Each penetration of the liner is a potential leak. Where does the emergency phone have to be located? Only pools at single-family residences that are rented to others will be excluded from VGB’s public pool and spa requirements. All covers must meet the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 standard. of entrapment protection. Keep in mind, however, that almost any type of pool cleaning can be done with water in the pool. All pools and spas must have some kind To install the main drains into a vinyl pool, first remove the cover and face plate off of each main drain pot, and tape over the opening, covering the faceplate screw holes with duct tape. As stated above, installing a main drain in an above ground pool on your own may not be the best idea as it takes some doing. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has finalized three aspects of VGB that were still up in the air: model language for potential state laws; the definition of an unblockable drain; and the definition of a commercial pool. An improperly functioning or broken drain can be an owner’s worst nightmare because usually the pool must be completely drained and the concrete or plaster at the bottom must be destroyed in order to fix the leak. Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! They are often left off of vinyl liner pools. We switch to full main drain for a few minutes, get the vacuum ready to go and then just vacuum what was pulled to the center. What should you expect during the permit process? Builder is proposing 2 skimmers, 2 returns but no main drain. 9. Any state can pass more stringent language, as long as it is consistent with two CPSC publications regarding pool and spa safety: Safety Barrier Guidelines for Home Pools and Guidelines for Entrapment Hazards: Making Pools and Spas Safer. Specifically, the language states that all vessels, new or existing, must have some kind of entrapment protection, whether it be multiple or unblockable drains, a drainless system or a device such as an SVRS. It is because pool water can contain harsh chemical (like chlorine), and harsh environment. Some controversy arose over a related decision — to define a drain as unblockable if it has an adequately sized cover, even if the sump is smaller. The fencing requirements do not apply to portable hot tubs, as long as they have lockable manual safety covers. In addition to the height, CPSC outlined other detailed specifications for compliance. “If a cover renders a pool or spa’s main drain unblockable, I can see no safety reason for interpreting the words ‘main drain’ narrowly,” Commissioner Robert Adler said. However, others saw it as adequate. Yes, as long as it doesn’t conflict with VGB and two specified CPSC publications. Some pools have a main-drain but find that inside they have a copper fitting instead of a hydro valve, this copper usually oxidezes very quickly, is almost impossible to remove & renders the fitting useless. He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article to him. Thank you! Fencing at least 48 inches above grade shall “effectively provide protection against potential drowning or near-drowning of young children by preventing them from gaining unsupervised and unfettered access.”. Quality content is the main driver for users to go see a site and that’s what this website is providing. The sewer main drain is a crucial part of a home’s plumbing system. it’s in our hands, mostly that is! …” she said in a statement. In addition to the approved drain covers, all new pools and spas must be built with multiple drains, unblockable drains or no drains at all. Swimming pool main drains don't move water, pool water inlets do; swimming pool main drains can be used to receive water, but they don't actually move pool water. In a safe pool, there are always multiple main drains as well as several skimmer drains, so if somebody or something blocks one drain, the pumping system will pull water from one of the other drains. When you need to remove a pool, whether it's in-ground or above-ground, the first step is knowing how to drain a pool. Will these laws require isolation fencing? The standard main drain designs now require that two main drain outlets be installed at the bottom of a pool. JavaScript is disabled. What is the definition of the deep area of a swimming pool? The main drain of an in-ground swimming pool is one of the most crucial parts of the pool’s mechanics. 6. specified devices are in place. If the house serves as part of the barrier, it must be backed up with an audible alarm or power safety cover, both of which must meet certain specifications. Your email address will not be published. A barrier is required, but the home can act as one of the four sides, as long as Most swimming pools also have a couple of vacuum ports, which are only used in pool cleaning. To fit this category, a drain must be large enough so that its open area is not blocked by the 18-by-23-inch element used in testing. – – Other states have reportedly expressed interest, but the CPSC won’t specify which. You need to drain your pool water regularly. We have a main drain our pool and I'm glad we did it. Backup devices are optional, unless the state passes a more stringent law. However, others saw it as adequate. 8. If a pool builder just designs a pool without a main drain and puts on a variable speed pump it would not be a benefit to the pool owner. Finally, CPSC clarified a vague term used to define a public pool. Once the water is drained, you can continue the process of removing the walls and liner, or filling in your in-ground pool, bringing you one step closer to that bigger backyard. A pump is located underneath or near a swimming pool equipped with a main drain and it's used to pull water down into the drain. CPSC Chairwoman Inez Tenenbaum dissented. They said they can put one in if I want. Most pool industry experts will say it’s better to replace your swimming pool water for every two to three years. Thank you for sharing! Place the old drain to one side, and slot the new drain cover into the main pool drain. Additionally, CPSC finalized its definition of an unblockable drain. There is a 2″ plug included with each main drain you will use that to plug the bottom hole in each main drain. How does a swim diaper protect other swimmers? Actually, of all of the different types of swimming pools, it is only vinyl liner pools that really have the option of no main drain. Does a hydro-static valve need to be removed when a pool is empty? In this video Steve talks about why some pool owners ... Do vinyl pools need a main drain? While main drains do assist in the circulation and filtration of a pool, many pools have a disabled or capped main drain line. All rights reserved. Mark Peditto (President) Mike Neri (Vice President) and Pool Programs. A pools so-called main drain is not actually a drain; that is, it is not used to drain the pool. How to Drain Your Swimming Pool. Most visitors online was 3404 , on Jan 24 2020, Spa water line goes down when pump is off; main pool waterline goes up, Pad lower than pool, how to winterize main drain, Leaking at thumb screws on bottom of main pump cleanout. Most pools have two main drains, but a small pool may have only one. What does this mean for new installs? Probably not. Drain covers are securely fastened (try using a skimmer net to ensure drain cover does not move) Children have been warned not to play with or around the drain covers; If you are unable to check any of the above, or you have questions on drain covers, consult your pool and spa professional immediately and discontinue use of pool and/or spa. The law is not a mandate for all pools. The language is designed for a grant program, which awards funds to states that enact approved pool and spa safety laws. Required fields are marked *. Installing a Main Drain. However, a year after enactment of a state law, all new pools and spas must have multiple drains, unblockable drains or no drains at all. Furthermore, flow around the blocking element must fall within a given value. Only states passing such legislation will be affected. An inground swimming pool's main drain is located in the deep end of the pool. Anyone have any experience with these? When You Really Need to Drain Your Pool If you have so much debris in your pool that it can’t be removed, or if your filter can handle the cleanup even with a large dose of chemicals, you will have to drain your pool. The model language released March 3 spells out those baseline conditions. What signs are needed for a public swimming or wade pool? This post couldn’t be written any better! The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase. Without a drain you will almost eliminate any entrapment dangers in your pool. Your new drain should be sized sufficiently to fit into the drain hole. Mark Peditto (President) Mike Neri (Vice President) and Pool Programs Pool will be 5' deep at deepest, with most of it being 3'6". Instead, it provides grants to states that enact pool and spa safety legislation that meets certain requirements set out by CPSC. Is my state trying to receive a grant? This can include multiple drains, unblockable drains, a drainless system, or a backup device such as an SVRS. Portable hot tubs may have ASTM-compliant lockable manual safety covers in lieu of fences. No. CPSC says only Florida is ready to apply. It is being practiced by thousands of pool owners just like you. From http://www.swimmingpoolsteve.com/pages/new-pool-owners.html - Swimming pool main drains are not usually how they sound. This is due to safety regulations to help prevent Main Trap Entrapment. The drains are positioned at the pools deepest point. Instead, it is an outlet, housing a pipe that runs to the pump, which sucks water through a skimmer, then through a filter, then through a heater (if you have one), and then back to the pool via multiple inlets. In part, VGB defines a public pool or spa as one at “a hotel or other public accommodations facility.” Because of confusion, the agency sought to define the latter term. It applies to any outdoor residential vessel intended for swimming or recreational usage, including any above ground and inflatable pool deeper than 24 inches. This holds particular importance for some because an unblockable drain can stand alone and doesn’t need a backup device. When constructing a new swimming pool, if you are going to use a main drain it is required that you use two. New residential swimming pool code requires two main drains to be installed into the pool bottom, at least 5′ apart, and to also have these dome-shaped covers over their main drains. It does take more than a screwdriver and duct tape to install one, so unless you have some plumbing knowledge, you do-it-yourselfers should maybe leave installing one to the pool installer. While it isn't at all likely that it would actually leak, the risk is a minor negative. Unfortunately, since it is not visible, the main drain is also something most people don’t know much about. 