What Is The Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Safety Act?

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act was introduced into legislation by U.S. Rep Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida after Virginia Graeme Baker, a 7 year old drown in a hot tub after being trapped underwater by a powerful suction of a hot tub drain. Graeme, as she was known, was a member of her community swim team and a proficient swimmer from the age of three. She was the granddaughter of Secretary of State James Baker III. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act included in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 as Title XIV and enacted by Congress and signed by President Bush on December 19, 2007. Its primary design was to decrease the amount of infant drownings caused by hot tubs and pool drains. This law became effective on December 19, 2008. The VGB Act, which currently governs commercial or public pools, spas, and water parks and pertains to two primary issues: The manufacturing, import, and sale of suction outlet/drain fittings and covers. Entrapment avoidance systems in public pools and spas.

The VGB Act requires the following: On or after 12.19.2008, all suction outlet fittings and covers made, imported or sold in the United States must be certified to comply with ASME/ANSI A 112.19.8, 2007 version. As of 12.19.2008, all public pools and spas, both new and existing, be equipped with certified covers on every suction outlet. As of 12.19.2008, every public pool and spa, new and existing, that has a single outlet, other than an unblockable outlet, must employ one or more of the following additional options: Safety vacuum release system (SVRS) that complies with ANSI/ASME A112.19.17 or ASTM F2387; or Suction limiting vent system; or Gravity drainage system; or Automatic pump shut-off; or Drain disablement; or Equivalent system that may be approved by the CPSC. Within the pool and spa industry, this act is commonly referred to as being "VGB compliant" or "VGB compliance".

Water safety is the single most important consideration when owning a pool or spa. Protecting our children and family is ALWAYS on our minds. There are ALWAYS solutions to better protect our families while we cannot be there to protect them personally. We have recently introduced a new product on the market called the POOL WATCH DOG. For under $200, you can monitor your pool area 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It also alerts you when someone enters the area of your pool, and then sends you streaming video to your computer and smartphone showing you a live feed from the pool area. This is a perfect way to monitor your pool or spa safely.

Taking preventative action is also a good way to help make your pool and spa safer. Changing your drain cover and replacing it with a suction cover that is considered VGB compliant. If you have ANY... and I mean ANY questions about this and want assistance, PLEASE give us a call. We are more than happy to assist you in this process. This whole thing can be accomplished under $30 in most cases! The safety of your family is of utmost importance. As I type this, the NBC Evening News has just reported that celebrity singer Usher's child was rushed to the hospital this week because of a faulty drain cover accident in their home. Understand, these suction covers should be replaced every three years on average. Here is the information on the Safety Act, which only addresses requirements in a public pool or spa: