ASTM F1346-23 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM F1346-23 — Standard Performance Specification for Safety Covers and Labeling Requirements for All Covers for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs. This specification sets performance, testing and marking requirements for safety covers intended to reduce the risk of drowning by restricting unsupervised access (particularly by young children) to pools, spas, hot tubs and wading pools when the covers are installed and used as intended.

Abstract

F1346-23 establishes minimum performance criteria, test methods and labeling/marking requirements for safety covers and for the consumer information to be supplied with covers for residential and commercial pools, spas and hot tubs. The standard defines cover types (safety, debris, thermal, etc.), prescribes mechanical and load tests (static load, perimeter deflection, drainage), and requires specific warnings and identification markings so that covers perform as safety devices and users are informed about limitations and correct installation.

General information

• Status: Published / Active.
• Publication date: Approved July 1, 2023; published July 2023 (designation F1346-23).
• Publisher: ASTM International (ASTM).
• ICS / categories: 97.220.10 (Sports facilities), Covers for Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs; Consumer products safety.
• Edition / version: 2023 edition (F1346-23).
• Number of pages: 7 (concise performance specification document).

Scope

This specification applies to covers designed to inhibit access to water in swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and wading pools when installed and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions. It includes performance tests to demonstrate compliance, marking and labeling requirements for all covers, and definitions to distinguish cover types (safety covers versus debris or thermal covers). The intent is to reduce drowning risk—particularly for children under five—by ensuring covers meet repeatable mechanical and functional performance criteria.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and classification of cover types (safety covers, debris covers, thermal/insulating covers, etc.).
• Performance tests including static load (weight-support), perimeter deflection (entry prevention at edges), and surface drainage (preventing hazardous water accumulation).
• Material and construction considerations to resist degradation, tears and anchor failure under specified conditions.
• Anchorage system performance and requirements for installation hardware or attachment methods.
• Marking and labeling: required warnings, consumer information, and identification marking on the cover and in supplied instructions.
• Test methods and pass/fail criteria to demonstrate a cover meets the safety performance objectives.
• Notes on limitations of covers (covers are part of a layered approach to pool safety and do not replace supervision or other safety systems).

Typical use and users

Primary users are pool and spa cover manufacturers, product designers, testing laboratories, building code officials, pool contractors, facility operators and safety inspectors. The standard is used to design, certify and document safety covers for residential and commercial pools and spas, and to demonstrate compliance with local codes and safety regulations that reference ASTM performance specifications.

Related standards

Standards and regulations commonly referenced alongside F1346 include: regulations and mandatory requirements addressing suction entrapment (e.g., the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act and its implementing rule), voluntary standards for suction fittings and suction‑release systems, and other ASTM and ANSI/ASME specifications for pool/spa components (for example standards for safety vacuum release systems, suction fittings and circulation system design). F1346 is often used in concert with those standards and with local building and pool codes.

Keywords

safety cover, pool cover, spa cover, labeling, performance specification, static load, perimeter deflection, surface drainage, anchorage, pool safety, ASTM F1346-23

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F1346-23 is a concise performance specification that defines tests, performance criteria and labeling requirements for safety covers and other pool/spa covers to reduce access to water and lower drowning risk when the cover is used as intended.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers cover classifications, required performance tests (e.g., static load, perimeter deflection, drainage), anchorage requirements, acceptable construction attributes and mandatory labeling/consumer information for all covers intended for pools, spas, hot tubs and wading pools.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, test labs, product designers, pool contractors, code officials and facility operators use the standard to design, evaluate, certify and install covers that meet recognized safety performance criteria.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2023 edition (F1346-23) is the current published edition of this ASTM specification and updates earlier editions. Users should verify adoption or referencing in local codes or procurement documents for the applicable edition required.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: F1346 is a standalone performance specification focused on covers; however it is often applied alongside related voluntary and mandatory standards and regulations addressing pool and spa safety (for example standards for suction fittings, vacuum release systems, and national/regulatory rules addressing entrapment hazards).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: safety cover, pool cover, spa cover, performance test, static load, perimeter deflection, drain water management, anchorage, labeling, ASTM F1346-23.