...a reminder that the rules concerning pool drain covers have changed.

After December 19, 2008, each public pool and spa in the United States 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:

1. SAFETY VACUUM RELEASE SYSTEM.—A safety the pump, reverses the circulation flow, or otherwise provides a vacuum release at a suction outlet when a blockage is detected, that has been tested by an independent third party and found to conform to ASME/ANSI standard A112.19.17 or ASTM standard F2387.

2. SUCTION-LIMITING VENT SYSTEM.—A suction-limiting vent system with a tamper-resistant atmospheric opening.

3. GRAVITY DRAINAGE SYSTEM.—A gravity drainage system that utilizes a collector tank.

4. AUTOMATIC PUMP SHUT-OFF SYSTEM.—An automatic pump shut-off  system.

5. DRAIN DISABLEMENT.—A device or system that disables the drain.

6. OTHER SYSTEMS.—Any other system determined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to be equally effective as, or better than, the systems at preventing or eliminating the risk of injury or death associated with pool drainage systems.

In addition, each swimming pool or spa drain cover manufactured, distributed, or entered into commerce in the United States shall conform to the entrapment protection standards of the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 performance standard, or any success or standard regulating such swimming pool or drain cover.

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 concering this issue.

If you are a builder, developer, or property manager with a swimming pool or spa that is open to the residents of your development or complex, you should consult with a contractor specializing in pool and spa installation or construction to insure that your facility is properly equipped.  Be advised, these new anti-entrapment devices must be installed prior to opening the pool or spa for use by the residents this season.

For more information, e-mail Larry Brown at NAHB. [Return to top]