Requirements of the P&SS Act

Learn more about the requirements of the federal Act and its implications for state and local governments and institutions.

Virginia Graeme BakerThe Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act

Federal requirements outlined in the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act) serve as a minimum standard for pool and spa safety regulations in the United States. Individual states and counties are permitted to be more restrictive as long as those restrictions do not hinder the intent of the federal law or make complying with the federal requirements difficult or impossible.

For example, drain disablement is one of five options for a secondary anti-entrapment system, though states are permitted to limit these options or even specify which of the options listed under Section 1404(c)(1)(A)(ii)(I)-(VI) of the P&SS Act are permissible.

The CPSC is looking to states and counties, including state and local health departments, to assist with the enforcement of the Act. Both the CPSC and State Attorneys General are empowered to enforce the Act, and by working together, our joint efforts to bring pools and spas into compliance will be more efficient and successful.

Read the P&SS Act or view CPSC and CPSC staff guidance in interpreting the Act.

Who is Virginia Graeme Baker?

Seven-year-old Virginia Graeme Baker’s tragic death inspired her family to advocate for pool and spa safety and moved Congress to act to prevent entrapments.
Read more about her story.

The Pool and Spa Safety Act: Staff interpretation and updates

 

Find the most up to date requirements for the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.