As you are probably aware, December 19th, 2008, is the day all commercial pools need to comply with the new law (details below).

I can offer you 3 different options on how to deal with this:

1. I can switch out the cover and install an approved 32" channel cover (otherwise known as the unblockable cover). This can be done underwater and no draining of the pool will be needed. This is fast, efficient and once installed you don't need to worry about any other additions of equipment.
2. Same procedure as above but it can be done with the pool drained, which is not ideal as other implications come into play, such as potential plaster damage, wasted water, re-balancing of water and an empty pool, which can cause new hazards for your tenants!
3. I can switch out the existing cover and replace it with a similar approved cover, most likely without any cutting or plastering, this would then lead to the client having a "Vacuum Release System" installed at the equipment pad. This will shut off the main filter pump should there be an object blocking the drain. This is a very viable option if this was the direction you wanted to go it can be installed with no problems.

The three above options are all federally approved and will meet the standards of the county.

There is a lot more information should you wish to know, however I would like to keep it simple at this time should you have any questions feel free to email or call and I will get back to you promptly.

32" Channel Drain a.k.a. Unblockable Cover	Vacuum Release System
Vacuum Release System

Old unapproved drain cover in 50 meter competition pool.	Old cover chipped out revealing sump and suction line.
New frame for VGB 18x18 cover sized to hole.	New VGB approved frame and cover plastered in.

All work was done in 15 ft. of water and 6 covers were required in total

NEW DRAIN COVER LAW

Summary: The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act

Purpose
The purpose of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act is to increase the safety of swimming pools and spas by:

• Requiring the use of proper devices, such as anti-entrapment drain covers and fences/barriers, through establishment of a grant incentive program in order to encourage states to enact comprehensive pool and spa laws;
• Educating the public about drowning prevention;
• Establishing a federal swimming pool and spa drain cover standard; and
• Ensuring public pools are equipped with proper safety devices.

State Swimming Pool and Spa Safety Grant Program

• The bill establishes a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission-administered grant program to provide incentives to states that enact pool and spa safety laws.
• In order to qualify for a grant, the state law must meet the requirements established by the CPSC.
• The state law must include these minimum requirements:
  • Enclosure of all outdoor residential pools and spas by barriers that will effectively prevent children from gaining access;
  • All pools and spas must be equipped with devices designed to prevent entrapment;
  • All pools and spas that have a main drain (that is not unblockable) must be equipped with an anti-entrapment drain cover; and
  • All pools and spas built more than one year after the date of enactment must have either:
    • More than one drain;
    • One or more unblockable drain; or
    • No main drain
• The CPSC may establish other state law requirements after public notice and a 30-day comment period.
• The CPSC must consider population, enforcement needs and maximum program benefit in allocating the grants.
• States would be required to use at least 50 percent of grant funds to hire and train personnel to enforce the pool and spa law. The remainder of the funds must be used to educate pool owners, construction companies, service companies and the general public about the dangers of drowning and entrapment. Administrative costs associated with the training and education can also be covered by the grant. The CPSC would retain any unspent or unobligated funds.
• The bill authorizes $2 million per year for fiscal year 2009 and fiscal year 2010 for the state grant program.

National Drowning Prevention Education Program

• The CPSC would be required to implement a national education program to help prevent drowning and entrapment in pools and spas.
• The CPSC would be required to develop educational materials for pool manufacturers, pool service companies, pool retailers, and pool owners and operators. A national media campaign would also be a component of the education program.
• The bill authorizes $5 million for each of the fiscal years between 2008 - 2012 for the education program.

Federal Swimming Pool and Spa Drain Cover Standard

• The bill would provide for a federal product safety standard for anti-entrapment drain covers.
• Every pool or spa drain cover manufactured, distributed or entered into the stream of commerce in the U.S. must conform to the entrapment protection standards of the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 performance standard.

Public Pool Requirements

• Effective one year after the date of the enactment, each public pool and spa must be equipped with anti-entrapment drain covers.
• Each public pool and spa with a single main drain (other than an unblockable drain) must also be equipped with a device or system designed to prevent entrapment, such as a safety vacuum release system.
• Public pools and spas are open to the public generally (whether for a fee of free of charge); open exclusively to members of an organization and their guests, residents of an apartment building; or operated by the federal government.

Click here to view a printable version of the document.