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.

VGB Compliant Products
VGB- Drain Covers	VGB-SVRS
Letters From Departments of Health Send us information to Post Email Bel-Aqua
Westchester County, NY Health Department
State of Connecticut
State of Connecticut FAQ's
Nassau County NY
Latest CPSC Information
CPSC Virginia Graeme Baker Website
CPSC FAQ's February 2009
CPSC Enforcement Position 12/15/2009
CPSC Presentation on VGB and Entrapment

APSP's FAQ's
Virginia Graeme Baker
Pool Spa Safety Act

How do I know if I need new main drain grates?
The VGB Pool Safety Act requires all frames and covers meet the ASME standards by December 19, 2008. This is a new standard and most existing covers must be changed to comply.

If a public 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 ANSI/ ASME A112.19.8-2007 standard and install an anti-entrapment device such as an SVRS by December 19, 2008. Single Unblockable drains must have new grates that meet the latest standard but the additional device is not required.

If a public 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 (many states require from edge to edge, not center to center) then You must install a grates that meet the ANSI/ ASME A112.19.8-2007 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 went into effect then the pool or spa must comply be in compliance. 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 ANSI/ ASME A112.19.8-2007 standard they may be in short supply. CPSC is aware of the potential product shortages and urges all public pools and spas to comply with the best of their ability.

Bel-Aqua is currently taking orders from pool and spa professionals for VGB grates and covers and will ship them as they arrive to the oldest orders first. Please place your orders as soon as possible.