Pool drain covers need to be replaced

On a chilly winter day, a swimming pool may be the last thing on your mind. But for some pool owners its a top priority. Many of them are busy making mandatory changes to their pool.

The new Pool and Safety Act states that pool or hot tub owners must replace old drain covers with anti-entrapment drain covers. The drain covers are now required after some swimmers in other states died or were injured after getting caught in a drain.

Newtone Health and Fitness owner Barry Newton recently had the covers changed at his facility.

"Once I became aware of the new modifications that are available, it only made sense to do it," Newton said.

Newton said he received a letter from the Tippecanoe County Health Department informing him of the law. The Department cannot enforce the act because the law has not been passed statewide, yet. But, employees can note if pool owners are non-compliant during routine inspections.

Crystal Clear Pools owner Timothy Graham, installed new drain covers at several pools around the area.

"(This) is the style of the new cover. It's raised to prevent bodily entrapment. It also prevents hair entanglement. This comes in two parts. The inter frame--which we would put in the existing drain of the pool or spa-- then the new cover goes on top of that," Graham said.

Pools with a single drain system need a second level of protection, such as the Safety Vacuum Release System. The system shuts off the pump if it senses anyone is entrapped.

Graham said the devices also come with warning signals that notify operators or people in the pool, something has happened.

Graham said his family has been in the pool business for decades. He said this legislation has been a long time coming. He said it is important so swimmers can have fun and stay safe.

The law not only applies to commercial swimming pools. Homeowners with private pools need to make the modifications as well.