What does VGB compliant mean?
In December 2007 the United States Congress passed the Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Pool & Spa Safety Act, which requires that all swimming pool or spa drain covers manufactured, distributed or entered into commerce in the United States conform to the entrapment protection standards of the ASME/ANSI A112.
What is a VGB compliant drain?
The VGB legislation mandates that all pools and spas are required to have ASME/ANSI A11. 19.8-2007 compliant drain covers with an additional anti-entrapment system when there is only one main drain other than an unblockable drain.
What VGBA compliant?
The VGBA requires all pool drain covers manufactured or sold in the United States to comply with new entrapment standards. VGBA also requires owners of all new and existing public swimming pool and spa suction outlet systems to install safety equipment, including ASME/ANSI A112.
What is an anti-entrapment drain cover?
Drain Cover Pool and spa drains have a suction type outlet and must have an anti-entrapment cover. If the cover is missing or broken, children and bathers can get body parts, hair, and jewelry trapped in the drain, or become suctioned to it.
How long are VGB drain covers good for?
It’s the Law This standard requires that manufacturers determine a life expectancy and place a permanent mark with “Life: X Years” on each cover to indicate lifespan. Code requires that drain covers need to be replaced every 5 YEARS after the date of installation.
What is a drain entrapment?
Entrapment occurs when part of a bather or swimmer’s body becomes attached to a pool or spa drain as a result of the powerful suction of the water circulation system, or an arm or leg is inserted into a drain with a missing or broken cover.
What is the Virginia Baker law?
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (Act) promotes the safe use of pools, spas and hot tubs by imposing mandatory federal requirements for suction entrapment avoidance and by establishing a voluntary grant program for states with laws that meet certain minimum requirements as outlined in the Act.
How often do pool drain covers need to be replaced?
5 years
Drain cover manufacturers are required to provide the consumer with information that tells them when the drain cover must be replaced before they begin to crack or show other signs of failure. Many manufacturers have designated a life span of 5 years, others up to 10 years.
What happened to Virginia Graeme Baker?
Graeme died from drowning, but the real cause of her death was suction entrapment due to a faulty drain cover. After her tragic death, her mother, Nancy Baker, worked tirelessly to advocate for pool and spa safety.
How can you reduce the risk of suction entrapment?
Never run your pump at higher speeds than the recommended maximum. High water velocity can contribute to suction entrapment. Make sure your pool or spa is protected with locked doors and/or gates to keep out small children and animals when you’re not there.
What is entrapment protection?
Entrapment protection devices ensure that a motorized door or grille will not close on an object. If an object enters path of closure, the entrapment protection device will stop the door or grille from closing and return it to the fully open position.
What is touch supervision?
“Touch supervision” means keeping swimming children within arm’s reach and in sight at all times. Flotation devices should never be used as a substitute for supervision. Knowing how to swim does not make a child drown-proof.
