Maryland's Implementation of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Safety Act

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, public swimming pools throughout Maryland are preparing to open for the summer; however, all public swimming pools in Maryland must comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (“Graeme Baker Act”), which was enacted on December 19, 2008. As mentioned in a previous blog, the Graeme Baker Act promotes the safe use of pools, spas, and hot tubs by requiring the following: 1) all manufactured safety drain covers must conform with the American National Standard ASME A112.19.8-2007 Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (“ASME”); 2) all new and existing public pool drain covers must be equipped with the conforming drain covers; and 3) all new and existing public pool with a single main drain should be equipped with additional preventative suction entrapment devises meeting applicable ASME standards.

Effective January 1, 2009, the new design criteria was incorporated in the Maryland Public Swimming Pools and Spa Regulations, Code of Maryland Regulation §10.17.01 (“COMAR”). The State of Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene requires all public swimming pools and spas in Maryland to submit the Aquatic Facility Review Form for Compliance with the Graeme Baker Act to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for approval. A separate form is required for each main drain system repaired. Further, a “pool professional” or “Registered Design Professional” must approve of any corrections make for compliance with the Graeme Baker Act. Failure to obtain this approval will prevent a facility from obtaining a pool permit. For further information, please contact Michael W. Siri at siri@bowie-jensen.com.