Will Your HOA Pool Drain Meet the New Drain Safety Regulation?

Here in Indiana, one of the last things on anyone's mind is a swim in the HOA pool.  But on December 19, 2008, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act will require all public and semi-public pools and spas to have anti-drowning drain covers installed on their drains. (This new law does not require private pool and spa owners to comply.) 

This law came into being after the drowning of 7-year-old Virginia Graeme Baker, granddaughter of former Secretary of State James Baker, when she got caught in a hot tub drain in 2002.   

As it stands now, those who do not comply will be forced to close or face civil and criminal penalties. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, it will effect hundreds of thousands of pools nationwide. 

If your HOA has an outdoor pool, you will need to install the Federally Approved Drain Cover before opening your pool for the 2009 swim season.  For more information about this new law, you may want to contact your Community Manager or Pool Service Company.  Be safe and be ready for the 2009 season.