7. HapWay 8 Inch in Outer Diameter Universal White Round Swimming Pool Main Drain Suction Cover Replacement with Screws, Fit for in-Ground Swimming Pools Accessary 3.8 out of … “If a cover renders a pool or spa’s main drain unblockable, I can see no safety reason for interpreting the words ‘main drain’ narrowly,” Commissioner Robert Adler said. With over 200,000 members, TFP is the largest and most influential pool & spa website on the Internet. This puts in black and white the continually confusing issue of what VGB means for residential pools. You will need to unscrew the old drain, and pocket the screws. In participating states, all drains must be capped with VGB-approved covers. The reality is that most pools should have a main drain, and many pools must have a main drain in order to function properly. Hello! …” she said in a statement. I also like it too for when we've had a minor algae bloom... turned the main drain on full and brushed the floor debris and dead algae toward the center drain.. made me feel like I was helping move it toward the filter anyway. 5. Rather, a swimming pool's main drain, if it has one, is a suction device. So single-drain pools will need retrofitting. 1. Can my state pass a stricter law? Once water is sucked into a swimming pool's main drain, it's whisked via piping to the pool's filtration unit. Plumbing the Main Drains: New main drain safety laws require the use of dual main drains, to prevent entrapment on a single main drain. Prior to installing a fiberglass pool project […], Your email address will not be published. For an aboveground or onground pool, the vessel itself can serve as the barrier if it stands at least 48 inches above grade. “The use of an unblockable drain cover by itself does not address the entrapment risks posed by a missing or broken drain cover. With these supplies, you are ready to start plumbing your inground swimming pool! I have read about having low suction ports instead of a main drain. Swimming pool main drains don't actually drain anything. © 2020 “The use of an unblockable drain cover by itself does not address the entrapment risks posed by a missing or broken drain cover. In addition, all drains will need to have VGB-approved covers. What does this mean for existing pools and spas? Fairly certain he will have a good read. It makes it nice when you want to do a quick manual vacuum to grab a few leaves in the bottom of the pool. With the new cover in your hand, dive to the bottom of the pool. What signs are needed for a public spa? The question of how the Virginia Graeme Baker act will affect residential pools has finally been answered. Removable mesh fencing is allowed if it meets ASTM F2286-05. During this liner renovation the homeowner did decide to change from 1 main drain to 2 … Great for when you only have a few minutes before people start coming and don't have time to let your automatic vac do the job for you. Artistic Pools Corp The model legislation also presents barrier requirements that are similar to many existing laws. This doesn’t preclude a state from requiring secondary devices. Powered by, Artistic Pools Video Learning Center & Training. They must also be covered by anti-entrapment drain covers. If not, fencing can be added to the top of the pool, provided it meets certain criteria. Dig a small hole in the bottom center of the floor, and place the 2 main … AB 2114 also eliminates the terms “drain and main drain,” and replaces them with the term “suction outlet” everywhere these terms currently appear in California statutes. Many homeowners do not think about their home’s sewer pipes until there is a problem―usually a sewer drain clog. When does a swimming pool need to have a 4 x 4 line on the bottom of the pool floor? During winter months or periods of non-use, most pool drains do not need to be plugged, but in some cases plugging a main drain is required or recommended. This eliminates the suction on the blocked drain. A main drain is nice to have, but not essential. 2. Putting to rest one of the most contentious issues, the law does not require a safety vacuum release system or other such device on pools with multiple drains, unblockable drains or drainless systems. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 4. Whether you need to rebalance your chemicals, lower your TDS (total dissolved solids), or just clean up an in ground pool that has not been maintained, draining all the water from your swimming pool can help fix your problems and clean it fast. — R.R. I am also wondering the same thing. A main drain circulates the pool's water by pulling water off the bottom of the pool and sending it to the filter. 10. Looking at getting a 16 x 32 vinyl liner installed. Many have speculated California may participate. Where should the 4 x 4 line be located? Are some pools not required to have the line? A drainless pool / no main drain pool is the safest and most energy efficient pool. Let's take a look at the language on swimming pool circulation and swimming pool … Here’s the upshot of this latest VGB development: Does this law apply to all residential pools? 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