New shallow pool law for drain covers takes effect Jan. 1

Operators of public pools and spas in Minnesota have until Jan. 2, 2009 to meet the requirements of the Abigail Taylor Pool Safety Act or face possible closure, state health officials said today.

The law requires the installation of anti-entrapment drain covers and other systems to ensure children or others cannot become trapped by the drain, which can result in serious injury or death. The deadline applies to pools and spas four feet deep or less. Another provision of the law applying to pools deeper than four feet goes into effect Jan. 1, 2011.

"Our primary concern is that public swimming pools are operated safely,” said Colleen Paulus, manager of the food, beverage and lodging section of the Minnesota Department of Health. “Shallow public pools must meet the requirements of the new law and other Minnesota statutes and rules by Jan. 2."

A separate federal law calling for similar safety enhancements went into effect Dec. 19 and applies to all public pools and spas regardless of depth. In a recent statement, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) chairman said the focus of enforcement activities should be on where the greatest risk of drain entrapment to children exists, such as wading pools, pools designed specifically for toddlers and young children, and inground spas, particularly where these facilities have flat drain grates and single main drain systems.