American Leak Detection News Releases

Palm Springs-based Company Offering Important Service to Pool and Spa Owners

American Leak Detection Experts to Ensure All Drains Meet New Federal Safety Standards

Palm Springs, California (December 3rd, 2008) - American Leak Detection, the world leader in accurate, non-destructive detection of all types of leaks, is working with pool and spa owners across the country, now required to comply with a federal law that mandates the installation of specific drain covers.

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act is named for a 7-year-old Virginia girl who drowned after she was caught on a friend’s spa drain in 2002. The Act promotes the safe use of commercial pool, spas and hot tubs by imposing mandatory federal requirements for suction entrapment avoidance, and by establishing a voluntary grant program for states with laws that meet certain minimum requirements as outlined in the Act. As of December 19th, 2008, the Act is being administered by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

All commercial pool and spa owners in the Coachella Valley will be required to install an automatic shut-off system, gravity drainage system, safety vacuum release system, suction-limiting vent system or disable the drain if the pool operates off of a single, main drain. Dual or multiple drains must be at least three feet apart.

“The story of Virginia Baker is a parent’s worst nightmare,” says Stan Berenbaum, President and CEO of American Leak Detection. “Pool and spa safety is tantamount, which is why we are working so diligently with pool and spa owners to create fun and safe environments, and to prevent something like this from ever happening again.”

American Leak Detection is partnering with Phoenix-based Leslie Swimming Pool Supplies to help retrofit/install new pool drains. All public pools and spas in the United States found to be non-compliant may face up to $1.8 million dollars in fines and criminal penalties.

Pools and spas not open on December 19th, 2008 are not required to be in compliance until the day the pool or spa is reopened. The CPSC recommends that pool owners should disable old drains or build new pools without any drains, using gutters, overflows and/or skimmers to provide water to the pump. Any and all renovations, remodeling, equipment changes, etc., including splitting drains or adding devices to a pool or spa must be approved by the Department of Public Health.

About American Leak Detection:

Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Palm Springs, ALD is dedicated to resource protection and eco-friendly services. ALD is the world leader in the accurate, non-destructive detection of all types of leaks including hidden water and sewer leaks. From swimming pool cracks to concealed plumbing systems, the smallest leak is located with the most advanced, sophisticated electronic devices - without bashing holes in walls or digging up the deck and yard. For the last seven years, American Leak Detection has been ranked #1 in Entrepreneur® magazine’s “Maintenance Products and Services” franchise sector. In February 2008, The Wall Street Journal ranked American Leak Detection as one of the top 25 High Franchise Performers. American Leak Detection is a franchise system and each office is independently owned and operated. For more information on American Leak Detection, call 800.755.6697 or visit www.americanleakdetection.com.