What are anti-entrapment drain covers?
Drain Cover Pool and spa drains have a suction type outlet and must have an anti-entrapment cover. If the cover is missing or broken, children and bathers can get body parts, hair, and jewelry trapped in the drain, or become suctioned to it. Ultimately, this will result in injury or drowning.
What does VGB stand for in pools?
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool
“Since 2008, swimming pools and spas are being retrofitted and designed to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. Today’s drain covers are built with new standards. This has made the covers stronger and safer.
What is an anti vortex drain cover?
The Anti-Vortex Main Drain Cover complies with new Federal laws to help prevent swimmers from being trapped underwater due to excessive suction created by the pump and drain combination. This main drain cover will fit most standard inground and aboveground swimming pools.
Does the Virginia Graeme Baker Act cover equalizer covers?
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (VGB Act) went into effect in 2008. This law was established to reduce the incidents of suction entrapment in swimming pools. It affected the main drains, equalizer covers and pool pumps. All commercial pools and spas had to make some modifications to become compliant.
What is pool drain cover?
An anti-vortex pool drain cover is a type of safety drain cover that lets more water flow through it so suction is reduced, creating a safer swimming environment, especially for smaller children.
How do I measure my pool drain cover?
You can use your pool basket as a measuring device. Put two strips of electricians tape on the “scoop” edge of your pool basket, separated by 6-3/8” inches as pictured below. From the side of the pool, place the basket “scoop” edge over your pool drain to measure the distance between the holes on the pool drain cover.
What is a vortex drain?
Imagine water going down a sink or bathtub drain. Vortices form when the cylindrical volume of the water begins to gain angular momentum over the drain.
What should free chlorine level be?
between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million
For a healthy pool, the free chlorine level should be between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million (ppm).
What is an anti-vortex drain cover?
What happens if free chlorine is too high?
When free chlorine is over 5.0 ppm, swimmers may experience itchy skin, irritated eyes, and/or dry hair. Pools will naturally gas-off chlorine from the surface, and very high levels can irritate airways and lungs. This is especially true for indoor pools. At chlorine levels over 10 ppm, swimsuits can begin to fade.
What is difference between total chlorine and free chlorine?
Free chlorine involves the amount of chlorine that’s able to sanitize contaminants, while combined chlorine refers to chlorine that has combined directly with the contaminants. Total chlorine is basically the sum of free chlorine and combined chlorine.
Is your drain cover VGB compliant?
IS THE DRAIN COVER VGB COMPLIANT? The first step is to confirm the drain is compliant with VGB requirements. All drain covers should have been swapped after 2008. However, it is common for some residential pools to be overlooked. Look for certification markings on the cover or check with the drain manufacturer.
What does the VGBA say about pool drain covers?
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. Under the VGBA, if ASME or another organization proposes a successor standard, the Commission will incorporate the revised standard if the Commission determines that it is in the public interest.
How do I check if my drain cover has expired?
To check your drain and ensure your pool, spa or hot tub drain cover has not expired, find a pool professional near you at APSP.org/MemberLocator or contact your CMP pool representative.
What is the VGB pool and spa safety act?
The VGB Act requires that public pools and spas in the United States be equipped with anti-entrapment devices or systems that comply with the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 performance standard or any successor standard. ANSI/APSP-16 2011 is the successor standard to ASME/ANSI A112.19.8.” Read more about the VGB Pool and Spa Safety Act here.