Eighty Percent of Pools Not in Compliance with New Safety Law
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The majority of all public swimming pools are in violation of a new federal safety rule aimed at preventing people from becoming trapped in underwater drains. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act set new standards for drain covers for public pools, spas, and hot tubs. Some pools have even begun temporarily closing down out of fear of legal liability until they are able to comply with the new law. According to the National Swimming Pool Foundation, a nonprofit group that promotes aquatic education, about 80% of the country’s 300,000 public pools still need to adjust their facilities in order to meet new requirements. Pool operators complain that the new, safer drain covers did not hit the market until the fall and continue to be in short supply. In addition, the new equipment costs between $1,000 and $10,000 to purchase and install.
Drains, located on the bottom or sides of a swimming pool, are part of the pool’s circulation system that keeps the pool clean. Unfortunately, the suction caused by pumping the water can sometimes cause swimmers to get stuck to or caught in the drain. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, between 1999 and 2007, there were 74 reports of entrapment in pool drains, causing nine deaths and 63 injuries. Drain covers that meet the new standards are domed, in contrast with the older style drain that is typically flat and sits flush against the bottom of the pool. The domed drain limits the surface area that comes into direct contact with a swimmer’s body and has smaller openings to prevent fingers and hair from getting trapped. They also limit the rate at which water flows into the drain to prevent entrapment by suction.
The Pool Operation Management website lists what the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act means to your pool and spa and also lists what you need to do to comply with the new law. In addition, the website shows which drain you need to install based on what drain you currently have.