NEW YORK STATE "POOL ALARM" REGULATIONS DECEMBER 14, 2006

Below is an excerpt from a fax blast that was sent out by NESPA, The Northeast Spa & Pool Association. As always NESPA continues to be an integral part of our industry with important communications, advanced education, and unmatched member benefits. Visit www.nespapool.org

The State of New York recently enacted a Pool Alarm law that went into effect on December 14, 2006. On the same day the Department of the State issued emergency regulations directing which alarms are acceptable to meet the new state law. The new regulations are found in Part 1220.5 (new) of title 19 NTCRR. And Part 1221.3 (new) of Title NYCRR. The following is a synopsis of the new regulations:

All Residential swimming pools and commercial pools installed, constructed or substantially modified, (which means the cost of modification exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the pool before the damage occurred), after December 14, 2006 must be equipped with an approved pool alarm which: is capable of detecting a child entering the water and giving an audible alarm when it detects a child entering the water; us audible poolside and at another location on the premises where the swimming pool is located; is installed, used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions; meets ASTM F2208 :Standard Specification for Pool Alarms; is not an alarm device which is located on person(s) or which is dependent on device(s) located on person(s) for its proper operation.