Pool Safety

Nothing is more important to Millennium Pool Service than that your pool is Safe!!

Please review some of the key items we have listed to be sure your pool is always safe!!

Main Drain Grates

Pool and Spa drains are dangerous and can create enough suction to trap a full grown adult. All drain grates must have been upgraded to an approved grate that helps to prevent patrons from becoming trapped. Pools with a single drain must be upgraded to include a second drain or to have a system that shuts pump off when blockage is indicated. If you have missing or loose drain covers or have not had your drains updated call for an inspection.

Congress has taken action to prevent additional injury by passing the Virginia Graeme Baker Act (VGBA) into federal law in December, 2007. The intention of the law is to prevent accidental drowning and injury due to entrapment on the suction grates of all swimming pools, spas and fountains. You can read more about the act on the U.S. Government page of the Consumer Product Safety Commission at this
link:http://www.poolsafely.gov/pool-spa-safety-act/virginia-graeme-baker/

What does this mean? If you are a commercial operation such as a hotel or health club, the local health department may close your facility down until you are in compliance with the law. Compliance may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, as local laws may go beyond the minimal regulations established in VGBA. However, at the minimum, the main drain grates on your water facility probably need to be changed to the new approved grates.

Fence
Every pool must be fenced to prevent unauthorized access. Gates must be locked when an adult is not on site. Doors from the home that lead directly in to the pool area must have a lock and a warning alarm so homeowners are aware if a person enters the pool.

Water Clarity
Patrons should never swim when they cannot clearly see the pool bottom or drain.

Electrical Hazard
Electrical appliances and extension cords must be 10 feet away from pool. Pumps, timers and electric boxes must have proper covers and connections.

Heaters and Gas supply
Heaters should be checked regularly for gas connections and venting. Propane tanks must be checked every time filled.

Hot Tub and Spa Safety
Infants and toddlers should not be permitted in a hot tub at all as babies’ thin skin makes them more susceptible to overheating.

Chemical Storage
Chemicals must remain in original marked containers. Never mix any chemicals.

Drowning Hazard
Children must be supervised by an adult. Keep phone available near or around pool. Diving may only take place in approved areas.

ADA Requirements
http://www.access-board.gov/ada-aba/final.cfm#a242

Additional Information available:
http://www.apsp.org/Public/Safety/index.cfm
http://www.poolsafely.gov/

For more information about ADA legislation –
http://www.access-board.gov/ada-aba/final.cfm#a242

Main Drain Safety and the VGB Act

Due to the Virginia Graeme Baker Act (VGBA) that Congress passed into federal law in December, 2007, main drain covers are still a hot topic. The intention of the law is to prevent accidental drowning and injury due to entrapment on the suction grates of all swimming pools, spas and fountains. You can read more about the act on the U.S. Government page of the Consumer Product Safety Commission at this link:
http://www.poolsafely.gov/pool-spa-safety-act/virginia-graeme-baker/
What does this mean? If you are a commercial operation such as a hotel or health club, the local health department may close your facility down until you are in compliance with the law. Compliance may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, as local laws may go beyond the minimal regulations established in VGBA. However, at the minimum, the main drain grates on your water facility probably need to be changed to the new approved grates.

If you are a home pool owner and your pool was built before 2008, your pool is probably not in compliance and you may run the risk of accidental entrapment in your pool. Please call us if you would like us to assess your pool for this