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The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act(VGB Act) is a federal law designed to prevent suction-entrapment injuries in public and semi-public pools and spas.
Drain covers prevent hair, limb, mechanical, or body entrapment. All public and semi public pools and spas must use drain covers that are ANSI/APSP-16 compliant. A missing, damaged, unmarked, or expired cover must be replaced immediately.
Drain covers list the service life, and aquatic facilities must replace covers when that time has lapsed. The service life begins on the installation date of the drain cover. Service life may vary. Aquatic facilities must maintain written records of installation dates, models, and replacement schedule.
When replacing a drain cover:
Links & Resources:
2025 VBG Compliance Letter from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission
- It must be compatible with the existing frame and sump.
- It must have a flow rating equal to or higher than the system’s maximum flow.
- It must be installed exactly according to manufacturer instructions.
Staying compliant with the VGB Act ensures the facility meets federal safety standards and most importantly protects swimmers from dangerous suction hazards.
What Facilities Should Do Now…
- Inspect all suction outlets for proper markings and condition
- Verify installation dates and replace expired covers
- Reach out to a qualified professional for single drain pools and spas or when multiple drains are less than 3 feet apart.
- A secondary anti-entrapment system is required to be installed in the pool or spa when on a single main drain or there are multiple drains less than 3 feet apart.
- Maintain VGB documentation
- Schedule routine safety inspections
Improperly installing a drain cover or using the wrong drain cover makes even a certified drain cover non-complaint.
