Deadline Draws Near for New Minnesota Pool Safety Law

Public pool operators in Minnesota have until July 1 to complete a state survey required under a new law designed to weed out faulty drain covers.

The survey is a condition to renew or receive a license to operate. It asks for specific information about the types of drains and covers, including the manufacturer and model numbers.

The information request is meant to help the Department of Health enforce the law passed this spring. Last year, an Edina, Minn. girl had part of her intestinal tract ripped out by the suction from a drain and later died from her injuries.

Public pools include those connected with apartment buildings and townhouses, in some fitness centers and at municipal parks.

The new law requires daily physical inspections of drain covers and grates in all but private residential pools. It also says operators of pools that lack redundant suction outlets will have to put them in.