You can expect changes in swimming pool and spa drain covers. In this article, we are going to share what you need to know about these changes.
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act was signed into federal law ten years ago. If you were in the pool and spa industry back then, you would have experienced a great deal of turmoil. This time was especially hard for public facilities since they had one year to get their pool up to compliance with their drain covers. Some of these public areas had to close because there were no products around to get into compliance. You should know that the VGB standard is changing in 2018. Below are some of the basics you need to know about the drain covers and the updates.
A New Approach Is Coming With Drain Covers
Now pool professionals are having to take a more holistic approach in order to address the suction outlet fitting assemblies known as SOFAs. Everything is included between the cover and the suction pipe. While the vocabulary has changed, the VGB still uses the term “drain covers.” Since this vocabulary is used it causes a misunderstanding that they will become compliant by putting a certified piece of plastic and some screws in place. The truth is that it is more complex. If the drain’s parts are damaged, broken or cracked, it is no longer compliant.
Drain Covers Compliance
In order to be compliant with VGB, the drain covers cannot have surpassed the expiration date or the “life in years.” If the installation year can’t be documented properly then it is no longer compliant. The requirements for documentation have become more extensive. While in the past, a service professional or distributor’s invoice used to work to show the install date, that is not going to work anymore.
More detailed records for each drain cover has to be kept at the facility. It is necessary for the manufacturer to provide key information, like product name, service life in years, part number, as well as permissible flow rating with different sump configurations. Not only that, there has to be a sticker or document that the information can be transferred by the contractor. This installation date and exact location of the drain covers have to be noted. If the facts are checked, they all have to be exact so the health officials are able to verify it.
Getting Your Pool Compliant with Drain Covers
There are more updates and requirements to be noted but the best way for you to make sure you are up to the standards is to speak with one of our pool professionals that can help you with the process of making sure your pool is up to date. These rules are made for your safety and will enable you to get the best results and safety out of your pool so make sure you pay attention to these new updates.
