Local Pools on State Non-Compliance List

There are 500 school, public and private pools in Illinois on a state-issued list of facilities not in compliance with new pool drain safety standards.

None of these are in Woodridge, though some pools in nearby communities did make the list. All licensed swimming facilities were required to be in compliance with new drain suction entrapment requirements by Oct. 1, accordingt to an IDPH release.

Pools that failed to comply would be closed “in an effort to protect the public’s health,” the release stated.

Here are local pools that did not meet the new standards:

• Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park (200 South Lindsey Lane, Bolingbrook)
• Indian Oaks Townhome (266 North Schmidt Road, Bolingbrook)
• Country Inn & Suites (1837 Centre Point Circle, Naperville)
• Courtyard Marriott (1155 E. Diehl Road, Naperville)
• Endure It (504 W 5th Avenue, Naperville)
• Fairfield Inn & Suites (1820 Arbiter Court, Naperville)

Under the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, all licensed public facilities must meet new regulations. The act is named for the 7-year-old granddaughter of former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker. The youngster drowned in 2002 when suction from a spa drain trapped her underwater, despite efforts to pull her off the drain.

The law requires all licensed pools to be fitted with drain covers to prevent excess suction from causing swimmers — particularly children — to be pulled against the drain and and trapped underwater.