A new federal law may mean some public pool owners along the Grand Strand will have to close up shop--no matter how many tourists are itching for a dip in the cool water this summer--if they aren't in compliance with a new law.
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act requires all commercial pools to have a new anti-entrapment drain cover installed by Friday, December 19
.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission could levy huge fines--some say over $1 million--if licensed pool owners are found in violation after that date.
Chip Harvin of Caldwell Pools in Myrtle Beach says the new drain covers don't look much different than the old ones, but are newly-certified to meet certain safety standards.
"These meet more of a vortex issue, which entraps hair and clothing and stuff like that," Harvin said. "It tangles it up inside the drain and doesn't allow the swimmer to come back up."
The law came about, partly, in response to the death of 7-year-old Graeme Baker, who died in a powerful spa drain after the suction entrapped her under water.
Harvin said the drain covers, and installation, should only run a few hundred dollars.
"It's worth 300 bucks for a $1 million chance," he said.
Harvin says pool owners should have the covers professionally installed--because the installation crew can properly notify DHEC, which regulates all public pool ppermits.
That way, DHEC knows which pools are in compliance, and which are not.
Craig Culbreth is the recreation director at Ocean Lakes Campgrounds. He said the resort's five pools are all in compliance, or on the way. A couple of the outdoor pools may still need to be upgraded, which is fine, because the tourist traffic is so light in December, it's not a problem to drain the pools to replace the ccovers.
"This is an extra safety measure , which we're glad to do," Culbreth said.
As for residential pools, the law does grandfather in any pool built before the deadline. If a pool is currently under construction at a residence, or is built after December 19th, it has to have the new anti-entrapment drain covers, according to Harvin.
"(Homeowners) don't have to panic and go out and buy one of these things," he said. "Is it a good idea? You know, with the way the lawsuits the way they are, (i(it's probably a good idea), but you don't have to," he said.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement