The 2008 Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Pool and Spa Safety Act
Entrapment occurs when someone becomes stuck to a drain or suction fitting in a pool or spa, either from water suction, or from getting stuck in an opening—even if the pumps are turned off. It is a serious potential hazard, particularly for children, who are too small to break away.
How can I prevent it?
• Have your pool or spa inspected by a licensed industry professional. He/she can tell you if there’s anything else you need to do. • If your pool or spa has a missing or broken drain cover, do not use the pool! Have the drain cover replaced with one that is up-to-date and compliant with ANSI/PHTA Standards (see back panel). • Never let anyone swim alone, especially a child. A responsible adult supervisor who can swim should always be either right with the child, or actively watching. • Never raise your pump speed without consulting your pool professional. High water velocity can contribute to suction entrapment. • Make sure your pool or spa is protected with proper barriers such as fencing and safety covers to prevent unauthorized access. Additional safety layers include various alarms and self-closing/self-latching devices. • Make sure that the pump breaker or spa electrical cord is clearly marked so that anyone can find it and turn the pump off within seconds. • Don’t let anyone swim or play near drains and suction fittings. The suction at a main drain can be fatal. • Maintain water clarity so that you can look through the water and easily see the drain cover. When standing at the pool’s edge at the deep end, the deepest portion of the floor should be visible.
ANSI/PHTA/ICC-7 2020
American National Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Catch Basins
The Standards on Protection
Approved November 19, 2020
Use these two standards to protect from the risk of entrapment: • ANSI/PHTA/ICC-7 Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs and Catch Basins • ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA) for Use in Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs
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What is Entrapment?
The VGB Act was passed by Congress with the support of the PHTA (formerly the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals) and its members. PHTA standards impose requirements for all drain covers, and require retrofitting of all pools and spas. The Act also encourages each state to adopt entrapment avoidance laws for all pools and spas, and barrier requirements to prevent drowning.
5016 PHTA STANDARDS covers PHTA-7.indd 5
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Additional Resources:
Entrapment Avoidance
• Pool & Hot Tub Alliance | PHTA.org • U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission – Pool and Spa Safety | PoolSafely.gov • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Healthy Swimming | www.cdc.gov/healthy-swimming
1650 King Street, Suite 602 Alexandria VA 22314
Keep your pool, spa, portable spa or hot tub free from entrapment risk *
5575 Tech Center Drive, Suite 109 Colorado Springs, CO 80919
* Portable factory-built electric spas/hot tubs that conform to UL1563 shall be deemed to be in
An Essential Safety Guide Product Number 10-226 | Date: 10/2025
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compliance with these guidelines.