Drains & Drain Covers

Title XIV Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act

This act of congress was named after the granddaughter of Secretary of State James A. Baker III, who lost her life in a family spa suction entrapment during a birthday party. Her tragic passing will be forever remembered with this law. The Virginia Graeme Baker Act (VGB) was written to enhance the safety of public and private pools and spas, to reduce child drownings, to reduce the number of suction entrapment incidents and to educate people on the importance of constant supervision of children in and around water. There are federal, state and city requirements relating to compliant drain covers SVRS devices related to this law.

1. Mechanical devices which let air into the circulation pump to ease the vacuum when entrapment or blockage is sensed by device.
2. Electro-mechanical devices which shut off circulation pump when entrapment or blockage is sensed.
3. Pumps or motors with built in software which shuts off circulation pump when entrapment or blockage is sensed.

Click here for important U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding recalled Drain Covers.

In December 2007, U.S. Congress passed the Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Pool & Spa Safety Act, requiring all spa and swimming pool drain covers sold in the United States conform to ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 entrapment protection standards. To this end, Pool Supply Unlimited has stocked our virtual shelves with the VGB compliant Aquastar drains, pool drain covers, plates and return fittings to help our customers achieve the safe, compliant pool and spas as required by law.

 

With over 30 years of experience, the team at Pool Supply Unlimited has the knowledge and expertise to help you pick out the best pool supplies for pools and spas that are as safe as they are fun. From pool handrails & ladders, ADA compliant pool lifts and crucial safety equipment to diving boards, slides and toys & games, Pool Supply Unlimited is your one stop shop for all things water.

 

The purpose of pool drain covers is to prevent the powerful suction of the pool or spa drain from forming a complete seal, which could cause an individual’s body or hair to be trapped against the drain, causing them to drown.

 

Any VGB approved drain cover will have the VGB 2008 marking on the cover. VGB also requires that the flow rate, single or multiple use and cover life be stamped to the top of each outlet cover, as well as provided in the product literature. If your spa or pool drain cover does not show an expiration date, have a pool professional replace the drain cover immediately. Otherwise, have a pool professional replace the drain cover by the marked expiration date. Commercial pool drain covers must be retrofitted to meet VGB requirements.

 

A drain sump is the area below the pool’s main drain cover where water flows. VGB compliant drain sumps are engineered to meet the drain’s flow requirements and be replaced every five years from the date of installation. VGB compliance requirements dictate that pool drains must not be blockable, typically requiring multiple drains at least 36” apart. VGB compliant channel drains are long drains that cannot be totally blocked, making them an acceptable pool drain option.

 

Keep in mind that if your existing drain does not meet the requirements of the new sump, installation must be stopped until the proper parts can be installed. This is just another reason why we always recommend having an experienced pool or spa professional to replace pool parts.

 

Shop Pool Supply Unlimited today for all of your VGB compliant drain supplies and be on your way to a safer pool or spa for your family to enjoy.