VGB Frequently Asked Questions
- -What is VGB??
VGB is an acronym for Virginia Graeme Baker. She is a little girl who died in a backyard spa accident. The law is named in her memory.
- -Do all pool and spa main drain covers and equalizer covers need to be changed out?
Yes. All suction ports, bottom main drains and equalizers, must be changed out and must have a VGB 2008 stamp.
- Will my pool/spa comply by changing out the covers?
Many pools/spas will not comply with the new legislation by merely changing covers, because the sump below the cover must meet the manufacturer's written specifications. In some cases, this will involve construction and design of a new sump. In other cases you may need another safety device such as a SVRS.
- -What is a sump?
A sump is the pit at the lowest point in a circulating or drainage system. It is the area below or behind the drain cover and allows water to flow (or pull) evenly throughout the surface area of the drain cover.
- What are the VGB sump requirements?
The law states that the sump must be a depth of 1.5" of the pipe diameter (e.g. if the pipe is 2", the sump must be a depth of 3").
- What do I do if my existing drain does not meet the new sump requirements?
This will involve construction and design of a new sump.
- Who can modify and/or design a new sump?
In California, a C53 contractor's license is required to modify a sump.
- My swimming pool service has a C61/D35 license. Can he/she replace the cover and modify the sump?
Yes and no. A C61/D35 Limited Specialty contractor can replace the cover but he/she cannot modify a sump. The dilemma is that the repair person does not know if the drain meets sump requirements until he/she removes the cover. If he finds it does not meet the requirements, the law says he must stop and hire a C53 contractor. If he proceeds anyway, he and the facility are subject to fines of up to 1.8 million dollars.
"Any person who knowingly commits a prohibited act under Section 19 of the Consumer Product Safety Act is subject to a civil penalty under Section 20 of the Consumer Product Safety Act. 15 U.S.C. § 2069(a)(1). Under current law, the maximum penalty for one or more related violations is $1.825 million. Congress is considering legislation that would increase this penalty to $10 million or higher. A willful violation of the drain cover standard could result in criminal penalties, including fines or imprisonment, under Section 21 of the Consumer Product Safety Act. 15 U.S.C. § 2070(a)." Taken from National Swimming Pool Foundation: document.
- How do I check to see if my pool service is licensed and if so what license he/she holds?
The California State Contractors Board provides an on-line license check free of charge: CSLB license check.
- What is a SVRS?
SVRS is an acronym for Safety Vacuum Release System. It is a device installed at the equipment pad that is designed to prevent entrapment by disabling the pump suction.
- What is an Unblockable Drain?
The term unblockable drain means a drain of any size and shape that a human body cannot sufficiently block to create a suction entrapment hazard.
Aquastar Pool Products manufactures a popular brand referred to as a "Channel Drain".
(CPSC Staff Interpretation: An unblockable drain, to be consistent with the test procedures found in ASME/ANSI A112.19.8, would have minimum dimensions of 18” x 23”, which represent the shoulder to waist measurements of the 99th percentile adult male).
- Who can install Unblockable/Channel Drains?
Because of required sump modifications, in California YOU MUST BE A C53 LICENSED CONTRACTOR to install unblockable/ channel drains. This is required when the pool is drained or the pool is repaired underwater.
- How do you know so much about this?
We have been in the pool industry since 1992. In 1999 The Pool Dentist of San Diego taught me how to repair pools underwater. Since then I have developed relationships with county health departments, served on board of directors for numerous swimming pool associations (NSPI, IPSSA, SPEC) and volunteered as an input agent on numerous swimming pool safety issues (IAPMO).
Essentially, if you can find a contractor with more dedication, experience and education than us, hire them!
Membership
Independent Pool & Spa Service Association
IPSSA is an association of swimming pool and spa professionals who provide sick route coverage for each other. We also have unlimited resources for continuing education within the industry with many types of classes sponsored by numerous associate members
California Spa and Pool Education Council
SPEC, the California Spa and Pool Industry
Education Council, is a statewide umbrella non-profit trade association. SPEC promotes the industry while it educates the spa and swimming pool-owning public, local and state regulatory and legislative bodies on critical issues
Industry Positions Held
- N.S.P.I. (now APSP) Sacramento Chapter, Secretary/Treasurer, August 1997 to December 1999
Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), Advanced Open Water Diver
This SCUBA diving certification allows me to SCUBA dive anywhere in the world.
I obtained it in Australia, February 1998
Insurance
General Liability, $3,000,000 aggregate
Bonded for $12,500
- Anti-entrapment and Our Changing Industry, 2 hrs, Long Beach, CA ~ March 2009
Mike the Poolman
705 East Bidwell Street, 2-299 Folsom, California 95630
(916) 985-7665 or 484-7665
