Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007 -Compliance Tips
The following are helpful tips to ensure compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa
Safety Act of 2007:

1. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007 will be regulated at the local level by the state, county or city health department. The compliance date is December 19, 2008. Failure to comply with the act may result in fines, closure and/or suspension or revocation of the operating permit. Pools/spas that close for winter must be compliant prior to opening. (This varies per code – check localrequirements.)
2. ALL pool and spa outlets (drains, equalizers, etc.) must have ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 approved covers. All pumps connected to single, blockable drains must have an SVRS or other approved device installed (Vac Alert, Stingle Switch). This includes jet pumps, waterfall pumps, and other water feature pumps.
3. Dual drains: The standard for dual drains is hydraulically balanced fully submerged drains for each pump, with drain cover centers a minimum of 3 feet apart. Some local standards require that the drains are 3 feet apart from edge of the cover to edge of the cover. Know your local code. Again, ALL pool and spa outlets (drains, equalizers, etc.) must have ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 approved covers (SDX High Flow Safety Drain Cover).
4. The ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 standard requires the drain sump depth to be a minimum of 1-1/2 times the pipe diameter from the end of the pipe to the bottom of the drain cover. Example: 2” pipe – depth should equal 3”. (This varies per code – check local requirements.) If the sump does not meet this standard, contact your local health department for guidance. A remodel permit may be required. NOTE:The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will allow a new compliant cover that fits securely into a pre-existing sump if the flow rate does not exceed the cover’s maximum flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm).
5. Drain cover and Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS) recommendations must NOT conflict with local health code standards. Know your local code.
6. Some state and local health codes require that all drain covers (anti-entrapment covers and standard grates) are sized at velocities of 1.5 feet per second (fps) or less. The ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 standard for anti-entrapment covers is 6.0 fps or less. Please contact your local health department for drain cover selection guidance if local standards require cover velocities of 1.5 feet per second (fps) or less, or if the cover will be installed on a gravity drain system. Note: The 1.5 fps requirement was originally intended for grate-type covers to help prevent the formation of vortexes.
7. Some local health departments require that the pool’s operating permit is updated and a permit fee is paid prior to installing a new drain cover. Verify this information prior to selling or installing the cover.
8. Prior to selling or installing a cover, confirm that the flow rate of the pool or spa pump(s) with a clean filter. Direct all flow to the main drain(s) and check the flowmeter. Upon completion, return to normal operation. If there is not a flowmeter installed, install one. Select the cover that has a higher flow rating then the verified flow rate.
9. Even with dual drains, the selected cover must be capable of handling the full flow of the pump in the event of one suction outlet being completely blocked.
10. It is recommended that facility owners maintain proof of purchase, cut-sheets and photos of new A112.19.8-2007 approved covers.

IMPORTANT
IF THE SUMP IS INCORRECTLY DESIGNED, OR THE FRAME IS CRACKED, YELLOWED OR DAMAGED, DO NOT INSTALL A COVER. REPLACE THE FRAME AND REMODEL THE SUMP IF NECESSARY. THIS ALSO APPLIES TO IMPROPERLY FITTED RETROFIT COVERS. ALWAYS INSTALL ALL EQUIPMENT PER THE MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS.