Pool Safety: The Name of the Game

With summer right around the corner, now is the time to revisit your pool's safety measures. From General Compliance and the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Safety Act, to the sumps and flow rates and insurance plan coverage; now is the time to revisit your club's proactive approach.

From the Poolsafely.gov Frequently Asked Questions page, here are a few thoughts to keep in mind as you review your club's safety precautions:

General Compliance

What are public pool and spa owners/operators obligated to do to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act?

"As of December 19, 2008, all operating public pools and spas must have suction outlet covers that meet the ANSI/ASME A112.19.8 (2007) standard or any successor standard on every suction outlet. The successor standard is now ANSI/APSPP 16-2011. An unblockable suction outlet is defined in the P&SS act as ‘a drain of any size and shape that a human body cannot sufficiently block to create a suction entrapment hazard.’"

Sumps

If I need to modify my sump to accept a new replacement cover, do I need a professional engineer or a licensed professional to approve this new cover?

"Yes, if the modification increases the flow/velocity through the rated suction outlet cover or it will substantially affect the sump structure. If the sump needs substantial modification to accept new P&SS Act compliant cover, then this would be considered a "field fabricated" sump and would require either the approval of a professional engineer or registered design professional."

Flow Rates

How do I calculate flow for suction outlet covers in a multiple suction outlet system?

"The general concept to calculate flow for multiple suction outlets is to assume one suction outlet is blocked so the total flow through the remaining open suction outlet covers meets the system requirements. The total flow must be distributed equally among the unblocked suction outlet covers. Consult a Professional Engineer to determine the flow and balance of specific multiple suction outlet systems."

By taking these preventative measures, you can help your club avoid many major incidents. For incidents of all levels of severity, VGM Club and VGM Insurance offer insurance programs that can help your club stay protected in any situation.

With a Golf and Country Club focused Insurance specialist on hand, VGM Insurance is more equipped than ever to create a tailored program that fits your club's unique needs. "Each year clubs are faced with serious risks associated with pool safety for their members and guests," said Matt Lindgren, Golf Program Manager for VGM Insurance Services. "A claim related to injury or death from improper safety procedures can be significant and cause irreparable reputational harm.  As an insurance specialist focusing solely on Golf and Country Clubs, we understand these exposures and have developed materials to assist in staff training and help you mitigate the risks involved in operating a pool facility."

Don't forget with pool season right around the corner, VGM Club can assist with all areas of your pool maintenance. For more information about VGM Insurance and how to get in touch with Golf Program Manager Matt Lindgren, click here or contact your VGM Club Rep.