VGB Law

Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Pool and Spa Safety Act

What you need to know!

In December of 2007, a new federal act was signed into law, designed to eliminate drowning deaths in swimming pools due to unsafe suction outlets or main drains in swimming pools. The Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Pool and Spa Safety Act requires the installation of anti-entrapment drain covers and other systems in an effort to reduce deaths and injuries in swimming pools. This Act affects all commercial public swimming pools as defined by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

It is extremely important that all operators of commercial public pools understand and comply with the information available at the following links to be sure they are up to date and performing the necessary steps to make their pool safe according to the act.

G&B Tile and Plaster (G&B) is experienced in drain conversions, both commercial and residential, and the requirements necessary to conform to the VGB Pool and Spa Safety Act. There are several requirements to the VGB Pool and Spa Safety Act and in many cases; it is not just simply changing out the drain cover to one that complies with the ASME A112.19.8-2007 standard. Many drain sumps in commercial pools are “Field Fabricated” and may not meet the standard.

All commercial drain sumps must be inspected to determine if the sump will require any modification(s) to meet the requirements of the VGB Pool and Spa Safety Act. G&B is able to dive the pool and take the necessary measurements of the sump, combined with determining the plumbing pipe size, pipe clearance, and the size of the filter pump. G&B will then be able to determine the necessary steps required to make individual drain systems comply with the VGB Pool and Spa Safety Act.

Every effort will be made to perform the drain cover replacement without draining the pool. This will save costs relative to refilling and rebalancing the pool water. This will not be possible with all pools or with pools that will require more extensive drain system conversions.

Contact G&B to upgrade your Commercial Public Pool suction inlets to meet the requirements of the VGB Pool and Spa Safety Act. It is strongly encouraged that you are hiring a Professional to perform this service. We encourage you to call to schedule our services or simply go the Estimate page above and fill out the form and a representative will contact you to schedule a service call to visit the property.