Jeff Kerber Pool Plastering - Virginia Graeme Baker Safety Act

When it comes to pool safety... Multiple layers of protection are crucial. That is one of the reasons why on December 19, 2007, *President George W. Bush* signed the *Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007*. The act is intended to increase the safety of swimming pools and spas by motivating states to pass laws that incorporate layers of protection in order to help prevent drowning, drain entrapment and hair entanglements. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act is named for the granddaughter of former Secretary of State James A. Baker, III. In 2002 at the age of seven, Graeme Baker died in a spa after the powerful suction of a drain entrapped her under water. Baker joined Nancy Baker, Graeme's mother, and Safe Kids USA in a three-year advocacy campaign for this legislation. To help you understand the Safety Act and its requirements, we recommend that you review the summary of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act and the analysis as presented by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP), the interpretation by the CPSC and the other information links provided on this page.
	CPSC Press Release Virginia Graeme Baker Pool Spa Safety Act	Read Actual Text Virginia Graeme Baker Pool Spa Safety Act


	CPSC Interpretation Virginia Graeme Baker Pool Spa Safety Act	APSP Analysis Virginia Graeme Baker Pool Spa Safety Act


	APSP's FAQ's Virginia Graeme Baker Pool Spa Safety Act	Safe Kids Press Release Virginia Graeme Baker Pool Spa Safety Act

		VGB Act Complience Request
	APSP Layers of protection APSP Layers of Protections available.





Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Pool Spa Safety Act - Frequently asked questions
Answers are from the CPSC interpretation of the VGB. (CPSC = U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
How do I know if I need new main drain grates? The VGB Pool Safety Act requires all frames and covers meet the latest ASME standards by December 19, 2008. This is a new standard and most existing covers must be changed to comply.

If a pool or spa has ONE (1) main drain what do I need to do to comply with VGB? You must install a grate that meets the latest ASME standard and install an anti-entrapment device such as an SVRS by December 19, 2008. Single Unbloackable drains must have new grates that meet the latest standard but the additional device is not required.

If a pool or spa has TWO (2) main drains what do I need to do to comply with VGB? If the main drains are at least 3' apart (from edge to edge, not center to center) then You must install a grates that meets the latest ASME standard by December 19, 2008. If the main drains are not 3' apart then you should treat the application similar to a single main drain and install an anti-entrapment device such as an SVRS.

What if the pool or spa is seasonal and not open all year? If the pool or spa is open at the time the VGB compliant date goes into effect then the pool or spa must comply by December 19, 2008. If the pool is seasonal then the pool must comply by the day the pool is opened in the spring of 2009.

What if VGB compliant grates are not available by the date required by the law? Although there are grates and covers that meet the latest ASME standards they may not all be available. CPSC is aware of the potential product shortages and urges all public pools and spas to comply with the best of their ability.