CPSC Revokes Unblockable Pool Drain Interpretation
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a final rule revoking its April 2010 interpretation of the term “unblockable drain” as used in the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act).
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Need Anti-Entrapment System, Not Just Cover to Make a Drain UnBlockable
The revocation means that a drain cover alone can no longer be used to convert a blockable drain into an unblockable drain in order to satisfy the VGB Act requirements for pools and spas. Instead, pursuant to the VGB Act, drains that are blockable will also require a secondary anti-entrapment system to be considered unblockable. (See notice for description of what constitutes a secondary anti-entrapment system.)
Pools and Spas Have Until May 2012 to Comply
The final rule is effective October 11, 2011, but any public pools or spas that require modifications as a result of it have until May 28, 2012 to comply.
(See ITT’s Online Archives 11093023 for summary of Commissioner comments on the contentious 3-2 vote on the final rule.
See ITT’s Online Archives 10042830 for summary of the April 2010 final interpretive rule on unblockable pool drains.)
CPSC contact -- Troy Whitfield (301) 504--7548
(FR Pub 10/10/11)