SPECIAL SAFETY NOTICE -
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act is now law

Effective December 19, 2008, the Virginia Graeme Baker Act became law. This new law requires all public pools and/or spas to have Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) approved drain covers, as well as dual-drain systems or other specified substitutes in place and functional as of December 19, 2008. In accordance with the new law, drain covers must meet the ASME/ANSI AS112.19.8-2007 standard, which is identified by a mark on the covers bearing either the standard number or “VGB 2008.”

These new drain covers have been designed to provide protection against suction/entrapment on pool and/or spa drain systems. Every year there are instances of injury and even death as a result of entrapment from the pool drain. While the new law currently affects only public pools and/or spas you might want to investigate the potential for updating your own residential pool or spa with this latest safety feature. The new law does mention residential pools, however, the CPSC’s focus is currently on public pools and/or spas.

Residential enforcement will rest with the individual States and is tied to requests for Federal grant money. If the individual State is interested in obtaining the Federal grant money, they must craft laws which may be even more stringent than the CPSC’s minimum standards. Because of this, some insurance companies are taking note of this new law and may soon demand verification of compliance as a condition for insuring the pool.

Dynamic Pools and Spas offers verification services and/or drain cover conversion to ensure compliance with this new law even though residential pools/spas are not the current target. We have many of the new VGB 2008 drain covers in stock. It also should be noted that the life expectancy of any pool drain cover is no more than seven (7) years due to the detrimental effects of the sun’s ultra-violet rays. So if you are ready to replace damaged or tired drain covers, think about upgrading to the latest in safety covers.

In most cases, this retrofit is not a simple remove and replace procedure. Many of the new VB 2008 drain covers require a retrofit ring to allow for correct bolt placement and engagement. It is highly recommended that you contact Dynamic Pools and Spas should you decide to upgrade your pool drain covers. Don't take a chance with non-professional pool service companies because expensive damage can result from improper attempts to replace the drain covers. Minimum costs involved to determine retrofit compatibility begin at $300 - $400 which includes service call, parts and labor.

As an alternative to drain cover replacement, Dynamic Pools and Spas recommend the addition of a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS) which will respond in milliseconds to an increase in pump suction vacuum that can be caused when someone is trapped. Both the Vac-Alert and Stratum Vacuum Release Systems are user friendly and easily maintained.