Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (VGB) promotes the safe use of pools, spas and hot tubs. The act imposes mandatory federal requirements for suction entrapment avoidance, and it establishes a voluntary grant program for states with laws that meet certain minimum requirements as outlined in the Act. The VGB is being administered by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Definition of "Unblockable Drain"
In 2011, the original rule on the interpretation of an "unblockable drain" as described in the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act was revoked. Previously, an unblockable drain was defined to include the drain cover, meaning that a small suction fitting (drain) with an unblockable cover which fit into a smaller, blockable sump would be classified as unblockable. With the decision to revoke that original interpretation, the definition will include the sump, but not the suction fitting or the drain cover. Therefore, a large unblockable drain cover over a smaller blockable drain cannot be used to create an unblockable drain. More details.
ANSI/APSP-16 2011
In 2011, The Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC) voted unanimously to approve ANSI/APSP-16 2011 as the successor standard to the ANSI/ASME A112.19.8 drain cover standard mandated by the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool &Spa Safety Act. The Commission determined the new standard, ANSI/APSP-16 2011, was in the public interest, and incorporated this standard into its regulations. This means that, effective September 6, 2011, drain covers manufactured, distributed, or entered into commerce in the United States must conform to the requirements of ANSI/APSP-16 2011. Please note that these changes apply to the manufacture and installation of the drain cover. The new standards relate to:
- Ultaviolet light exposure tests, and self-contained spa fittings
- Details of the new successor standard August 2011 (Federal Register)
- Background information about the CPSC decision to update the standard, including a description of the change in terms that are more easily understandable than the version found in the Federal Register above.
Americans With Disabilaties Act
There are many mandates in the Americans with Disabilaties Act that are applicable to camp facilities. Access our Americans with Disabilities Act resource page for more information.
Resources
- Learn more about Virginia Graeme Baker at PoolSafely.gov
- Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act Details
- Americans with Disabilities Act Details and Resources
- Tools & Resources from PoolSafely.gov
- Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) information on the Pool & Spa Safety Act
- Pool and Spa Safety Resources from the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals