Improperly Installed Vinyl Swimming Pool Liner in Jericho, VT
Swimming Pool Inspection Services was called out recently to inspect an inground swimming pool with a vinyl liner in Jericho, VT that continued to rip and tear, even after being patched.
Recessed Hot Tub in Oshkosh, WI Must be Replaced When Pipes Freeze
After extreme cold in Oshkosh, WI, a recessed hot tub begins leaking water. The homeowners suspected that the pipes had frozen during the extremely cold winter. Swimming Pool Inspection Services is tasked with finding out the cause of the leak.
Our inspector made the assessment that the hot tub had frozen, and that the unit would need to be completely replaced.
Hanford, CA Pool Inspection Case Study
Swimming Pool Inspection Services was called out to inspect the heating system for an inground swimming pool in Hanford, CA that had issued what the homeowner thought was smoke from a fire within the unit. Our inspector determined that there was no fire, but rather, the heater had broken because of an improper chemical balance in the pool water. He advised that the heater be replaced.
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA)
What Is the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act?
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA) is named after drowning victim Virginia Graeme Baker, who became stuck to a hot tub drain in 2002 due to its powerful suction. She was only 7 years old. Her mother tried to pull her free from the drain and was unable to; it eventually took two men to pull her free. After this incident, her mother became an activist for pool safety, and lobbied Congress to pass the Pool and Spa Safety Act.
The act was introduced to Congress by Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz from Florida, and was supported by the organization Safe Kids Worldwide.
Devices for Complying with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
The requirements of the act state that all public pools and spas must be retrofitted or outfitted with anti-entrapment drain covers. The drain covers must be ASME/ANSI compliant, which means they are in compliance with safety standards that have been accredited by the American National Standards Institute and published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
In addition to having ASME/ANSI compliant drain covers, any pools or spas with only one main drain (unless it is unblockable) must be retrofitted in one of the following ways:
- Safety vacuum release system: A safety vacuum release system ceases operation of the pump and reverses the circulation flow when a blockage is detected.
- Suction-limiting vent system: A system that limits the force of suction on a drain; this system must also be tamper-resistant.
- Gravity drainage system: A gravity drainage system with a collector tank.
- Automatic pump shut-off system,
- Drain disablement: Any device that allows the drain to be disabled.
Alternately, a pool or spa with one main drain may be retrofitted to have two drains, thereby minimizing the force of suction on any one drain.
Pool Drain Cover Recalls
In May 2011, a number of drain covers were recalled. It was found that the methods used to test these drain covers were inadequate, and that it was possible that a drain entrapment hazard could be present. A list of the recalled covers can be found online at the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website, However, some of the manufacturers that were included in the recall are:
- A & A
- AquaStar
- Color Match
- Custom Molded Products
- Hayward
- Rising Dragon
- Pentair
- Waterway
In particular, “kiddie” or wading pools and inground spas that were installed after December 2008, but before the recall in 2011, were likely installed with drains that were then recalled.
Lifespan of Compliant Pool Drain Covers
It is important to note that drain covers have a lifespan, and must be replaced to remain compliant and safe. The manufacturer determines the lifespan of a drain cover. In many cases, the lifespan will be marked on the drain cover so it is easily noted. In general, most drain covers have a life of 5 to 7 years. For example, Aquastar covers must be replaced every 5 years, while certain Waterway models only need to be replaced every 7 years.
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act Compliance
Public pool and spa facilities must be in compliance with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. Doing so ensures that the same tragedy that befell Virginia Graeme Baker will not happen again. When a pool or spa is not in compliance, not only is the possibility of accidental drowning greatly increased, but a pool or spa facility puts itself at risk for legal action taken against it by a victim’s family, or possibly being shut down. Not complying with regulations is not an option.
The 2008 Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act is a federal safety regulation; however, there are also state safety regulations with which public and residential pools and spas must comply. While these statutes vary from state to state, they often echo those of the Pool and Spa Safety Act with regards to anti-entrapment drains. In addition, many states have requirements for fencing or barriers to prevent children from gaining unsupervised access to a pool or spa. It is essential that a public pool comply with both federal and state regulations.
The best way to verify that a pool or spa is in compliance is to hire an experienced swimming pool inspector, who can thoroughly inspect the pool and spa facilities to ensure compliance not only with the Pool and Spa Safety Act, but also with local and state requirements. Our nationwide network of inspectors are well-versed in local, state, and federal safety requirements, and can assist both residential and public pools and spas to remain or become compliant with required points of code. Contact Swimming Pool Inspection Services today.
Thomasville, NC Swimming Pool Liner Cut with Blade
Swimming Pool Inspection Services was called out to inspect damage to a vinyl swimming pool liner in Thomasville, NC. The homeowner suspected that his previous tenant at the residence had done the damage intentionally. Our inspector determined that it was highly likely that the damage was done intentionally, due to the nature of the tears in the liner.
Wildomar, CA Salt Water Pool Turns Green
Swimming Pool Inspection Services was called upon recently to inspect a swimming pool in Wildomar, CA, whose plaster had a greenish tint to it after being power washed. It was determined that the salt water chlorinator caused the green tint. However, it was also noted that the plaster may have been damaged from being drained for an extended period of time.
Studio City, CA Swimming Pool Damaged by Fallen Tree?
Swimming Pool Inspection Services was called upon recently to help determine the cause of a crack in a swimming pool in Studio City, CA. The pool had already been inspected for leaks; however, before an estimate could be made, our inspector needed to see the damage in person. While the crack was discovered during the removal of a fallen tree, it was determined that the tree did not cause the crack.
Inglewood, CA Above-Ground Spa Damaged from Police Search
Swimming Pool Inspection Services was called out to look into an above-ground spa in Inglewood, CA that would not hold water. The homeowner explained that the spa cabinet had been opened by local police in search for some kind of evidence, and that the following day, the spa had a severe leak. Our inspector was unable to determine the cause of the leak, but did find that the leak seemed to be more extreme than could be expected from normal wear and tear.
Carlsbad, CA Pool Inspected for Soot and Ash Damage From Fire
Swimming Pool Inspection Services was called out recently to inspect a swimming pool and filter system in Carlsbad, CA that had been clogged from soot and ash blown into the swimming pool from a nearby fire. Ultimately, it was determined that a thorough cleaning of the system and replacing of the filter grids would solve the issues with the clogged filter.
El Cajon, CA Pool Inspected for Damaged Laminate Tiling
Swimming Pool Inspection Services was called out to inspect an inground swimming pool in El Cajon, CA to determine if a leak was causing the laminate to peel up from the concrete patio in the pool area. After a thorough inspection it was determined that the pool did not have a leak.