When it comes to pool safety, multiple layers of protection are crucial. That is one of the reasons why on December 19, 2007, President George W. Bush signed the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007. The act is intended to increase the safety of swimming pools and spas by motivating states to pass laws that incorporate layers of protection in order to help prevent drowning, drain entrapment and hair entanglements.

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act is named for the granddaughter of former Secretary of State James A. Baker, III. In 2002 at the age of seven, Graeme Baker died in a spa after the powerful suction of a drain entrapped her under water. Baker joined Nancy Baker, Graeme’s mother, and Safe Kids USA in a three-year advocacy campaign for this legislation.

It’s important for all pool owners to know about these safety requirements, make the appropriate upgrades and take precautionary measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming season for family, friends, visitors and members alike. We encourage all pool owners to add a safety vacuum release system (SVRS), such as our Stratum™ VRS or EcoStar SVRS variable speed pump with built in SVRS. They provide an additional layer of protection.

Whether you are a residential or public pool owner, safety should always come first. To help you understand the Safety Act and its requirements, we recommend that you review the summary of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act as presented on the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) website.