Pool Safety
Those who practice pool safety save lives. Those who do not risk them.
As a pool owner, it’s your responsibility to keep your guests and neighbors safe whenever they’re near the water. While a backyard pool can be a source of fun and relaxation, it also comes with serious safety obligations—especially here in Florida, where pools are common and often used year-round. In this article, we’ll walk you through essential pool safety tips, from installing barriers and covers to understanding local regulations and the importance of adult supervision. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a quiet swim, these guidelines will help you create a safer environment for everyone.
The following are some key resources for basic pool safety.
1. Enroll in Swimming Lessons for Children and Infants
2. Install Child Proof Safety Fencing Around You Pool and Spa
US Consumer Product Safety Commission Pool Safety Barrier Guidelines
3. Comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act (VGBA) Safety Codes
- A missing or damaged pool main drain cover is a serious safety hazard
- A VGBA non-compliant pool main drain cover is a serious safety hazard
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA) is a United States law named after Graeme Baker, who died in an accident in June 2002, when the suction from a spa drain entrapped her under the water. She was the daughter of James and Nancy Baker and the granddaughter of former Secretary of State James Baker III. The Act was first introduced by Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz and was supported by the Baker family and Safe Kids Worldwide.
The VGB Act requires compliance with ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 or successor standard ANSI/APSP 16-2011 codes. It requires that residential and commercial pools have systems that are designed to prevent or reduce the occurrence of suction entrapment. This mainly takes the form of Suction Outlet Fitting Assembly’s, and suction disablement systems be installed that are designed to help children and adults to avoid getting trapped underwater by the suction of the pool pump system. Watch the video above for more information and see a list of compliant pool main drain covers below.
- Visit the official government information page for the VGBA here
- Read the safety document here
- Download the public safety guide here
- Visit the PoolSafely.gov to read more about VGB act compliance and safety
4. Repair Damaged Components of Your Pool and Pool Safety Equipment Immediately Upon Discovering the damage.
Some examples include but are NOT limited to:
- Damaged or non-functional pool gate safety latches or backyard gates
- Damaged or missing pool main drain covers
- Ungrounded electrical components in the pool system, ie. pumps, hand rails, salt systems, lighting systems
- Pool lights that have become disconnected from their housing
- Loose, sunken, or raised deck pavers within 5 feet of the pool
- Loose waterline or coping tile in the pool
- Overgrown plants, foilage or trees that overhang, or penetrate the pool water or obstruct 3 feet walkways around the pool
Comply with local codes and standards for your home or commercial pool
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