Sumps for Swimming Pool Drain Covers
What is a swimming pool /spa drain sump?
A sump is the pit or bowl under a drain cover assembly. It is the area below a drain cover allowing water to flow uniformly beneath the area of the drain cover.
The new VGB law (Virginia Graeme Baker Federal Safety Act) designates new pump flow rates and specifies minimum sump clearances.
Many existing drains no longer meet the new law requirement and require sump modifications.
Swimming pool drain sumps can only be modified by a C53 California Swimming Pool contractor. If you hire a repair person without a C53 license, they are in violation of state and federal law by working outside of the scope of their qualifications. Not only is the action illegal, they are subject to disciplinary action from CSLB (Contractors State License Board) and CPSC (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) including fines, penalties and suspension of existing licenses.
Mike the Poolman CSLB License check: C53-731809
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Swimming pool and spa sump information
What is a swimming pool/ spa drain sump?
A sump is the pit or bowl under the drain cover assembly. It is the area below the drain cover allowing water to flow uniformly beneath the area of the drain cover.
What are VGB (Virginia Graeme Baker Federal Safety Act) sump requirements?
Each sump must be engineered to meet the flow requirements of the drain it is supporting. Each manufacturer has their own requirements based on their lab testing results and approval. It is prudent to refer to each manufacturers literature before installing their products.
What do I do if my existing drain does not meet new sump requirements?
A new sump must be created or installed to drain cover manufacturer specifications. Failure to follow manufacture specs voids their warranty.
Who can modify a new sump?
In California, a C53 Swimming Pool 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
Mike the Poolman
705 East Bidwell Street, 2-299 Folsom, California 95630
(916) 985-7665 or 484-7665
