Public pools face deadline for protective drain covers

All public pools and spas in Minnesota have until January 2 to install protective drain covers or face closures.

The requirement is in a new state law passed after six-year-old Abigail Taylor had her small intestine sucked out by an uncovered pool drain.

The Abigail Taylor Pool Safety law, named after the Edina girl who eventually died following her injuries, applies to all pools and spas 4 feet deep or less.

Under the law, pool operators must install anti-entrapment drain covers and other systems to ensure children will not become trapped by the drain.

A federal version of the law is already in effect. That law focuses on pools designed primarily for kids, like wading pools and kiddie pools.

It also applies to in-ground spas, particularly ones with flat drain grates and single main drain systems.

Another provision of the state pool safety law for pools deeper than 4 feet goes into effect January first, 2011.

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