We here at Poolcenter.com would like to take the time to inform you about an important new law that goes into effect Dec. 19 for all commercial pools and swim clubs. You can find a copy of the federal law and wording here http://www.poolcenter.com/
The act, signed by President George W. Bush on Dec. 19, 2007, goes into effect Dec. 19 of this year. It is called the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, named after the granddaughter of former Secretary of State James Baker. She died after becoming stuck on the drain of a spa in 2002.. This is a federal law for all commercial pools and swim clubs to have new drain covers or SVRS * installed in all pools to meet the new code to prevent bodily injury and/or death. All covers and SVRS * must meet or exceed the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 National Standards and ASTM G154 for UV Testing. This is stamped on all compliant covers and the law is regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission as well as state and local pool inspectors. The bill states that the maximum fine is $1.8 million and for pool closer until compliant with the law.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission does recognize that not everyone will have access to the covers by the 19th due to demand and supply. Many of the new covers and SVRS * just passed testing in the past 2 weeks and many pools have drains that covers are not made for at this time that meet the code.. After talking with a few regulators at the CPSC, they have told us the following is how they will deal with those pools:
1. Year round pools must get compliant ASAP before the 19th or have proof that a cover or SVRS * is on order or the pool must shut down.
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2. If a drain cover is not made for the drain type, you have to have a signed contract with a contractor stating that a new drain will be installed in a timely manner or the pool will have to shut down..
3. If the pool is closed down for the winter, you have until opening day of the pool in the spring to be compliant.
If you have any questions you can contact the CPSC ( www.cpsc.gov ) or call Poolcenter.com at 1-877-766-5287
We here at Poolcenter.com have many of the products instock or can get you a receipt to be compliant for items that are back ordered due to the 3 million pools trying to comply with the law.
Click here for a list of products http://www.poolcenter.com/
* Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS) which works by monitoring the vacuum on the suction side of the pool or spa pump. When a blockage occurs in the main drain or skimmer a sudden rise in vacuum will cause the svrs to shut down pump operation and activate an audible alarm. The pump will remain off with the alarm sounding until the SVRS is manually reset.
Myles McMorrow
International Director
Technical Support
1-877-766-5287 x 107
myles@poolcenter.com
