Those who practice pool safety save lives. Those who do not risk them.

The following are some key resources for basic pool safety.

1. Enroll in Swimming Lessons for Children and Infants

www.infantswim.com

2. Install Child Proof Safety Fencing Around You Pool and Spa

US Consumer Product Safety Commission Pool Safety Barrier Guidelines

www.poolguardusa.com

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. 

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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