Swimming Pool Main Drain Regulations

Effective 1 year after december 19 2007 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 successor standard regulating such swimming pool or drain cover.

Swimming pool main drain regulations. The virginia graeme baker pool and spa safety act vgba is a united states law named after graeme baker who died in an accident in june 2002 when the suction from a spa drain entrapped her under the water. Energy independence and security act of 2007 eisa title 14 pub l. This is due to safety regulations to help prevent main trap entrapment. Commercial pools or public pools around the country were required to retrofit older pools with dual main drains.

Enacted in late 2007 the law requires that most drain systems at public and community pools be in compliance with new anti entrapment safety standards in time for this. The new federal safety regulations for pool drains are part of the virginia graeme baker pool safety act named for the daughter of former secretary of state james a. Section 341 0645 pool safety. Main drain entrapment occurs when the suction is so great through a single main drain that a person can become stuck on or in the drain.

It is title 14 of the u s. Free online training virginia graeme baker pool spa safety act online course now available. The check a drain initiative reminds both homeowners as well as professionals to make sure pool spa and hot tub drain covers are replaced per the manufacturer s time requirement stamped on the cover in accordance with federal mandates in the virginia graeme baker vgb pool spa safety act. The pool water is drawn through both main drains simultaneously which removes the possibility of being held down by strong suction or stuck on the drain cover.

And side view see the pool code for dimension requirements for pools with diving boards d. If a successor standard is proposed the american society of. Indicate depth markers on the pool deck to match depth markers on the wall. Profile view longitudinal section 1.

Exclusively for swimming recreative bathing or wading and includes appurtenances used in connection with the swimming pool. Texas laws health and safety code. When constructing a new swimming pool if you are going to use a main drain it is required that you use two. Section 341 064 swimming pools and bathhouses.

Section 341 0695 interactive water features and fountains. Depths at the shallow end wall depths at any beginning or ending in breaks in slope and depth at the main drain. Guidance documents unblockable drain interpretation october 2011 vgb guidelines.