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Compliance Education
Your guide to staying safe and certified under the Virginia Graeme Baker Act and North Carolina public pool regulations.
What is VGB Compliance?
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (VGB Act) is a federal law designed to prevent suction entrapment injuries and drowning. ​It applies to all public pools and spas in the U.S., including those in HOAs, apartment complexes, hotels, schools, and municipalities.
VGB requires:
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Certified anti-entrapment drain covers
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Proper sump design and flow rating
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Documentation proving compliance
North Carolina State Requirements
In North Carolina, the Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) enforces state-specific requirements for public pool safety. To operate a pool legally, you must submit:
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Drain Cover Safety Compliance Form
(including drain cover make/model, flow rate, sump specs)
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Pool Permit Renewal Documentation
(typically every year; drain covers expire every 5–7 years)
NC Drain Safety Main Page – NCDHHS
Why it Matters
Failure to comply can result in:
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Closure or delayed operation permits
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Liability exposure in the event of an injury
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Risk of severe suction-related accidents
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Proper drain cover certification and flow verification are life-saving steps. Learn more about Virginia's legacy and the VGB Act.
How AquaSure Engineering Can Help
We provide certified engineering services to meet these requirements:
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On-Site Safety Inspections
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Drain Cover Flow Rating Analysis
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Signed and Sealed Compliance Forms
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Expertise in North Carolina permitting and NCDHHS documentation
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