High-Profile Pool Incident Involving Usher's Son Highlights Importance of Pool Safety and Maintenance
Alexandria, VA (PRWEB) August 07, 2013 -- The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) today expressed its relief at the health and well-being of singer Usher’s son, who nearly drowned yesterday. While the specifics of the incident aren’t known at this time, it serves as an important reminder about safety and entrapment prevention in residential and commercial pools and spas.
APSP encourages all pool owners to follow these important rules:
•Never enter a pool or spa that has a loose, broken, or missing suction fitting or drain cover.
•Immediately notify the pool or spa owner/operator if you find a loose, broken or a missing drain cover.
•Never play or swim near drains or suction fittings.
•Contact an APSP pool and spa professional to ensure that your pool or spa complies with the American National Standards Institute ANSI/APSP-7 Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Catch Basins.
APSP is accredited by ANSI to be the nation’s developer of pool and spa standards and developed the national consensus ANSI/APSP-7 Standard to eliminate this particular hazard. The design recommendations and construction practices in this Standard are based upon sound engineering principles, research, and field experience. The Standard is referenced in the 2009 International Residential Code, the 2009 International Building Code, and the 2012 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), and has been adopted by many state and local authorities.
“To eliminate the risk of entrapment, and protect family and friends, residential pool and spa owners should contact an industry professional to ensure that their pool or spa fully complies with the ANSI/APSP-7 Standard,” said Carvin DiGiovanni, APSP senior director of technical and standards. “Serious consideration should be given to eliminating the drain altogether, or converting it into a return inlet. Where drains are used, they should be equipped with fittings (covers) that are certified in compliance with the ANSI/APSP-16 Standard for Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs as referenced by the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act, along with the additional measures provided in the ANSI/APSP Standard. No pool or spa should ever be used when a cover is broken or missing.”
To find out how to keep a pool, spa or hot tub safe and free from entrapment risk, visit APSP.org/DrainSafety or http://www.poolsafely.gov. To locate a pool professional who can assess the safety of pool and spa drain covers visit APSP.org/MemberLocator.
About APSP
The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) is the world’s oldest and largest association representing swimming pool, hot tub, and spa manufacturers, distributors, manufacturers’ agents, designers, builders, installers, suppliers, retailers, and service professionals. Dedicated to the growth and development of its members’ businesses and to promoting the enjoyment and safety of pools and spas, APSP offers a range of services, from professional development to advancing key legislation and regulation at the federal and local levels, to consumer outreach and public safety. APSP is the only industry organization recognized by the American National Standards Institute to develop and promote national standards for pools, hot tubs, and spas. For more information, visit APSP.org.
Lisa S. Grepps, The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, http://www.apsp.org, 703-838-0083 179, [email protected]
Share this article