PITTSFIELD MA - The pool inside the Gladys Allen Community Center in Pittsfield is usually filled with swimmers each day. But on Wednesday, it's not only missing swimmers, it's missing water.

"We are required to adhere and comply with the federal regulation that has come out regarding anti-vortex pool covers," said Gladys Allen Community Center CEO Kelly Baity.

The community center has closed its pool for the next three weeks because of The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, which goes into effect this Saturday. It mandates new drain covers be installed so the water suction going into them isn't as strong. This federal requirement was passed a year ago, after a young girl was killed when the suction from a drain disemboweled her. Even though this regulation is about protecting people, safety can be expensive.

"What's hard about it is, it's a federal regulation that's being placed on all of us, at a time when non-profits are having such a difficult time raising funds. Our state money has been cut. Where do I find $4,000? I don't have a choice," said Baity.

Other indoor pool centers, like the YMCA in Pittsfield, have met the new regulations and are staying open.

"They were $450 each. We have two drains. So it was a $900 item that we didn't budget for, but again, going on the priority of safety, we didn't hesitate to purchase them," said Pittsfield YMCA executive director & CEO Randy Kinnas.

At Gladys Allen, crews are about to take away the old, removable grate on the pool floor and replace it with a 40x40 stainless steal cover. When that's installed, the velocity of the water flowing into it won't be as strong.

"If you have one drain, the suction is going to be a lot more. If you have more than one drain, the suction is going to be less. But still, if you don't have these covers, then you're not in compliance with the new law," said Gladys Allen Community Center Facilities Manager Jim Scarpitto.

The community center plans on opening the pool back up January 5th with regulated covers in place.