The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today warned
consumers to use caution to avoid being electrocuted when using
bubbler bathtub spas.
The appliances typically consist of a mat placed on the bottom
of the tub, a control and motor unit placed outside the tub, and a
flexible air hose connecting the motor to the mat. If the motor
should fall into the tub, the bather could be electrocuted.
While CPSC is not aware of any fatalities caused by these
the agency is concerned about the relatively new bath appliances,
accidental pulling or falling of the motor and control unit into the
bath water. This could result in electrocution or serious shock
injuries to persons in the tub, whether the unit is in the "on" or
"off" position.
The Commission offers the following guidelines for using these
types of bathtub spas safely:
Don't take chances. Place the motor unit on the floor away
from the bathtub so it cannot fall into the tub. If you have a
sunken tub, place the motor unit as far away as possible.
Never put the motor unit on a toilet lid, shelf, or vanity
where it could fall into water if the unit is knocked over or the air
hose is accidentally pulled.
If an electrical appliance should fall in the bath water, in
either the "on" or "off" position, do not touch it or reach into the
water immediately shut off the electricity to the appliance by
pulling its plug from the receptacle. Don't use the appliance until
it has been checked by a qualified service center.
Never-allow young children to use the bathtub spa unless there
is an adult in the bathroom at all times.
When the appliance is not being used, store it out of reach of
children. Unsupervised children may place or knock the bathtub spa
motor into the bath.
Always use caution when operating any electric appliance near
water. Although some of these products have protective devices
designed to prevent electrocution, no safety device offers absolute
protection. Always test the safety devices according to the
manufacturer's instructions.
Finally, for additional protection against electrocution, if
electric outlets in the bathroom are not equipped with ground-fault
circuit interrupters (GFCIs), have them installed by a qualified
person.
To report unsafe consumer products or to receive safety
information call the CPSC toll-free hotline number at 800-638-CPSC.
A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is 800-638-8270.