Anti entrapment covers?

And I apologize to lance for taking the bandwith.

Whats everyone's understanding of the new law. A lot of confusion exists with different groups as to what the requirement is. Does all drains have to be fitted with a anti entrapment cover (at least on commercial pools so far) Some have the contention that it only has to be a anti entrapment cover or a svrs, not both. Some say both are required. The way I am interpreting it a main drain cover that is anti entrapment certified is MANDATORY, regardless if its a single drain, dual drain, or unblockable.

Who's next?

The answer is clearly stated on both the CPSC website and the APSP site.
APSP: Frequently asked questions on the Federal Pool & Spa Act states:
ALL PUBLIC POOLS + SPAS, BOTH NEW & EXISTING, BE EQUIPPED WITH CERTIFIED COVERS ON EVERY SUCTION OUTLET. The covers must be certified "A112.19.8,2007"
Deadline is Dec. 19.2008
In addition to an anti-entrapment cover on every submerged drain, any single suction outlet must have an additional safety option employed, several options exist, including 5 currently certified SVRS models, a vented system, or a gravity sump system
Bruce
poolrepairdiver.com

Called my local building inspector to see what their take on the new requirement is. Got some differences in opinion. The first I called stated that the requirement was for only NEW construction. I reminded him of the requirement for commercial pools and that was his contention. For only new construction they are requiring anti entrapment covers and a svrs or other type of approved gravity drain, suction vent, or automatic shut off. He was not applying the law to residential pools which has no requirement as of yet. So older pools in this guys book dont need safety covers. The next inspector I called said that they are requiring all commercial pools to be compliant as of december 20 2008, or bear proof the modification are being made in the near future. Doesnt seem like any of them are actually heading out of their offices to look into pool bottoms to see if anti entrapment covers are being installed. Their position is that its the pool companies responsibility to enforce compliane and/or inspection for main drain covers. Finally, the second office I spoke to said all pool owner would need to furnish as proof is a box that the cover came in. The inspector may have an installer of a approved main drain anti entrapment cover sign a affadavity of installation and what was installed. MAYBE. If the pool was being re worked, ie electric, plumbing, etc.. that required a building permit of course at that time, he would require an anti entrapment cover being in place. Seems like enforcement of compliance is strictly voluntary? Got a call from a Hampton Inn. They dont know if they were compliant because they were under the assumption they were exempt based on the fact that the pool builder told them. Despite having a svrs installed, the bottom drain upgrade was not present. All i can say is this whole issue is subject to interpretation. I hope nobody else gets hurt. All its going to take is a serious injury, dismemberment, or death to get people, at least in the commercial world, to upgrade their covers.

got a wide variety of responses from several different county health departments regarding commercial bottom drain retrofit with compliant asme/ansi code.

1. submit a letter to this office of your intent to modfify a pool. we will respond to you in writing to make the change. once the change is made, submit to us in writing what you did.

2. submit application and 55 dollar fee, install the drain. accompanied with certfication of work done have a PE perform hydraulic flow study to comply with teh 1.5 fs on commercial or public pools.

3. "whatever you install on this pools mr ma---ey, it has to be better than the one we have. we are not taking an active roll in inspecting bottom drains. we have been instructed no to do so the cpsc is following up on this