The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (P&SSAct) was enacted to forestall the tragic and hidden hazard of drain entrapments and eviscerations in pools and spas.


About Virginia Graeme Baker:
In June 2002, seven-year-old Virginia Graeme Baker died by being stuck on a bathing tub drain due to its suction force. The drain’s suction was so powerful that it took 2 adult males to tug her from the drain. Graeme was a member of a community swim and dive team and had been swimming unassisted since she was 3 years old.

After being found underwater by her twin sister, Graeme’s mother, Cindy Baker, tried unsuccessfully to tug Virginia off the drain. Mrs. Baker perceived Graeme to be connected to the bottom of the spa as if she were tied down to it. The men eventually freed Virginia from the spa force, which broke the spa drain during the crisis. Graeme died from drowning however the real reason behind her death was unrestricted suction owing to a faulty drain cover.

Pool and spa house owners ought to have their facilities inspected by a authorized skilled engineer and install P&SS Act compliant covers. See www.Poolsafety.gov for an inventory of makers of certified covers.

As of December 19, 2008, all operational public pools and spas should have drain covers that meet the ASME/ ANSI A112.19.8–2007 customary on each drain/grate. If a pool incorporates a single main drain (other than an unblock- ready drain), or multiple drains but three feet apart, the operator should either disable the drain(s) or install a second anti-entrapment device or system. This could take the shape of an automatic pump shut-off system, gravity system, Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS) or suction-limiting vent system.

For more details about pool anti-entrapment devices, contact Preferred Pools and Patios in Tampa at (813) 247-7665.


After active and constant supervision, three major pool safety precautions are safety drain covers, pool and spa covers, and pool alarms. As a leading commercial pool contractor and swimming pool contractor in Tampa, Florida, St. Petersburg, Florida, Clearwater, Florida, Sarasota, Florida, and Bradenton, Florida, we, at Preferred Pools and Patios, are committed to providing pool safety information for our commercial pool and residential pool customers, spa customers, and the general public.

We are pleased to present a pool safety video series that addresses key safety products that are designed to provide fundamental pool safety to people — and especially kids — around the pool.

For more information on buying or upgrading pool safety products and equipment, please call Preferred Pools and Patios at (813) 247-7665.

We wish you a wonderful and safe pool experience always!