The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has released ANSI/ASME A112.19.8--2007 Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs. The revisions for this standard include testing of outlet covers to prevent hair entanglement, body entrapment, and finger entrapment as well as improved Ultra Violet (UV) stability of outlet covers.

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety act promotes the safe use of pools, spas and hot tubs by imposing mandatory federal requirements for suction entrapment avoidance. Effective December 20, 2008, the Act will be administered by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

What do the mandatory federal requirements mean? Specifically, the mandatory federal requirements are as follows:

By December 20, 2008 each swimming pool or spa drain cover manufactured, distributed or entered into commerce in the United States shall conform to the ANSI/ASME A112.19.8 2007 Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs published by ASME. Compliance with this standard will be enforced by the CPSC as a consumer product safety rule.

Our Suction Outlet products comply with provisions of the ANSI/ASME A112.19.8--2007 standard and the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.

To help you understand the Safety Act and its requirements, we recommend that you review the summary of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act as presented on the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) website.

RFSFR12101