Safety & Compliance
A federally certified suction-outlet cover that prevents entrapment hazards in public and semi-public pools. Named after the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (2007).
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act requires every public and semi-public pool in the United States to run with an unexpired, manufacturer-stamped, federally-certified drain cover. In Illinois, IDPH inspectors verify the cover's molded expiration date, its manufacturer certification, and secondary anti-entrapment protection (SVRS, vacuum release, or gravity drainage) on single-main-drain pools. A cracked, expired, or improperly-secured cover is one of the most common causes of mid-season pool closures in Cook and Lake counties.
A stainless steel drain grate is NOT the same as a VGB-certified cover. Generic hardware will not pass IDPH inspection.
VGB covers carry manufacturer expiration dates (typically 5–7 years). `Stainless steel` does not imply `lifetime valid`.
Fastener type matters. Swapping the manufacturer-specified screws for generic stainless hardware can void certification.
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Related terms · Safety & Compliance
Bather Load
The maximum number of swimmers permitted in a pool at one time, calculated from surface area and depth. Illinois IDPH requires the number to be posted at every semi-public facility.
Fecal Incident Response
The CDC-recommended protocol for closing, treating, and reopening a pool after a fecal contamination event. Required documented procedure at every Illinois semi-public aquatic facility.
Aqua-Guard runs certified commercial pool operations for 200+ Chicagoland HOAs, condos, and clubs. We handle the credentials so your board doesn't have to.
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