This new federal law was enacted to help prevent suction entrapment injuries and became effective December 19, 2008. The requirements for public swimming pools, spas and wading pools are summarized below and must be met before these facilities can be operated.
Drain Cover Requirements - New drain covers, fasteners, frames and sumps certified to ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 must be installed.
Backup System Requirements - Suction piping for each pump must be inspected and will be considered in compliance with the federal law if:
1) No submerged drains connect to the pump, or...
2) Multiple drains or suction outlets are at least three feet apart, or...
3) There is a single "unblockable" drain. An unblockable drain includes a sump under the
cover that is larger than 18 inches by 23 inches or a channel type drain with a diagonal
open area of at least 29 inches.
Single and two-drain systems that fail to meet the above requirements must be modified by adding:
1) Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS)
2) Suction-Limiting Vent System
3) Gravity Drainage System
4) Automatic Pump Shut-Off System
5) Drain Disablement or...
6) Other Systems determined by Consumer Protection Safety Commission to be equally effective.
Another Option is to split the single drain into a dual-drain system with at least 3 feet of
separation using properly sized branch piping.
CODES and STANDARDS
All public pools, spas and wading pools must comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act. In addition, many state and local governments may have more stringent requirements, codes and standards which apply to residential and public pools, spas and wading pools. These may include the ANSI/APSP7 Suction Entrapment Avoidance Standard, the International Code Council's building codes (which adopt the International Building Code and International Residential Code) and other codes and standards. Be sure to consult your state and local building and health codes and standards for more information.
ADA REQUIREMENTS Article
For more information click on links below...
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