New Pool Regs

[anniefromessex]

Hi Guys,

Just wanted to let you know that I have received an e-mail from our Rental Company telling us about a new law that in their wisdom America are bringing out with regard to pools. It is an Act in the name of somebody or other (totally irrelevant really) but if you do not have it done - I think it is to do with a pool cover/drain, and also something to do with the pool pump, they are going to fine you $5,000 - and get this - the work has got to be done by December 19th at a cost of about $900!!! Apparently a grant has been given so that more people are taken on to police it!

This isn't just for rental homes - all residential properties have to have it done. With the economic downturn just where do they think people will manage to find $900?!!

Just wondered if anybody else has been informed about this and what your views are?

Love Anniexxx

[DEE F]

I havent heard that Annie !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dee xx

[chris]

Annie,
Suggest you get the information chapter and verse from your property manager and then check it out yourself + check with a proper pool company. Sounds like somone after $900.00 from you.

[anniefromessex]

Our Rental Company are very trustworthy, they were introduced to us by a member of this forum so not really worrying whether they are trying to fleece us, just wanted to find out how many other people on here knew about it. I really feel it is unfair that they are only giving people a very short time to put it in place, especially knowing the state of play with people at the moment.

If I find out anything more, will let you know.

Love Anniexxx

[DEE F]

Annie,
Suggest you get the information chapter and verse from your property manager and then check it out yourself + check with a proper pool company. Sounds like somone after $900.00 from you.Totaly agree Chris.

Dee x

[jay]

Our Rental Company are very trustworthy, they were introduced to us by a member of this forum so not really worrying whether they are trying to fleece us, just wanted to find out how many other people on here knew about it. I really feel it is unfair that they are only giving people a very short time to put it in place, especially knowing the state of play with people at the moment.

If I find out anything more, will let you know.

Love Anniexxx


Annie copy and paste the email you got from them onto here so we can see exactly what they are saying asking for... you dont have to put their name on. this is news to me as well.
jayne

[chris]

Everyone,
Just did a quick Google and here's a bit more information that I found out. Yes, there is new FEDERAL Law coming into effect December 19th as Annie was told, BUT according to this article it applies to Public Pools and Spas.
I would caution ANYONE in parting with ANY money from a Property Manager until they have checked out the facts for themselves and satisfied themselves that they are not being taken for a costly ride on the back of regulations that are being misapplied by Property Managers Pool companies.
Here's the link:
http://i-newswire.com/pr224784.html

[anniefromessex]

Hi Jay, no good at copy and pasting but the following was written to me:

Pool Regs 2008: This is to inform you about the Virginia Graeme Baker Act that must be met by December 19th 2008. The main drain covers have to be changed to ANSI Standard A112.19.8.2007 and a SVRS must be fitted to the pump.

This work must be completed by the deadline as there will be State inspections carried out after this date and you are liable as the owner of the property. The fine is $5,000 per day!!!! This has to be done on all homes, including residential not just rental property. They apparently have a grant to employ extra Inspectors in the State of Florida.

Louise has offered me the chance to find my own contractor, that is why I say she is not trying to fleece me at all. Her contractor is obviously charging around $900 - possibly others could be cheaper (or dearer) who knows?

Hope this helps.

Love Anniexxx

[anniefromessex]

Hi yet again. Just read the link Chris and boy am I glad that it doesn't apply to us, although I'm sure they will soon jump on the bandwagon to apply it to all and sundry.

Will ask Louise just where she got her info from - hope somebody isn't trying to fleece her.

Sorry to have scared y'all. Thanks for saving the day Chris!!

Love Anniexxx

[chris]

I have been trying to make sense of this Virginia Graeme Baker Act. In typical American, the wording is ambiguous at best, appalling at worst. It mentions PUBLIC Pools and Spas, but does not define what is PUBLIC. A residential pool is a residential pool and therefore Private. But what is a pool in a home that is rented out?
The bone of contention is of course Florida, once again does not appear to be able to get it's act together and although the regs come in December 17th, according to the article the State fo Florida has not yet made a decision on what covers are State approved and the article says the meeting isn't till December 2nd!!!!!
The regs keep flip flopping between residential and public, so it is not surprising people are confused. It does appear however that some elements will apply to residential pools, but how you can fine someone for something that is private is beyond me? I have no clue what the $900.00 relates to but one site I looked at was quoting $54.00 for drain covers that wouldn't trap hair. So is that $54.00 for the cover and $856.00 to fit it?????
I am so glad I do not have a pool.

[byjove]

I have found having a pool over rated! We have one, the first year we were always in it second not so much, now this year not at all! Though the kids do use it in the summer, and now cant afford to heat it in the winter (sorry dad!)

[Kriz1]

We never wanted a pool...if we need to use one we can use our neighbours...never own anything that floats flies or needs a pool guy...:)

[DebbieM]

We appear to be on Leslie's Pool Supplies commericial database and back in August received the attached communication.

Anyone who rents their home out whether it be long term or short term is classed as a commercial property. You are making money from your home ego it is a commercial business. Therefore, IMO I believe this new ruling will apply to rental homes.

My interpretation of the situation is that some pools have the old grate type drain (ours did) which need to be changed. The new ones need to comply with the new testing standards which in essense should be the only ones sold now. This is what the attached communication states.

I believe some MC's are suggesting that a new bit of kit which turns off the motor should the drain cover get blocked MUST be fitted at a cost of anything from $900 upwards. The communication doesn't mention this.

My husband is a Certified Pool Operator and you would have thought that the governing body would be sending out some sort of newsletter to keep everyone up to speed with the situation and what we should be doing to ensure we are compliant but nothing has arrived so far.

Perhaps Zoe's husband Steve might be able to clarify as I think he is a Certified Pool Contractor and has the license to do this type of work.

My question is who will be enforcing this? The DBPR site who insist there must be pool door alarms or safety fences around pools doesn't appear to list any information pertaining to this on their web-site so how are we supposed to find out and how will it be policed? I would be interested to learn who is giving out this information to other MC's - is it word of mouth or is there some official communication?

[SHEILA 13]

Never heard of it,Annie hold on to your money lovey !!!!!
Sheila

[anniefromessex]

Hi Guys, like Debbie our Property Manager is going along with the feeling that all short term/long term rental properties are classed as commercial - just another way of getting money out of us!

Again as with pool alarms, window locks etc, dead bolts (the list is endless) just how many times was that policed - not a lot methinks!

Sheila, will not be doing anything in haste (can't afford to tbh) so they can just go and do the other thing at the moment I'm afraid. Just where do they think we get our money - I certainly don't have a money tree at the bottom of the garden! They just need to look at how short term rentals are at the moment, together with all the other crap that goes on ie their not so great greeting at airports etc to wonder no more why people aren't quite so keen on holidaying there anymore, let alone the R word!

Love Anniexxx