|
New Rules for Swimming Pool Drain Covers
Builders, developers or property managers who have a swimming pool or spa that is open to the residents of their development or complex should be aware of new rules for pool drain covers that took effect toward the end of last year.
New entrapment devices need to be installed before opening pools and spas to residents this season, and property owners are being advised to consult with a contractor specializing in pool and spa installation or construction to insure that their facility is properly equipped.
After Dec. 19, 2008, public pools and spas in the U.S. with a single main drain other than an unblockable drain are required to be equipped, at a minimum, with one or more of the following devices or systems designed to prevent entrapment by drains:
- A Safety Vacuum Release System that provides a vacuum release at a suction outlet when a blockage is detected. The system must have been tested by an independent third party and found to conform to ASME/ANSI standard A112.19.17 or ASTM standard F2387.
- A Suction-Limiting Vent System with a tamper-resistant atmospheric opening.
- A Gravity Drainage System that utilizes a collector tank.
- An Automatic Pump Shut-Off System.
- A Drain Disablement device or system.
- Other Systems determined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to be equally effective as, or better than, the systems above at preventing or eliminating the risk of injury or death associated with pool drainage systems.
In addition, swimming pool or spa drain covers manufactured or distributed in the U.S. are required to meet the entrapment protection standards of the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 performance standard.
The regulations are enforced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission under the Consumer Product Safety Act. View the agency's recent press release, its staff's interpretation of the law and guidance for compliance on this issue.
For more information, e-mail Larry Brown at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8565.
|
