If you are a homeowner in California with a swimming pool, spa or hot tub, you should be aware of the new law that took effect on January 1, 2018. The law, known as SB 442, updates the Swimming Pool Safety Act and requires additional safety measures to prevent drowning accidents.
According to the law, every new or remodeled pool, spa or hot tub must have at least two of the following seven safety features:
- An enclosure that isolates the pool from the home and meets certain height and design requirements
- Home and meets certain height and design requirements and has a self- closing and self-latching gate
- An approved safety pool cover that meets ASTM standards
- Exit alarms on doors that provide direct access to the pool area
- A self-closing and self-latching device on doors that provide direct access to the pool area, with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor
- An alarm that sounds when someone enters the water and meets ASTM standards
The law also requires home inspectors to report on the presence or absence of these safety features when inspecting a home with a pool, spa or hot tub.
The purpose of SB 442 is to reduce the number of drowning deaths and injuries among children under five years old, who are most at risk of falling into a pool, spa or hot tub. According to the California Department of Public Health, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children in this age group in California.
By complying with SB 442, homeowners can not only protect their own children and guests, but also avoid potential liability and fines for violating the law. The law does not apply to public swimming pools or pools located on the grounds of a private single-family home that is not being sold or transferred.
In this blog post, we have provided an overview of SB 442 and its implications for homeowners with pools, spas or hot tubs in California. For more information, please refer to the official text of the law and consult with a qualified professional if you have any questions or concerns.
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