Frequentely Asked Questions About VGB Pool & Spa Act

When do I need to have my pool completely compliant?

The date to have your pool and spa in full compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker safety law was December 19, 2008.  This was a year after the bill was signed.  If you have an indoor pool open year-round you should already be compliant with the law.   If you have an outdoor, seasonal pool you will need to be compliant by the time you open your pool for the season.   

What types of pools are affected in this safety act?

The Virginia Graeme Baker law covers all commercial pools and spas.   This includes swimming pools, kiddie pools, wading pools and spas, located in hotels, motels, apartment and condominium complexes, health and fitness clubs and any membership swimming pools as well as public pools in city and state parks.   While residential pools are not included in this mandate it is recommended that you meet new complaint standards for the safety of your family and friends. 

Do all pool and spa drain covers need replaced?

If you have not replaced your current drain covers since January 2009, most likely you do not have compliant drain covers and will need to change them.   Although drain covers were being produced prior to January 2009 anticipated to be VGB compliant, new guidelines have since come out regarding markings and verbiage put on the drain covers therefore making pre-2009 drain covers non-compliant. 

Why are spas also on this list?

Spas or hot tubs are included on this list if they have a single main drain system and flat drain gates.   These are most often found on in-ground spas.

Who is determining the specific standards of what qualifies as a VGB compliant drain cover or other pool device?

Swimming pools and spas must have drain covers and other devices or systems that meet anti-entrapment standards set by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers or ASME, and the American National Standards Institute or ANSI.

How far do my drains need to be apart to be compliant?

The new law states that there must be a minimum of 3 feet measuring from the middle of one drain cover to the middle of the next one to be compliant.   If your drains are any closer, there are optional changes you can do to become compliant.   You can add a Suction Vacuum Release System (SVRS) or cap one of your drains.  Check with a reputable company such as Aqua Palace for specific advice for what is necessary to make your swimming pool compliant.

What is considered an “unblockable” drain cover?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSP) has decided that a drain is unblockable if it is 18” x 23” or larger.  This size is based on how big of an area a person could cover with any part of their body, i.e. their stomach, butt, or legs; concluding that it’s almost impossible for a human being to cover and be entrapped by a drain of at least 18” x 23”.

If I have a field-fabricated, unblockable drain cover that I believe meets the current VGB standards, am I required to order a new drain cover? 

Probably not.   A field-fabricated cover may continue to be used where a professional engineer (PE) certifies that it meets the requirements of ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007, including flow rates, UV exposure and durability.   The PE must document that the drain cover meets the new standard and provide a copy of that certificated to the pool owner and operator.   

What can I expect to spend on new pool drain covers or new spa drain covers?

Most of the cost will depend on the size of your drain covers, but the average cost swimming pool drain cover will be around $95 - $160.   For spas/hot tubs you can expect a range of $15 - $95 per drain cover.

Where can I find these compliant drain covers for my pool or spa?

You can purchase compliant swimming pool and spa drain covers from Aqua Palace.  We have a full variety of different sizes and styles of anti-entrapment drain covers in-stock and will help you select the cover best suited for your pool or spa.    Visit us in-store at 810 Woodbury Avenue in Council Bluffs, Iowa or on-line at http://www.aquapalace.com/shop/products.php?cat=65. 

Where can I find a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS) and what will I pay?

Aqua Palace carries the Safety Vacuum Release Systems at prices ranging from $699 - $900. 

What is the story behind the VGB law?

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act was named after the daughter of James and Nancy Baker and the granddaughter of former Secretary of State James Baker III.  Graeme Baker’s life was cut tragically short in 2002 at a family birthday party when the young girl died after the suction from a spa drain entrapped her under the water. The Act was first introduced by Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (FL) and was supported by the Baker family and Safe Kids Worldwide.   The bill was signed into law by President George W. Bush on December 19, 2007.