ep97 Guest Rudy Stankowitz. Dangerous Safety Barrier Exceptions. and what is black algae

The Frank and Stank Show. Frank sits down with Rudy Stankowitz, of Talking Pools Podcast to discuss unsafe safety barrier exception requirements that have been lobbied for and adopted by many code enforcement entities, and what is black algae.

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[email protected] email Rudy and get your form to send to your representatives to remove the safety barrier exception.

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05:03 - What is black algae? black algae is a cyanobacteria, and is not an algae. it requires different treatment than algae. black algae creates a biofilm that can harbor and protect other organisms within it, like Naegleria fowleri the brain eating amoeba, Legionella (Legionnaires' Disease and Pontiac Fever), and algae. the biofilm protects whatever is living in it and makes it much more difficult to kill or eliminate.

09:00 - even though the modern swimming pool industry has been around for decades, there is surprisingly inadequate research done on many of the issues dealing with modern pools.

09:40 - the PHTA Mission/Vision states on their website https://www.phta.org/ Core PurposeTo promote safe and healthy pool and hot tub environments for people to share enjoyable aquatic experiences.". They are advocates for the swimming pool industry. from their page:

ADVOCACY

PHTA is the industry's trusted voice in government. PHTA advocates on our membership behalf to Federal, state and local governments on issues impacting their businesses.

The PHTA has lobbied from state to state to adopt an exception in barrier codes for swimming pools and hot tubs. This exception opens it up for local jurisdictions to not require a fence barrier around swimming pools if they have a powered safety cover that complies with ASTM F 1346, or spas have a lockable safety cover that complies with ASTM F 1346.

The problem with this exception is there is no way to ensure that powered pool covers are closed after use, or the spa lockable covers are locked. In fact, the general consensus of pool service techs that Frank or Rudy have talked to will say that during the swim season many, or even most powered safety covers, are left open. So without the presence of a fence barrier, the pool cover is a potential drowning hazard for people or pets.

Everyone agrees that approved fence barriers reduce drowning and near drowning incidents by 88%. We are asking that everyone that finds this exception to be unacceptable to please contact their local, regional, and national government representatives and request that this exception be removed from residential swimming pool codes. email Rudy at [email protected] to receive a form letter to fill out and send to your representatives.