| Public Law 110-140 requires installation of a swimming pool and spa drain cover conforming to the entrapment protection standards of the ASME/ANSI A 112.19.8 performance standard (American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American National Standards Institute). The drain cover must be installed by December 19, 2008 or the A.H.J. (authority having jurisdiction) may shut down the pool or spa.
In addition, each public pool or spa with a single main drain other than an unblockable drain shall be equipped, at a minimum, with 1 or more of the following devices or systems designed to prevent entrapment by pool or spa drains that meets the requirements of the law:
1. Safety vacuum release system,
2. Suction-limiting vent system,
3. Gravity drainage system,
4. Automatic pump shut-off system, or
5. Drain disablement.
Search Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Safety Act at www.cpsc.gov for details.
A lodging industry representative notes a shortage of manufacture of compliant drain covers that will permit the lodging industry to comply by December 19, 2008. The law includes a State Grants Program for the State's involvement in administration of the law and the industry representative advises of problems in Florida and Michigan concerning the new drain cover that meets federal guideline. In the instance of Florida, the Florida guidelines will not be in compliance by 12/19/08 so Florida will not enforce the law until a compliant drain cover is produced.
On the other hand, Scott Wolfson, Deputy Director, Office of Information and Public Affairs, Consumer Products Safety Commission claims there is adequate manufacture of compliant drain covers. This makes it unlikely extension of the December 19, 2008 will be granted.
If you do not have approved drain covers on order and are not implementing one of the other devices or systems, noted above, to enhance pool or spa drain entrapment control, you are likely to have your pool or spa closed.
Go to www.cpsc.gov and "google" "anti-entrapment ASME/ANSI A 112.19.8 swimming pool drain cover manufacturer" for 13 entries. Check for possible compliant drain cover availability.
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F. Y. I. - Information on the New Pool and Safety Act The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Safety Act