Since the 1970’s, Confer Plastics has been the industry leader in pool and spa entry systems (ladders and steps). Confer Plastics’ mission is to provide customers with high quality, safe and durable products at the best prices.
In July 2018, and for the first time ever, Confer Plastics was advised that a child stuck his arm into a side opening on one of Confer Plastic’s Curve in-pool step systems and the arm became temporarily wedged. The child was able to remove his arm but did suffer some scratches. The side openings are present to assist in water circulation in the pool and are used by virtually every manufacturer of plastic in-pool step systems. 
Confer Plastics immediately investigated the event and determined that the side openings present a potential hazard. To address the potential hazard, Confer Plastics reported the incident to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Confer Plastics then worked with the CPSC to notify consumers and to design a repair kit that completely removes the potential hazard. Because of Confer Plastic’s rapid and effective response, the CPSC accepted Confer Plastics into its Fast Track Recall Program.
But Confer Plastics did not stop there. As an industry leader in safety, Confer Plastics has also redesigned its Curve in-pool step systems and removed the side openings. Because most other plastic in-pool step systems available to consumers have similar side openings, Confer Plastics is also working with pool and spa industry associations to raise awareness of the potential hazard that the side openings present. Confer Plastics hopes that the other manufacturers in the pool and spa industry will follow its lead and make similar adjustments to their products.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission – Fast Track Recall with Health Canada
Release Date: August 21, 2018
Release Number: RP180519
Confer Plastics Recalls Pool Step Systems Due to Entrapment and Drowning Hazard
Recall Summary
Name of Product: Curve in-pool step systems
Hazard: Children’s limbs can become entrapped in the side openings of the step systems, posing a drowning hazard.
Remedy: Repair
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled pool step systems and contact Confer Plastics for a free repair kit. The repair kit will include additional panels to prevent entrapment and installation instructions.
Consumer Contact: Confer Plastics at 800-635-3213 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.conferplastics.com and click on “Curve Recall” for more information.
Recall Details
Units: About 100,000 (In addition, 2,100 were sold in Canada.)
Description: This recall involves three models of in-pool step systems with curved steps for in-ground and aboveground pools. The steps and handrails are made of gray and beige plastic. The manufacturing/date code is located on the sidewalls of each step.
Model, Product Description, Manufacturing/Date Code Range
#CCX-AG – Confer Curve base (staircase) 4-step for aboveground pool
All 2013-2018
#CCX-IG – Confer Curve base (staircase) 3-step for in-ground pool
All 2013-2018
#CCX-ADD – Curve add-on unit for either in-ground or aboveground stairs
All 2013-2018
Incidents/Injuries: Confer Plastics has received two reports of children’s arms becoming entrapped in the side panel openings of the step systems, including reports of minor abrasions. No drownings have been reported.
Sold at: Champion Pool Distributors, Cinderella, EMSCO Distributors, Leisure Living, Leslie’s, Superior Pool Products, Water Warehouse stores and other stores nationwide and online at www.conferplastics.com from January 2013 through July 2018 for between $200 and $400.
Manufacturer: Confer Plastics, of North Tonawanda, N.Y.
Manufactured in: U.S.
In Conjunction With: Canada
Health Canada’s link is available at:
Photos (click on the model to view image)
Photo 1: Recalled Confer Plastics pool step system (model
#CCX-AG)
Photo 2: Recalled Confer Plastics pool step system (model #CCX-ADD)
Photo 3: Recalled Confer Plastics pool step system (model #CCX-IG)
Photo 4: The two numbers in the middle next to the arrow represent the year of the manufacturing/date code. (Years 2013-2018 are recalled.)
This recall was conducted voluntarily by the company under CPSC’s Fast Track Recall process. Fast Track recalls are initiated by firms who commit to work with CPSC to quickly announce the recall and remedy to protect consumers.
About U.S. CPSC:The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.
Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.
For more lifesaving information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram @USCPSC and Twitter @USCPSC or sign up to receive our e-mail alerts. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772 or teletypewriter at 301-595-7054 for the hearing impaired.
CPSC Consumer Information Hotline
Contact us at this toll-free number if you have questions about a recall:
800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054)
Times: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET; Messages can be left anytime
Call to get product safety and other agency information and to report unsafe products.
Media Contact
Please use the phone numbers below for all media requests.
Phone: 301-504-7908
Spanish: 301-504-7800
Request a recall kit
To request a recall kit from Confer Plastics, free of charge, please fill out this form to send your shipping, contact, and product information to the company. Our standard business hours are 9AM – 5PM EST.
