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<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".28" citation="COMAR 10.17.01.28" title_num="10" subtitle_num="17" chapter_num="01" heading="Suction Entrapment Prevention.">
  <text>To prevent a suction entrapment hazard, an owner shall ensure that:</text>
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>A vacuum fitting is capped when not in use;</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>A vacuum line valve is in the closed position when not in use;</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Except as provided in §§F and G of this regulation, the main drain for a public pool or spa complies with 15 U.S.C. §8003 and is:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Connected to a minimum of two main drain outlets that are:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Not isolated by a valve or other means;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Spaced at least 3 feet from edge to edge; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Hydraulically balanced; or</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>An unblockable drain.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>A drain is covered with a securely attached drain cover in compliance with the:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>American National Standard for Public Swimming Pools; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>15 U.S.C. §8003.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>A skimmer is:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Connected to an equalization line, main drain line, vent, or another skimmer that cannot be isolated by a valve or other means, or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Provided with a vented lid;</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>A pool or spa constructed before February 10, 1997 is provided by June 1, 2002, with:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>At least two hydraulically balanced drain outlets spaced a minimum of 3 feet from edge to edge that cannot be isolated to create a single outlet for each circulation pump, as illustrated in Regulation .28-1A of this chapter;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A channel drain system that is at least 3 feet from edge to edge, as illustrated in Regulation .28-1B of this chapter; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>An approved safety vacuum release system.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>As an interim measure, until a pool or spa constructed before February 10, 1997 is in compliance with §F of this regulation:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A pool or spa has a minimum of two outlets that cannot be isolated to create a single outlet per pump; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>These outlets are provided by connecting the main drain line to a skimmer line so that the lines cannot be isolated to create a single outlet, as illustrated in Regulation .28-1C of this chapter, assuring that:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The skimmer line does not become blocked within the skimmer housing at any time;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Associated valves are locked in an open position to prevent the drain or the skimmer from becoming a single source of suction; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Associated valves are permanently tagged with a warning to maintain the valves in the open position at all times when the pool or spa is in use;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>A pool or spa is in compliance with the following:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A suction outlet is provided with a cover that complies with the American National Standard for Public Swimming Pools;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A suction fitting complies with 15 U.S.C. §8003;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Suction outlet covers are:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Installed, not broken, not cracked, and securely in place; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Suction outlet covers are secured according to manufacturers' directions and in such a way that the covers cannot be removed without the use of tools;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>A pool or spa that does not have suction outlets in compliance with this regulation has all pumps immediately shut off until the pool or spa has been brought into compliance with this regulation;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>The maximum velocity in the design of the drain piping does not exceed 6 feet per second when 100 percent of the circulation system design flow is drawn through the drain piping of any single drain;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>A pool or spa facility has a comprehensive written maintenance program that addresses the following:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>If a suction outlet cover is cracked or broken, the pump shall be immediately shut off and the cover shall be replaced;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Covers shall be anchored in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and supplied parts, and only manufacturer specified, noncorrosive fasteners may be used;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Lines and equipment shall be labeled or color coded for ready identification; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>The on/off switch for circulation pumps shall be clearly identified and labeled; and</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>Check valves in the suction line to pumps are removed to allow backflow of water or air to release the suction when the pump is shut off or when an influent blockage detection device is activated; and</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="I.">
    <text>A pool and spa operator completes the Pool and Spa Entrapment Hazards Checklist provided by the Secretary, or an equivalent form, on a daily basis before the pool or spa is open for that day's use.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>