Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act Will Protect Children in Commercial Swimming Pools and Spas
From 1999 to 2007 at least nine people died in swimming pool drains and 63 were injured – this is according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In 2002, Virginia Graeme Baker, age 7, drowned in a spa when she became entrapped by the powerful suction of a drain. Virginia was the granddaughter of former U.S. Secretary of State, James Baker.
The idea behind these new regulations is to save the lives of children.
With swimming pool and spa accidents rising, there are new regulations designed to keep swimmers—especially children—safe. The most notable is a federal act, Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB), which requires that all public swimming pools and spas—such as municipal pools, hotels, country clubs and day camps—install a compliant [ANSI/ASME 112.19.8-2007] drain cover.
Many people are unaware of the injuries and fatalities caused by suction entrapment. Jim Gibson, the owner of Pool X Perts, a South Florida Pool Company, feels a responsibility towards assisting his clients comply with new regulations. He explains, “Our company is dedicated to pool safety. We already have the services and products available to meet the latest safety standards.”
Get expert help to navigate local and federal safety regulations.
The federal safety act (VGB) takes effect December 19, 2008 and it includes potentially hefty fines or even imprisonment for noncompliance. The challenge for commercial pool owners and operators is that in addition to compliance with VGB, they often face an array of new regulations that vary from state to state, and from town to town.
Swimming pool and Spa operators, especially with single suction outlet systems, are looking for an easy, cost-effective and readily available product to achieve compliance. Jim explains, “Most pool owners don’t realize how easy it is to comply with the new safety act. The products we’re distributing easily and safely retrofit to most existing frames and meet or exceed safety standards.”
Retrofit Products Available certified by the Florida Department of Health:
Aquastar Wave Drain Cover:
12" x 12" 4 hole drain cover
9" x 9" 4 hole drain cover
12" x 12 ' Retrofit (compatable with Hayward products)
18" x 18"
Hayward
12" x 12" 8 hole drain cover
Visit our Products page for further details on these products.
As per the Florida Department of Health all grate/cover replacement must be done either by a Commercial Pool/Spa Contractor or a Swimming Pool/Spa Servicing Contractor, including submission of a contractor-signed statement to the CHD or reginal engineer that they have replaced the existing grate/cover with an ASME/ANSI certified grate/cover that meets Florida's pool rule, and they have installed it as specified by the manufacturer.
FAQ: Florida and the VGB Act
How does this affect my swimming pool or spa?
- By December 20, 2008, your swimming pool, whether it has single or multiple drains, needs new anti-entrapment drain covers that must comply with ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 performance standard, which are availlable here
- Your public pool or spa that has a single drain must have at least one additional level of entrapment protection which could be:
- Safety Vacuum Release – a vacuum release system capable of providing vacuum release at a suction outlet caused by a high vacuum occurrence due to a suction outlet flow blockage. (i.e., Stingl Switch, Vac-Alert, Etc.)
- Suction-Limiting Vent System* – a suction limiting vent system that utilizes a collector tank.
- Gravity Drainage* – a gravity drainage system that utilizes a collector tank.
- Automatic Pump Shut Off System – An automatic pump shut off system.
- Drain Disablement- A device or system that disables the drain.
*This would have been installed during pool construction. It cannot be added to an already existing pool, only new construction.
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What do I need to do to become compliant?
- On all drains, install a NEW ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 anti-entrapment cover
- On all swimming pools or spas that have single drains that are not unblockable OR two main drains measuring less than 36” apart (three-feet from center to center ) per pump must have at least one additional level of entrapment protection (See above)
- RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOLS – As of December 20, 2008 – it will be AGAINST federal law to make or sell a drain cover in the United States that does not comply with ASME/ANSI 19.8. Thus, all new residential swimming pool and spa construction as of December 20, 2008, must comply with the federal law.
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How do I tell if my drain cover needs replaced?
Does your drain cover look like this?
| Does your drain cover look like this? | Then you need this .... |
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Call or email us for additional information or to schedule one of our service technicians to determine what you need to become compliant. 888 - POOLXPS or info@pool-x-perts.com
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What is the approval process in Florida for a simple grate/cover replacement?
The contractor or owner must submit a contractor signed statement to the County Health Department (CHD) or Regional engineer that they have replaced the grate/cover to be in compliance with the 2007 ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 standard, and that it meets Florida rule requirements. The statement must include the name of the manufacturer, the model of the grate/cover installed, the open area of the grate, and that they have installed it as specified by the manufacturer. If the grate/cover complies with the Florida requirements, an acknowledgement letter will be issued to the owner that says they have complied with the state rule. This applies for direct suction and gravity drained facilities.
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