What Is New With The Virginia Graeme Baker Act- The Swimming Pool Drain Cover Law

September 29, 2009 – 6:17 pm

It has been almost a year since this became law to make pools safe for users. (US Government website: Google pool safety, US gov, Virginia Graeme Baker
Pool and Spa safety Act or just go to our website listed below). So, how are things, what is new, how is it progressing?

First off, many public pools have complied correctly with the law. That is GOOD news. Many esteem installed unblockable drain covers in accordance with the law. There are still public pools (and spas) out there that are NOT compliant and have done nothing.

We have been in the pool and water business for over 30 years. We have become experts in unblockable pool drain covers and this law. Many many pool owners/ managers are confused. Or have been- we have cleared up lots of confusion. Laws (or interpretation of laws) have changed. There are concerns with federal versus state enforcement of the laws. Some public officials are unhappy with developments. Some feel it is their job to enforce state regulations and not federal. Local officials and inspectors are the ones that this boils down to, you must check with them to make sure your solution is compliant.

Add in that some fixes are incorrect. Either installed wrong, sized wrong and so on. Many pools and spas ended up spending a great quantity more than necessary with various retrofits when cheaper alternatives were available (like unblockable drain covers). There are a few (new or newer) companies out there trying to capitalize on the market, and unaware of all the necessary requirements for recommending the improve or most seemly unblockable drain cover (or other solution).

So, what can you do? If you are a pool or spa owner, MAKE SURE you are compliant. That whatever fix you did IS correct, the proper size and so on. That your pool personnel KNOW how to operate and check the drain and/or equipment (AND that they ARE doing it!) You can contact us, or your local inspector allowing that you are unsure. If you have not yet acted on your legal requirement to comply with this law, do so IMMEDIATELY. Call us or another knowledgeable source.

If you are a puddle dealer, make sure your customers are all submissive with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. If you deal in unblockable drain covers (a good idea), make steady your supplier educates YOU as to proper application of them.

If you are a consumer, just Joe Q. Public who swims at the city pool, you have power to ask and make sure your pool is compliant. You could contact your local inspectors or the pool manager.

Personal Fitness Coach