VIRGINIA GRAEME BAKER ACT
In December of 2007, the Virginia Graeme Baker Act became federal law. This Act impacts ALL public swimming pools and spas in Oklahoma and the majority of them across the nation. This massive undertaking has been assigned to the CPSC for implementation. All pools and spas in operation after December 19, 2008 that are not in compliance may be subject to fines of up to 1.8 million dollars and/or imprisonment. It is our desire to help pool and spa owners in Oklahoma become compliant with this federal law.
By December 19, 2008, ALL public pool owners/operators must:
– Install Drain Covers that meet the ANSI/ASME A112.19.8-2007 standard on EVERY drain/grate.
– Ensure that dual or multiple drains are at least 3 ft. apart
– Install an automatic shut-off system, gravity drainage system, Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS), suction-limiting vent system, or disable the drain, if the pool operates off of a single main drain. Pools and Spas with unblockable drains are exempt from this requirement. SVRS systems are NOT acceptable for use in Oklahoma County.
Pools and Spas not open on December 19, 2008 are not required to be in compliance until the day the Pool or Spa is re-opened.
All repairs to pools and spas in Oklahoma County will be subject to approval by the Oklahoma County Health Department and must be performed by Board of Health Certified Swimming Pool Professionals.
OWNERS, OPERATORS, AND/OR MAINTENANCE WORKERS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PERFORM THESE REPAIRS IN OKLAHOMA COUNTY.
All main drain covers installed will be logged with the Oklahoma County Health Department and will have installation dates and expiration dates as well as installer information on file.
Hydra Pools, Inc. is offering our services in the following areas:
- Consultation with regard to Virginia Graeme Baker Law Compliance, Entrapment Hazard Elimination, and Inspection of Main Drain Sumps and Rings
- Main Drain Cover Replacement on Pools and Spas with Compliant Dual Main Drains
- Remediation of Single Main Drain Systems by best means possible
Hydra Pools, Inc. and its Board of Health Certified Employees were proud to perform the first Main Drain remediation in Oklahoma County.
Representatives from the Oklahoma County and State Health Departments were on site to see the work as it was performed.
We will continue to work closely with the Oklahoma City/County Health Department on a case by case basis in order to achieve compliance with both city regulations and federal law.
It is our desire to serve the safety needs of our Oklahoma swimming pool patrons.