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Frequently Asked Questions New Public Pool Safety Law <br />1 Will my pool or spa be shut down if we do not make the May 27, 2011 <br />deadline for modifying the main drains? <br />Our records indicate that your pool/spa/wade pool is not yet in compliance with the new law. As stated on the <br />front page, a pool upgrade work plan must be submitted to our department for review and approval. If the drain <br />upgrades are not completed by May 27, 2011, your pool, spa, or wade pool can no longer operate and the <br />pool/spa will be closed. <br />2 How do I know if My pool is currently in compliance with the new law? <br />Pools, spas, and wade pools built after December 19, 2008, have already been approved by the EHD to comply <br />with the new law. Pools built prior to December 19, 2008; need to comply with the law by May 27, 2011. Pools <br />that have already been retrofitted to meet the new State law are exempt from these requirements. "Already <br />retrofitted" means a work plan was submitted to the EHD and a final inspection was made by EHD staff. If your <br />pool has not been retrofitted, it is not in compliance with the new State law. <br />3 flow can the single main drain in my pool be retrofitted to comply with the <br />new law? <br />Your single main drain can be retrofitted with an approved, "unblockable drain." An unblockable drain means a <br />drain cover or grate with a minimum dimension of 23 inches x 18 inches OR a channel drain with minimum <br />dimensions of 3 inches x 31 inches. <br />OR <br />Your pool or spa main drain can be retrofitted with an ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 approved cover AND a <br />safety vacuum release system or automatic pump shut-off system designed to prevent entrapment. The device <br />must be installed per the manufacturer's instructions. To see a list of approved safety vacuum release systems, <br />please visit the website at: http://www.poolsafety.gov/svrsman . html <br />OR <br />The main drain can be split and have a "T" connection with a three-foot (3) separation between the suction <br />outlets. Approved ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 main drain covers shall be installed over the two (2) outlets. <br />4 Can I do the work on my pool or do I need to hire someone to do it? <br />According to the new law, a "qualified individual" is required to perform work on a public pool. Any person <br />constructing a new pool or replastering, resurfacing, renovating, or replumbing an existing public pool, must <br />possess a valid California C53 (pool builder) or an "A" (general engineering) contractor's license. <br />A contractor with a California C6 1/D35 may replace drain covers, install safety vacuum release systems and <br />evaluate sumps, but cannot modify any sumps. A sump is the open area beneath the drain cover. <br />Splitting drains or installing an unblockable drain will require a California C53, a California C36 (plumber), or <br />an "A" contractor's license. <br />5 Who can I call i fI have questions about this bulletin? <br />Jeff Carruesco, Registered Environmental Health Specialist Program Coordinator, San Joaquin County <br />Environmental Health Department, at (209) 468-3438. <br />Vidal Pedraza, Senior Registered Environmental Health Specialist, San Joaquin County Environmental <br />Health Department, at (209) 468-0334.