FAQs
To
Help Protect Your Family from the Dangers of Drowning and Pool Entrapment
Questions:
Answers:
1.
What is the Virginia Graeme Baker Act?
The
Virginia Graeme
Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act was enacted by Congress and signed by
President Bush on December 19, 2007. Designed to prevent the tragic and
hidden hazard of drain entrapments and eviscerations in pools and spas,
the law became effective on December 19, 2008. 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.
2.
Does the Virginia Graeme Baker Act apply to the pool in my backyard?
No,
the Virginia Graeme Baker Act applies only to public swimming pools. However,
important safety and regulatory organizations like Safe
Kids and CPSC
recommend that similar precautions be taken in residential pools to prevent
entrapment accidents.
3.
What is a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS)?
A
Safety Vacuum Release System, or SVRS for short, is an anti-entrapment
device that automatically stops the suction on the drain when resistence
to the suction force is detected due to a blockage. If a drain becomes
blocked, the SVRS provides a rapid vacuum release, either electrically
or mechanically, depending on the device. This vacuum release quickly
frees anyone whose body, hair, or limb is caught in the drain.
4.
- How do the Stingl and Vac-Alert products make my pool safer?
The
Stingl
and Vac-Alert SVRS
make pools safer by adding the layers of protection needed to reduce the
risk of entrapment accidents. When a swimmer becomes stuck to a drain
or suction outlet in a swimming pool, spa, wading pool, or hot tub, the
force of the suction generated by the filtration system can be tremendous.
This "suction entrapment" will hold the bather in its grip until
either the vacuum is broken, the pump is stopped or he or she drowns,
defying the rescue efforts of onlookers. Both the Stingl and Vac-Alert
SVRS stop the suction pull of the pump.
5.
Where can I get an anti-entrapment device for my pool?
Anti-entrapment
devices can be purchased through your local pool service professional.
If you do not have a regular pool service professional, please use the
"Find A Dealer Near You" search option
at the top of the page for the dealers in your area.
6.
How do I know if I need a SVRS or other pool safety devices?
Your
pool service professional can help you identify the best SVRS for your
residential pool. Contact them prior to your pool opening to keep your
pool safe this summer.
7.
If I have an anti-entrapment device, do I also need the new drain cover?
It
is strongly recommended that you install an anti-entrapment drain cover
in addition to an anti-entrapment back up device like the SVRS. The layers
of protection provided by both pieces of equipment are important to prevent
against entrapment. Your local pool service professional will likely be
able to provide you with the appropriate drain covers for your pool.
8.
If I have a pool with dual drains, do I also need an SVRS?
An
SVRS provides an additional layer of protection for pool owners and swimmers.
In dual drain pools, there is still a possibility that one drain becomes
clogged or blocked and a suction force develops in the other drain, potentially
causing an entrapment accident. Installing an SVRS will provide the additional
protection against these types of accidents.
9.
Can I install the SVRS myself?
We
do not recommend that you ever attempt to install an anti-entrapment device
yourself. Pool service professionals can install the device for you for
a nominal fee. Because of the mechanical nature of the Vac-Alert device
and the electrical requirements of the Stingl switch, we strongly recommend
that you look to your pool service professional for installation.
10.
Can teaching my child how to swim prevent drownings?
There
are a number of organizations and locations offering swimming lessons
in any town. In conjunction with a child safety barrier and pool fences,
knowing how to swim can help prevent pool-related accidents. However,
even the most skilled swimmers are at risk for drain entrapment accidents.
The suction force created when a drain is blocked can be upwards of 700
psi. In addition to teaching your family to swim safely this summer, make
sure your pool is outfitted with an SVRS to prevent drain entrapment injuries.
11.
Should my child care provider be trained for a swimming emergency?
Good
lifesaving techniques, in addition to installing a SVRS and a baby barrier
around the perimeter of your swimming pool area, is to require that everyone
in your home over the age of 14 learn CPR and have some form of emergency
training. Additionally, any childcare providers (including baby-sitters,
relatives and friends) should also have CPR training in the event of any
emergency - not just drowning.
12.
Where can I find CPR training?
CPR
training is typically offered at local hospitals, police stations, the
YMCA, the American Red Cross and various other facilities. Check with
your local Yellow Page listings to find providers in your area. Some trainers
will even schedule home or group consultations. To make sure techniques
are properly learned, most providers recommend a course that spans a few
days, or weeks if necessary, versus trying to learn in one day.  |