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RESIDENTIAL POOLS VS. PUBLIC POOLS 3 • In response to a Minnesota entrapment incident where 6-year-old Abigail Taylor suffered serious injuries leading to her death, a law regulating the installation of anti- entrapment drain covers and other systems to ensure children or others cannot become trapped by pool drains was passed by the Minnesota Legislature and signed into law by Governor Tim Pawlenty on May 16, 2008. Several important requirements were designated in this legislation, including: o By July 1, 2008, public pool owners/operators were to certify to the Commissioner that: (1) all outlets except for unblockable drains are equipped with covers that have been stamped by the manufacturer that they comply with ASME/ANSI standards; and (2) all covers and grates, including mounting rings, have been inspected to ensure that they have been properly installed and are not broken or loose. o By January 1, 2009, all public pools must have dual main drains connected in parallel or other protections to avoid entrapment injuries. Vacuum ports are prohibited. Pool construction Residential pools are often constructed with a vinyl liner, and often include non-compliant floor slopes. Public pools must be constructed according to provisions in the code, including finish material that is permanent, impervious, and that is white or light colored, and they must have an approved shape, an appropriately sloped floor, and approved designs for side walls, corners, and ledges. 4717.2350 POOL STRUCTURE (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/4717.2350/_ Entry, egress, decking, and depth markers Residential pools typically do not have the required ADA lift, steps, handrails, and waterline handholds. The deck is often undersized and may not extend around the entire pool. Markings indicating depth, “No Diving,” and floor slope changes are often missing. NOTE: Compliance with Minnesota’s public pool laws does not necessarily ensure compliance with federal ADA requirements that may be applicable to a pool or surrounding structures as a consequence of the pool being made available for public rental. Public pool owners should familiarize themselves with these federal requirements as well. Public pools must provide steps, ladders, handholds, and handrails as described in the pool code. Depth markings are required in several locations, as are “No Diving” markings in water that does not comply with depth requirements for diving.