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The goal of the Virgina Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (VGBA) is to eliminate the hazard of swimming pool & spa entrapment.
The VGBA is a federal law enacted by Congress and signed by the President on December 19, 2007. The effective date was December 19, 2008. Congress directed the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to protect the public “against unreasonable risks of injuries associated with consumer products.” Drain covers are classified as “consumer products” that are regulated by the U.S. Consumer Safety Product Standard ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017.
On May 24, 2021, ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 became the successor drain cover standard to all previous versions of the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007, VGB 2008, and ANSI/APSP-16 2011 standards (collectively known as the VGB 2008 standards). Manufactured product certified to the newest version will be will be marked with VGBA 2017.
VIRGINIA GRAEME BAKER POOL & SPA SAFETY ACT
Public facilities must replace their pool and spa drain covers when expired.
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA) law that took effect in 2008 requires that all public pools and spas have drain covers that comply with the ASME/ ANSI Al 12.19.8 performance standard, or any successor standard, currently ANSI/APSP/ICC 16- 2017. This standard requires that manufacturers determine a life expectancy and place a permanent mark with “Life: X Years” on components of suction outlet fitting assemblies (SOFAs) to indicate service lifespan.
The law requires that compliant drain covers be installed in all public pools and spas, in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Failure to comply with manufacturer instructions can result in pool closings and stiff civil penalties, as well as liability in the event of a tragedy. To ensure structural integrity and avoid accidents with broken covers, the drain covers that are installed in public pools and spas need to be replaced at the end of their life expectancy, or sooner if damage has occurred.
While replacing drain covers is the legal thing to do, it's also the safe thing to do. We can assist our customers to make the right decision - at the right time.
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