ASP Pool and Spa Co. L.L.C.
4650 Forsyth Road Suite 170
Macon, GA 31210
February 23, 2009
To: Our Commercial Pool Accounts
From: ASP Pool and Spa Co of Fayetteville/Macon
Subject: VGB Act
As you may be aware the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Safety Act requires a proactive approach by commercial and public swimming pools to insure compliance with the requirements of the law. In Counties in Georgia, where we provide swimming pool maintenance and repair service, The Fulton County Environmental Health Services Division of the Department of Health and Wellness has taken the lead in providing useful information.
In a letter, dated November 7, 2008, which reads in part ''The Environmental Health Services Division of the Department of Health and Wellness is making you aware of a federal law passed in December, 2007, called the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (the VGB Act). This law requires that all pools in the United States have ASME/ANSI-certified/VGB Act compliant main drain covers by December 19, 2008. Failure to comply could result in a minimum fine by the federal government of $1.8 million and up. If your pool is not currently in operation, such as a seasonal pool closed now but will reopen for the 2009 summer, then you have until that time to comply. Once the pool opens on or after December 20, 2008, such as pools operated year round, it must be in compliance with the VGB Act requirements''
The VGB Act requires:
A). Main drain covers that comply with the ANSI/AMSE A112.19.8-2007 testing standards.
B). For a single main drain, other than one with an unblockable main drain, which is defined as a single drain of any size or shape that a human body cannot sufficiently block to create a suction entrapment hazard, one of the following is required on any pool or spa.
1. Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS) that meets ANSI/ASME A112.19.17 testing standards
2. Gravity drainage system
3. Suction-limiting vent system
4. Automatic pump shut-off
5. Drain disablement
C). 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.
D). 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''IPS (2.375''O.D.) pipe depth should equal 3.56'' However, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) does not require the replacement of the sump if a new compliant drain cover can be safely secured onto a pre-existing sump if the flow rate does not exceed the covers maximum flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm). We would recommend conforming to the ASME/ANSI standard. For a compete listing of Iron Pipe Sizes (IPS) and Schedules visit Dayflow.Com ( http://dayflow.com/ )
Other considerations:
E). State and local health codes, which are more restrictive than the VGB Act, 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. The 1.5 fps requirement was originally intended for grate-type covers to help prevent the formation of vortexes.
F). Some local health departments require that the pools operating permit is updated and a permit fee paid prior to installing a new drain cover.
G). Prior to installing a cover, confirm 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 flow meter. On Completion, return to normal operation. If there is not a flow meter installed, install one. Select the cover that has a higher flow rating then the verified flow rate.
H). 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.
The ASME A112.19.8-2007 testing standard requires the suction outlet (drain) cover to have the following stamped, embossed or permanently marked in a location that is visible when installed:
(1) ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 certification
(2) ''For Single or Multiple Drain Use'', ''For Single Drain Use'', or ''For Multiple Drain Use only''.
(3) Maximum flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm)
(4) ''Wall Only'', ''Floor Only'', or ''Wall and Floor'' installations
(5) Cover life (Example: 3 years)
(6) Manufacturer name or registered trademark, and model designation
(7) All drain covers compliant with the VGB Act should be marked with ''VGB 2008''
As mentioned before you may, as in Fulton County, be required to obtain from the County Health Department or other County Agency an APPLICATION FOR PERMIT TO MODIFY A SWIMMING POOL.
We have and are in the process of retrofitting public and commercial swimming pools to meet the requirements of the VGB Pool and Safety Act. We would welcome the opportunity of providing additional information and if necessary quote on what would be required to bring your swimming pool into compliance with the VGB Act.
Contact us by phone 478-475-0066 or fax 478-475-0089
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