Pool Safety and Accessibility Regulations

Compliance Obligations: Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act

• Guidance: Federal Pool Safety Requirements under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
  Guidance on federal legislation requiring all public pools and spas, including those located in apartment communities, to be equipped with anti-entrapment devices by December 19, 2008. (April 2008)

• CPSC: FAQ on Federal Pool Safety Requirements
  This guidance from the CPSC clarifies issues related to the availability of drain covers, their position on sumps, enforcement authority and other general compliance obligations. (February 2009)

• CPSC Launches New Pool Safety Videos
  The eight-video series helps pool operators assess their level of compliance with the requirements of the Virginia Graham Baker Pool Safety Act (VGBA). (February 2012)

• APSP Webinar: Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
  Webinar produced by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals detailing what firms need to do to meet federal pool and spa safety regulations. (December 2008)

• CPSC Revokes Prior Definition of an "Unblockable" Pool Drain
  Would revoke a prior "interpretive rule" defining unblockable pool drains and requiring previously compliant pool owners to install a second anti-entrapment system. (September 28, 2011)

• CPSC Issues Voluntary Recall of Pool and Spa Drains
  Affects drains produced by eight manufacturers AFTER December 2008. (May 28, 2011)

• Manufacturers of ASME/ANSI Approved Pool Drain Covers
  A CPSC-produced list of companies that manufacture pool and spa drain covers of various sizes and have represented to CPSC staff that their covers meet the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 standard, as required by the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, Section 1404(c)(1)(A)(i). (October 2008)

ADA Pool Accessibility Requirements

• New ADA Standards for Pool Accessibility Take Effect
  New standards could require some apartment firms to install permanent, fixed lifts at community pools. (February 2013)

• NMHC Guidance: Revised ADA Pool Accessibility Regulations
  Reviews revised compliance obligations for swimming pools that are open to the public, e.g. where memberships are sold to non-residents. (December 2010)