Pool and Spa Safety Act
Member Offers New Insight Into Pool and Spa Safety Act
by Barbara Holland, CPM®
On December 19, 2008, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (a federal act) went into effect, making it mandatory that all swimming pool and spa drain covers available for purchase in the United States meet specific performance requirements. Additionally, public swimming pools, wading pools, spas and hot tubs must meet requirements for installation of compliant drain covers. New drain covers which meet the current standard are now beginning to make their way into the marketplace. Additionally, in certain instances, public pools and spas must have devices or systems designed to prevent suction entrapment.
So how do we get pools and spas in compliance, and back open?
First, be very careful. Do not sign contracts and spend money until you understand the requirements. Some pool companies are marking up the actual cost of the permit required, so make sure you know how much the permit actually costs. Other companies are proposing more costly solutions than are necessary to comply with the law. A pool company may want to manifold your main drains, for example. This project would be classified as a major remodel to your pool and spa, and would be quite expensive.
Fortunately there is one less costly option that meets the requirements by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) - instead of splitting the drains for your pool, you can install a suction vacuum release system (SVRS). I have contacted an expert contractor and commercial pool service owner who recommended adding an SVRS to all points of suction - main drains, water features, skimmers and skimmer equalizer lines, along with the new federally approved anti-entrapment drain covers that will match the gallons per minute and velocity (water traveled through the drain cover). The SVRS pump can also save between $700 to $1000 per year/per pump in electricity costs.
The total cost for equipment and labor for installing SVRS pumps is around $1700 or more depending on how much your pool company charges for labor. The cost for drain covers (anti-entrapment covers) ranges from $30 to $300, depending on the size of the drain. Don’t forget you will have to drain the pool and spa, and refill them with water. If you had other work planned, like changing lights or acid washing, be sure to combine it with the pump installation so you don’t waste more water than you have to when emptying or refilling the pool and spa.
Do not expect your pools and spas to be opened as soon as they were in the past. There could be a delay in obtaining your equipment, as all pools and spas in the United States will need equipment at the same time. Money will be needed from the association’s funds. Technically, you can only use your reserve funds for expenses that are part of your reserve study. Since this expenditure is not part of your current reserve study, you may have to pay for it out of your operating funds. You should contact your association’s legal counsel for advice.
Anyone interested in learning more about this new law can visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Web site.
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