January 15th, 2018 at 9:51 am
This new law goes hand-in-hand with new requirements in the building permit process for constructing or remodeling a pool or spa. The law previously required only one of 7 specified drowning prevention safety features for obtaining final permit approval, whereas the new law requires at least 2 of the 7 safety features. The 7 safety features are as follows: (1) Enclosure; (2) Removable mesh fencing with a self-closing, self-latching, and lockable gate; (3) Pool cover; (4) Exit alarms on home’s doors for directly accessing the pool or spa; (5) Self-closing, self-latching device at least 4 ½ feet above the floor on the home’s doors for directly accessing the pool or spa; (6) Pool alarm for detecting unauthorized entry into the water; and (7) Other means of protection that is equally or more protective than the safety features listed above. The law sets forth additional specifications and requirements for each type of safety feature. Safety features are not required for obtaining a permit for a hot tub or spa with a locking safety cover (that is ASTM F1346 compliant).
According to the California Legislature, drowning is the second leading cause of death for California children from 1 to 4 years of age, and other children who nearly drown suffer irreversible brain injuries. These drowning prevention safety features can help deter young children from gaining unsupervised access to pools and spas.
Source: Senate Bill 442 (codified as California Business & Professions Code section 7195 and California Health & Safety Code sections 115922 and 115925).
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