers for Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs.
Current edition approved July 1, 2023. Published July 2023. Originally approved
bottoms formed separately; and the whole shape joined to-
in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as F1346 – 91 (2018). DOI:
gether by pressure from surrounding hoops, bands or rods; as
10.1520/F1346-23.
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distinct from spa units formed of plastic, concrete, metal, or
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org. other materials.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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