Pool operators still struggling to comply with new regulations

On January 23, 2009 the newspaper in Tyler, Texas, published yet another article describing the continuing non-compliance with the federal Pool and Spa Safety Act.   We filed a web log entry on this issue several weeks ago, describing the problem.   The law requiring safety protections was enacted to eliminate the drain hazard in public pools:  these drains have trapped, disemboweled or otherwise injured numerous swimmers over the years.  They are a particular hazard for children.  Enacted in December of 2007, the act allowed operators a full year to comply or face fines:  despite the time allowed and the availability of numerous inexpensive solutions, it is estimated that more than 80 percent of public pools remain out of compliance.  The CPSC records document an average of one-to-two drowning victims per year, usually involving flat pool drains.  The most common remedy is to install a domed drain cover that makes it more difficult to establish a vacuum.