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Laws Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act Swimming pool & spa energy efficiency regulations -- be prepared for 2011 In 2008 the Florida Legislature passed HB 7135, a comprehensive energy bill that included new requirements for swimming pools and spas. These requirements, slated to take effect July 1, 2011, were similar to the energy efficiency requirements passed in California under Title 20 and 24 of the California Energy Code. Since the passage of HB 7135, slight changes were made to Title 20 and 24, and the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals began developing standards to help ensure that all states adopt the same energy efficiency guidelines rather than the industry ending up with 50 states adopting 50 different standards. July 1, 2011: Manufacturers sending products into Florida must comply with the new legislative regulations. December 31, 2011: Contractors can only install products that comply with the new regulations. Energy Efficiency Summary Residential pools having a one hp or greater pump used to filter water will have to upgrade to an energy efficient motor or pump. The normal motors, like the ones installed on most pools now, split-phase, shaded-pole, or capacitor start-induction run types can’t be installed after December, 2011. The best option is to replace the pump with a new energy efficient variable speed pump or variable flow pump. These pumps also have a rebate from GRU. The second best choice is to change the motor to an imPower energy efficient motor, currently only for Sat-Rite pumps. The last choice is to install an energy efficient two speed pump and a two- speed or electronic timer with two or more speed functions. See energy efficient pumps. Anti-entrapment Protection One of the most important factors in keeping children and adults safe from entrapment incidents in pools and spas is to install anti-entrapment or safety drain covers that are compliant with the P&SS Act. Drain entrapments are frequently the result of a swimmer’s body, hair, limbs or clothing becoming entangled in a faulty or flat drain or grate. The best defense against entrapments is to prevent them before they happen by installing federally-compliant drain covers. Inspect your drain cover regularly to make sure it’s not broken and is not missing. |