Montgomery County, PA

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is reminding public pool and spa owners and operators nationwide that the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA) takes effect December 19, 2008. This law requires installation of anti-entrapment drain covers and other systems as outlined in the Act.

The Pool and Spa Safety Act was enacted by Congress and signed by President Bush on December 19, 2007, and is designed to prevent the tragic and hidden hazard of drain entrapments and eviscerations in pools and spas. Under the law, all public pools and spas must have ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 compliant drain covers installed, and a second anti-entrapment system installed when there is only a single main drain. Congress gave all affected pool and spa operators one year to comply with this law.

Public pools and spas that operate year-round are expected to be in compliance by December 19, 2008. CPSC staff has taken the position that seasonal public pools and spas that are currently closed must be in compliance with the law on the day that they reopen in 2009.

Montgomery County Health Department (MCHD) shares in the responsibility to ensure this law is properly enforced. Pool and spa operators are encouraged to continue working as diligently as possible to come into compliance.

Helpful Information for Pool and Spa Operators

Compliance Form

The facility owners and /or managers should mail Compliance Form(s) to MCHD by January 23, 2009. MCHD will review each form for compliance and report the information to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, who has the regulatory authority to close facilities and enforce penalties as necessary. 

For more information:

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission - Pool and Spa Safety Act, how to comply, and which companies have been certified to manufacturer drain covers and safety vacuum release system

Pennsylvania Department of Health - Swimming Pools and Bathing Places, Healthy Swimming Behaviors