Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
On December 19, 2007, President
Bush signed into law the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, named after the daughter of Nancy Baker and the granddaughter
of former Secretary of State James Baker. Graeme Baker died in a tragic
incident in June 2002, after the suction from a spa drain entrapped her
under the water.
The Act specifies
that on or
after December 19,
2008, swimming pool and spa drain
covers must meet specific performance requirements. Additionally, public
swimming pools, wading pools, spas, and hot tubs must meet requirements
for installation of compliant drain covers. New drain covers which meet
the current standard are now beginning to make their way into the
marketplace. Additionally, in certain instances, public pools and spas
must have additional devices or systems designed to prevent suction
entrapment.
The U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC) staff prepared a document that clearly outlines
the technical requirements of Section 1404 of the Act, along with CPSC
staff’s answers to certain enforcement and legal issues. For more
information, go to www.cpsc.com.
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