In December, 2007, the Federal government passed the Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) 1404 Law stating that all public facilities must have a certain mandated main drain and skimmer equalizer covers in all swimming pools or spas by December 19, 2008. These covers are approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The VGB also stated that any swimming pools or spas with one main drain only, or two main drains within 3 feet of each other, must install a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS). The SVRS Unit can detect a blockage at the drain or skimmer and shut all equipment off.
All of these measures ensure that if an individual should become entangled or stuck on a cover that they would be able to be released and swim to safety. The new mandated covers make hair entanglement and suction entrapment very difficult, preventing eviseration or drowning.
In an effort to help our commercial customers become compliant with the new law, The Pool Doctor began notifying our customer database about the requirements back in July, 2008. However, the proper mandated covers were not available for purchase until early this year, and many of the counties decided they wanted to incorporate their own requirements into the law (which may or may not be legal). This significantly slowed down the ability of companies like ours to implement compliance. However, as of early March, 2009, we have been provided with the tools to move forward and have been one of the few Bay Area companies who actually can perform the necessary work.
The Pool Doctor has three scuba diving certified repairman who can dive the pools and replace the covers. At this time, if your facility is not in compliance, The Pool Doctor can perform a site inspection for $150 to give you an assessment of what needs to be done to bring you up-to-date and legal. If you choose to hire us to perform the work, that fee can be applied to the install.
Call The Pool Doctor today – your Bay Area VGB Speciailists! 510-223-7537.
