On December 22^nd, 2008, the Saint Louis County Council passed legislation that extended the date for compliance with the Saint Louis County Water Recreation Facilities Code Section 2.13 to December 31^st, 2009. This was done to grant operators of public pools and spas additional time to achieve compliance because the larger drain covers that meet 2007 ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 performance standards are not yet available.

However, smaller drain covers (less than 18” x 23” in size) that meet 2007 ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 performance standards are available, and the Department of Health encourages operators of public pools and spas with smaller drain covers to comply as soon as possible to reduce the potential risk of drain entrapment.

Over the next several months, the Department of Health will be working with owners and operators of public swimming pools and spas to ensure these facilities are in compliance with the pool code.

Listed below are links to assist you with obtaining compliance. Should you have any questions, please contact our office at (314) 615-8900.

• Pool Operator Compliance Reminder Letter (updated on October 23rd, 2009)
• Frequently Asked Questions (updated on February 12th, 2009)
• Chapter 808 Swimming Pools Ordinance
• Saint Louis County Public Water Recreation Facilities Code-Rules and Regulations


• Section 2.13 Inlets/Outlets


• Public Water Recreation Facility Entrapment Repair Application


• Verification of Compliance Form for Entrapment Hazard

The following link provides more information about the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act:

• The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act