Drain Cover Replacement Procedures for Pools and Spas

The Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Pool and Spa Safety Act in California Assembly Bill 1020 (AB1020) requires pools and spas to be retrofitted with approved drain and equalizer line covers to prevent serious injury or death caused by suction hazards and physical entrapment. The Law also requires that every suction drain must have a split (dual) drain or be equipped with a safety vacuum release system (SVRS) or automatic pump shut-off system.

Each drain cover typically has a limited life expectancy ranging from three to ten years depending on manufacturer specifications. Submit plans for review and approval before a drain cover reaches its expiration date. Approval must be obtained prior to commencing installation of new covers.

To proceed with the drain cover and any new pool equipment replacement, submit all the following required documents as a package to the Environmental Health Department:

1. 1. Provide specification cut sheets of each new equipment. (Do not perform any work during this time.) Here are expiration time frames for the most common VGB drain covers:
      

      Manufacturer	Life Expectancy
      Drain Safe	Three (3) years
      AquaStar	Five (5) years
      Paramount SDX	Five (5) years
      Waterway	Seven (7) years
      Hayward	Seven (7) years
      Lawson Aquatics	Ten (10) years

1. Complete the Plan Check Worksheet.
2. Complete the Scope of Work Form.
3. Provide a plan check fee of $174 for each body of water that requires review.

When instructed by the Environmental Health Department, a licensed contractor shall perform the work as indicated in the approved scope of work and complete the AB1020 Compliance Form. Next, schedule an onsite inspection with your assigned plan checker for a final inspection. Please retain all relevant documents and make note of the expiration date(s) to ensure timely replacement and compliance with the VGB Pool and Spa Safety Act.

Note: If a body of water currently has a single main drain with a SVRS or an unblockable channel drain, the single drain must be split and brought up to current code at the next replastering of the pool or spa shell.

Please contact your district health inspector or the main office at (510) 567-6700 or dehwebmain@acgov.org if you have any questions.

California Health and Safety Code Section §116064.2 – Rev. 07/2021