The Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Pool and Spa Safety Act creates
new requirements for owners and operators of commercial swimming
pools and spas.
Commercial pools or spas constructed on or after December 19, 2008,
shall utilize:
(A) A multiple main drain system without isolation capability with suction
outlet covers that meet ASME/ANSI A112.19.8a Suction Fittings for Use in
Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs and either:
(i) A safety vacuum release system (SVRS) meeting ASME/ANSI
A112.19.17 Manufactured Safety Vacuum Release systems (SVRS) for
Residential and Commercial Swimming Pool, Spa, Hot Tub, and Wading
Pool Suction Systems and/or ASTM F2387 Standard Specification for
Manufactured Safety Vacuum Release Systems (SVRS) for Swimming
pools, Spas and Hot Tubs or
(ii) A properly designed and tested suction-limiting vent system or
(iii) An automatic pump shut-off system.
Commercial pools and spas constructed prior to December 19, 2008, with a
single submerged suction outlet shall use a suction outlet cover that meets
ASME/ANSI A112.19.8a and either:
(A) A SVRS meeting ASME/ANSI A112.19.17 and/or ASTM F2387, or
(B) A properly designed and tested suction-limiting vent system, or
(C) An automatic pump shut-off system, or
(D) Disabled submerged outlets, or
(E) Suction outlets shall be reconfigured into return inlets.
TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY DUE TO SUCTION ENTRAPMENT HAZARD: • A properly installed and secured ANSI/ASME A112.19.8 approved anti-
entrapment suction cover must be used for each drain.
• Each suction cover must be installed at least three (3’) feet apart, as
measured from the nearest point to nearest point.
• Regularly inspect all covers for cracks, damage and advanced weathering.
• If a cover becomes loose, cracked, damaged, broken or is missing,
replace with an appropriate certified cover.
• Replace drain covers as necessary. Drain covers deteriorate over time
due to exposure to sunlight and weather.
• Avoid getting hair, limbs or body in close proximity to any suction cover,
pool drain or outlet.
• Disable suction outlets or reconfigure into return inlets.
The pump can produce high levels of suction within
the suction side of the plumbing system. These high
levels of suction can pose a risk if a person comes within the close proximity
of the suction openings. A person can be seriously injured by this high level
of vacuum or may become trapped and drown. It is absolutely critical that the
suction plumbing be installed in accordance with the latest national and local
codes for swimming pools.
A clearly labeled emergency shut-off switch for the pump
must be in an easily accessible, obvious place. Make
sure users know where it is and how to use it in case of emergency.