Federal Pool Safety Law

A new federal law was passed, the Pool and Spa Safety Act, requiring all public pools and spas to have a cover on the pool drain. In the past 20 years, dozens of children have become sucked into or trapped underwater in drains and died or been severely injured. Violation of this crime carries a hefty fine -- up to $1.8 million per infraction plus criminal penalties, so it certainly makes sense for pool owners to be in compliance. The public pools include those in hotels, apartment complexes, home-owner associations, and other common areas.

Here are some specifics about the law. All public pools must include approved safety drain covers, while single drain public pools must ALSO install approved anti-entrapment devices, such as Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS), an automatic pump shot-off system, a gravity drainage system, or a suction-limiting vent system.

Privately owned pools and spas in the backyard of private homes are NOT covered by the law and are not required to install any drain covers. Pool maintenance companies have reportedly quoted thousands of dollars to owners to install the required covers, but officials said no such costs are warranted in order to comply with the law.

Organizations such as CPSC (Consumer Public Safety Commission) and Safe Kids strongly recommend all pools and spas, even private residential pools and spas, install both approved drain covers and an additional layer of protection.

If you are taking your children to a public place to swim, and swimming weather is here, PLEASE take the time to double-check your community pool and ask the owner if the safety devices have been installed. Make the summer of 2009 a safe and fun time when it comes to children's pool safety.