New Anti Drowning Law for Pools and Hot Tubs

Thousand of pools and hot tubs could be closed unless new anti drowning drain covers are installed.  The new drains are designed to prevent drain suction from trapping children under water.  The rules apply to all pools and spas used by the public.  The improved drain systems were outlined in legislation passed by Congress a year ago.  The legislation bans the manufacture, sale or distribution of drain covers that don't meet anti-entrapment safety standards.

New models use a hump-shaped drain cover rather than the flat style that more easily attains suction with a child's body. Pools with just one drain also are required to install a second drain system, or external shut-off.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said Monday the agency will focus initially on public baby pools and wading pools, as well as in-ground spas that have flat drain grates on the bottom and just one drain system.

The National Swimming Pool Foundation, a nonprofit group in Colorado Springs, Colo., said about 80 percent of the 300,000 public pools and spas in the United States do not comply with the new rules and may have to close.

Georgia wrongful death and serious injury attorney Jason R. Schultz represents drowning victims and their families.  If you or a loved one have suffered serious personal injuries or death due to a pool operators carelessness or failure to comply with the law, please call (404) 474-0804 for a free consultation