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[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrHdK0fmDNI YouTube-New 2021 Pool Drain Regulations Explained | Team CMP] | [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrHdK0fmDNI YouTube-New 2021 Pool Drain Regulations Explained | Team CMP] | ||
| − | === | + | ===2021 Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act Changes=== |
On May 24, 2019, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (Commission, or CPSC) issued a direct final rule incorporating sections of APSP–16 2017 as the successor drain cover standard under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA, or Act). | On May 24, 2019, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (Commission, or CPSC) issued a direct final rule incorporating sections of APSP–16 2017 as the successor drain cover standard under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA, or Act). | ||
Latest revision as of 17:47, 20 April 2024
VGBA Safety Drains
What Are In-Ground Pool Unblockable Drains?
VGBA - What's Changing in 2021?
YouTube-New 2021 Pool Drain Regulations Explained | Team CMP
2021 Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act Changes
On May 24, 2019, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (Commission, or CPSC) issued a direct final rule incorporating sections of APSP–16 2017 as the successor drain cover standard under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA, or Act).
The VGBA, 15 U.S.C. 8001 took effect on December 19, 2008.
The VGBA's purpose is to prevent drain entrapment and child drowning in swimming pools and spas.
In part, the Act requires that drain covers must comply with entrapment protection requirements specified by the joint standard from the American Society of Material Engineers (ASME) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 performance standard, or any successor standard.
The VGBA also states that public pools must be equipped with drain covers that meet the requirements of the ASME/ANSI standard or any successor standard.
On February 17, 2011, the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) approved the ANSI/APSP/IAPMO–16 2011 standard, Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs, to succeed ASME/ANSI A112.19.8–2007. ASME then withdrew ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 2007.
On August 5, 2011, the Commission incorporated APSP–16 2011 into 16 CFR part 1450 as the successor drain cover standard, with an effective date of September 6, 2011. 76 FR 47436 (Aug. 5, 2011).
On August 18, 2017, APSP published APSP–16 2017.
On May 24, 2019, the Commission published a direct final rule in the Federal Register, incorporating portions of APSP–16 2017 into its mandatory drain cover standard, 16 CFR part 1450, with an effective date of November 24, 2020 (84 FR 24021).
This standard establishes new requirements for markings, instructions, material durability, physical testing and flow rate certification procedures for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA).
This updated version includes a Provisional Amendment (PA) approved on March 19, 2021, addressing storable pool integral SOFA.
Products and components regulated by this standard are collectively referred to as Drain Covers under the federal law that regulates them.
SOFAs are designed for use in any pool, hot tub, spa or other aquatic venue that is intended for swimming or recreational bathing.
Under the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA), product components certified on or after November 24, 2020 are required to comply with this version of the standard.
This version includes appendices to help designers, manufacturers, test laboratories, and Registered Design Professionals achieve consistent certification results in accordance with the revised standard and the VGBA.
ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 (PA) American National Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA).
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance publishes ANSI/SPSP/ICC standards for pools and spas.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) established the guidelines and testing standards required.
Specifically, the VGBA references the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 performance standard and/or any successor standard.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission incorporates sections of ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 as the successor SOFA drain cover standard.
This newer standard includes stricter testing standards, with additional considerations for flow rates, pipe sizes, and sump depths.
December 2008 Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
Since December 2008 the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act has required all drains sold in the US, and thus installed in new pools, to be VGBA compliant. These are safety drain covers that prevent anyone from being sucked onto the drain and entrapped. They are mandatory primary safety devices that should be installed on all new pools.
VGBA compliant drains either have two round intakes spaced at least 36" apart, a large square drain, or a wide horizontal drain. VGBA intakes can be placed on the pool floor or on a wall.
For more on Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act you can read...
VGB Drain Check Safety Checklist
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act)FAQ
Summary Analysis of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
For more on pool safety you can read...
Layers of Protection Start with You.
SVRS Pumps
The pool industry also pushes a safety vacuum release system (SVRS) in their more complicated and expensive pumps as a secondary safety system. The problem is the sensor will false alarm and shutdown your pump unexpectedly. It may be hours or days before you notice it. So if you get the pump understand it needs to be checked on quite often to make sure it is working properly. It is best to skip these kinds of pumps.
The laws and codes are not always clear and builders will often just go with the most restrictive rules just to be safe. Trying to even find a clear explanation of what's required for each local authority is ridiculously difficult.There's a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding.
We do not recommend a pump with SVRS due to how problematic they are. If you have dual drains and proper covers, there is no benefit to SVRV on a pump. If you have a single drain, make sure that the cover is a listed approved cover and never run the pump on 100% main drain. Teach everyone that the drain is not something to play with.
Even though most VGB rules only apply to commercial pools, many locations have adopted some of the requirements for residential pools. The important thing is to know and follow the local rules.
There are other SVRS systems available if they are required that will probably be less trouble than SVRS in a pump. One is the Vacless Pump Safety Vacuum Release SVRS-10ADJ - Swimming Pool Supply USA.
Retrofit VGBA Drain Covers
SDX Retro® Equalizer Drain Cover is for skimmer equalizer lines or suction pipes extending through the wall of concrete pools without sumps. Spacer ring provides adequate clearance to eliminate chipping of interior surface to create a sump. Includes concrete anchors.[1]
SDX® is a high flow suction outlet suitable for use as a wall fitting and also as a floor drain when debris removal is not a concern. A "Retro" version is available to bring existing suction outlet covers into compliance with the new law. SDX Retro® fits existing plaster rings up to 10" in diameter.
SDX® boasts a flow rating of 200gpm on the floor and 192gpm on the wall making it compatible with most residential pumps up to 3 hp. SDX has a 1.485 feet per second velocity at the opening at a maximum listed 200gpm.
