Commercial pools and spas are shared water areas for swimming or relaxing—pools for laps or play, spas for hot soaking. They can be indoors or outdoors in hotels, gyms, or apartments.
Top Hazards (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Consumer Product Safety Commission 2025):
- Drowning – 300 deaths yearly, mostly kids under 5 from weak fences or gates.
- Slips/falls – wet decks and no railings cause 6,500 ER visits.
- Entrapment – hair or body caught in drains, 20 cases/year.
- Illness – dirty water spreads germs if chemicals off.
Key Numbers: 80% of drownings in pools less than 5 feet deep (Consumer Product Safety Commission); spas over 104°F risk burns. Lifespan: Drain covers 5–7 years.
Your Goal: Spot open gates or bad drains—prevent a quick swim from becoming a tragedy.
INSPECTION CHECKLIST
FENCING & GATES
Why Check: Fences keep kids out—most drownings happen when unsupervised.
- Fence: at least 4 feet high, no gaps under 4 inches, no climbable parts Why: Low fences let kids over; gaps allow crawling in.
- Gates: self-closing and self-latching, opens away from pool Why: Gates that stay open let kids wander in.
- Latches: near the top of the gate and working properly (out of easy reach for small children) Why: Low or broken latches let kids open them.
LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT
Why Check: Gear saves lives in seconds—drowning happens fast.
- Rescue hook (shepherd's crook): 12-foot pole, within reach Why: Pulls people from water without jumping in.
- Life ring with rope: buoyant ring, 50-foot rope, near edge Why: Throws to pull drowning person to safety.
- Rules sign: “No Lifeguard on Duty,” “Swim at Own Risk,” “No Diving in Shallow,” emergency phone number Why: Warns users of dangers and no help on site.
DEPTH MARKERS & WATER SAFETY
Why Check: Wrong depth guesses cause dives into shallow water—head injuries common.
- Markers: every 25 feet (max) on deck and walls, numbers 4 inches tall Why: Shows safe dive areas—less than 5 feet no diving.
VIRGINIA GRAEME BAKER ACT (VGBA) REQUIREMENTS
Why Check: Virginia Graeme Baker Act (2007) stops drain suction traps—caused 20 entrapments/year before.
- Anti-entrapment drain covers: domed, large holes, secure on all drains Why: Flat covers suck hair/body—domed ones let water flow safe.
- Pump: safety vacuum release system if single drain Why: Shuts pump if blocked—releases trapped person.
- Multiple drains: at least 3 feet apart Why: Spreads suction—harder to block all.
DIVING BOARD & SLIDE HAZARDS
Why Check: High dive risks—alert underwriting as claims can hit $1 million for spinal injuries.
- Boards/slides: only in 9+ feet deep water, clear space around Why: Shallow dives cause head hits.
- No boards/slides if pool under 6 feet deep Why: Most neck injuries from wrong depths.
- Handrails on slides, non-slip steps Why: Slips on wet ladders hurt.
RAILINGS & LADDERS
Why Check: Slippery edges cause falls into water—railings give grip.
- Railings: 42 inches high, gaps under 4 inches Why: Stops kids from falling through.
- Ladders: non-slip rungs, handrails both sides Why: Wet hands slip without grip.
- No loose or rusty parts Why: Weak railings break underweight.
SPAS/HOT TUBS
Why Check: Hot water risks burn—kids/pregnant women most vulnerable.
- Timer: auto shut-off after 15 minutes max Why: Stops overheating—104°F max temp.
- Signs: “No kids under 5,” “Pregnant women check doctor,” “Max 15 min” Why: Hot water raises heart rate, risks fainting.
- Virginia Graeme Baker Act same as pools (covers, pumps) Why: Spas have strong suction too.
BATHHOUSE/CHANGING ROOMS
Why Check: Wet floors cause slips—non-slip helps.
- Flooring: non-slip tiles or mats, no standing water Why: Wet feet on smooth floors slide.
- Good lighting, handrails in showers Why: Dim wet areas trip people.
- Drains clear, no mold on walls Why: Clogs pool water; mold makes air bad.
QUESTIONS TO ASK MANAGER
- “When was the last pool check? Repair logs?”
- “Drain covers Virginia Graeme Baker Act compliant? Proof?”
- “Rescue gear tested? Signs up to date?”
- “Diving board/slide—depth OK? Insurance knows?”
- “Spa timer working? Warnings posted?”
RISK LEVELS
- High = Open gates, missing covers, shallow dives → Suggest attention immediately, fix now
- Medium = Faded signs, minor cracks → Fix in 30 days
- Low = Secure, clear, logged → Best practice
LCA Certified Inspector “Fence it. Equip it. Sign it.”
Resources:
- Virginia Graeme Baker Act Guide (cpsc.gov)
- Local Pool Codes for Fences and Signs
- Centers for Disease Control Pool Safety
- Americans with Disabilities Act Ramp Rules
Disclosure: This guide highlights common risks but is not exhaustive. Always verify local codes and carrier guidelines.