The federal government has an active role in ensuring everyone’s
safety at swimming pools, both public and private. The EPA has
put in place guidelines regarding swimming pool chemical usage
and discharge. There are also building code requirements, both
local and national, addressing swimming pool construction and
safety. In the past few years Congress has enacted new
government regulations stemming from the Americans With
Disabilities Act and the Virginia Graeme Baker Act that also
impact the swimming pool industry directly. A brief explanation
of these laws, as well as links to more information on them is
offered below. ADA Accessibility Guidelines from the APSP
(Associaton of Pool and Spa Professionals) Website. The deadline
for existing pool and spa compliance with sections 242 and 1009
of the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standard for
Accessible Design was January 31, 2013. Pools built or renovated
since March 15, 2012, are currently required to meet the ADA
requirements. APSP urges facility