Tag Archives: Virginia Graeme Baker Safety Act

Make Entrapment Hazards A Thing Of The Past!

Anit-Entrapment Drain CoversAnti-Entrapment System

Pool safety should be of the utmost concern for any pool owner. In addition to pool alarms, fences, and pool safety covers, anti-entrapment systems and drain covers are very important steps in protecting your friends and family in your pool. Drains can be very dangerous in pools if they are not handled properly. Because traditional drains lay flat, any object or body part that covers that drain can become trapped by a powerful suction from which escape is difficult, and sometimes impossible. Thanks to the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007, all public pools are required to take anti-entrapment measures to ensure pool safety. This law does not apply to private and personal pools and unfortunately accidents still occur. You can ensure that your pool is safe by installing anti-entrapment pool drain covers or a vacless anti-entrapment system.

Anti-entrapment drain covers are not flat, but domed. This prevents objects or bodies from completely covering the drain and creating a dangerous suction. They offer an inexpensive and simple solution to prevent drain related accidents. To extend your protection further, vacless anti-entrapment systems automatically allow air into the pump in the event of an abnormally high vacuum suction (such as child pulled down on the mail drain). This air will then cause the pump to lose its prime, preventing any chance of entrapment.  Both anti-entrapment measures are very easy to install and you will rest easy knowing that you have taken great measures to ensure that your pool is entrapment hazard free!

CPSC Seeks Comment on Addition to Pool Safety Law

Safety Drain Covers

To prevent further injuries and deaths as a result of drain entrapment in pools and spas, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act requires that all public pools and spas be equipped with anti-entrapment drain covers that comply with the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 standard.  Unfortunately, the term “public accommodations facility” used in the original law to describe who must comply was not adequately defined.  Which types of establishments fall into the category of “public accommodations facility” and which do not?

The answer to this question is the focus of a proposed interpretive rule that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) would like to add to the existing Pool and Spa Safety Act.  If the newly proposed definition for the term “public accommodations facility” is accepted, the CPSC will be able to more effectively enforce the law and ensure that more pools and spas are made safe for public use.

The CPSC will accept public comment on the proposed rule until December 21, 2010.  To read more about the proposed rule and how to submit a comment, visit the following page: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-26520.htm.

Keeping Your Pool Safe With a Pool Alarm

Now is the time to get your pool ready for spring and summer. Out of all the steps that are taken to open your pool for the season, one of the most important steps of all is protecting your loved ones with a working pool alarm.

Your pool will provide your family with countless hours of enjoyment. However it is also a potentially dangerous place for small children and pets. Accidental drowning is the leading cause of death in children under the age of 5 and the second leading cause of death in children under age 14.

The new PoolSonix pool alarm uses seismic technology to detect unwanted or accidental intrusions into your swimming pool. If a child or pet accidentally falls into your pool the PoolSonix will detect the movement and a loud 110 decibel alarm will sound at the pools base unit and an 85 decibel alarm will sound inside the house. This will absolutely facilitate immediate response which is most crucial in preventing catastrophic pool accidents.

Try the PoolSonix solar powered pool alarm and gain the peace of mind that your loved ones are safe during your pool season!

PoolSonix Solar Powered Pool Alarm