Urgent Warning Issued for Amber Brook Pool Drain Covers Due to Serious Entrapment and Drowning Risks

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a critical safety warning, urging consumers to immediately cease using Amber Brook pool drain covers. The agency has determined that these covers violate the mandatory safety standards set forth by the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA). This violation stems from the drain covers’ failure to display essential product markings, service life information, and installation or maintenance instructions, thereby posing significant entrapment and drowning hazards to swimmers.

The CPSC has officially issued a Notice of Violation to guangzhouruienlinmaoyiyouxiangongsi, a company based in China that does business as Amber Brook. Despite this notification, Amber Brook has not committed to a recall of these hazardous drain covers or offered any form of remedy to consumers who may have purchased them. The affected drain covers were sold online through Walmart.com between August 2025 and November 2025 for approximately $22 each. It is also possible that these products were distributed through other online marketplaces and by various third-party sellers.

The specific product in question is described as a round main drain cover, measuring 8.3 inches in diameter and featuring a 2-inch water inlet and outlet. These covers are constructed from white ABS plastic and are secured with two screws. The CPSC strongly advises consumers to remove these drain covers from their pools and spas immediately. They should then be properly disposed of, and the pools should not be used until compliant drain covers have been installed. Furthermore, the agency cautions against selling or giving away these unsafe drain covers to others. Consumers are encouraged to verify that all pools and spas are equipped with VGBA-compliant drain covers and to educate children about the importance of staying away from pool drains.

Consumers who have experienced a safety incident involving these drain covers or have identified a product defect are encouraged to report it to the CPSC via the SaferProducts.gov website.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

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