New National Standards for Swimming Pools

You have probably heard about the new regulations for swimming pools regarding anti-entrapment design. The Virginia Graeme Baker Act is now in place, and requires that all pools have certain drain covers and structural designs that would prevent someone from becoming trapped by a drain that does not release when blocked. Replacing the drain covers will be fairly easy, provided that the covers are readily available (there has been talk of shortages, as every pool drain cover in the country must be converted to the new standard). The more complicated issue has to do with "Safety Vacuum Release Systems" and separation of bottom drains. If a pool has 2 bottom drains that are at least 3 feet apart, all that is needed are updated covers. For pools and spas that have only a single bottom drain, the options include adding a second drain (breaking through the pool bottom and installing another drain, then re-surfacing) or installing SVRS pump sytems that would prevent suction blockage. While work has been done on most indoor pools in the northeast, there have been some that have closed due to the complexity and cost of the requirements. All outdoor pool owners will be scrambling in the spring to be in compliance. We are currently looking at any and all options, and have received a range of "solutions" from various pool companies. We are purposely getting started early so as not to delay the opening of any of our pools, which typically consists of the hot tubs opening on the first weekend in May, and the large pools opening one at a time over Mother's Day and Carnival Weekend, with all pools open by Memorial Day. Unfortunately, none of the work can be started until the ice melts and the pools can be drained down--which hopefully is just around the corner.