As of December 20, 2008, commercial and semi-commercial aquatic facilities were required to replace all pool main drain grates with products compliant with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. (ASME/ANSI A112.19.8a-2008)
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, failure to comply with the requirements of the Act may result in pool closure.
Lawson Aquatics® Grates can help you become compliant!
They can be used for commercial and semi-commercial pools, spas and waterparks.
Lawson Aquatics MD-FG-2424 and MD-2424PLUS main drain frame and grates are suitable for all custom field fabricated pool main drain grates and suction outlet covers. Our grates have a 37.5% open area and are ideal for commercial, institutional pools and water park applications. They have been tested by NSF for UV, hair and finger, load, body entrapment and impact strength in accordance to the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 (with addendum 8a-2008).
PRODUCT FEATURES:
- Grates are available custom sized to meet specific design requirements.
- Product is non-conductive and installations require no bonding.
- Grates offer a large percentage of open surface area.
- Available colors include white and black.
Our field fabricated product is NOT fully approved and requires certification by a registered design professional (RDP) or professional engineer (PE). The engineer needs to certify that the product as used by the consumer meets the requirements of ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 (with addendum 8a-2008), including flow rates, UV exposure, and durability. Please also note that the RDP or PE must document that the drain cover meets the new standard and provide a copy of the certificate to the pool owner/operator. |
For complete documentation of NSF testing click here
FAQ
Who should I contact about becoming VGB compliant?
Could my facility be shut down if I am not in compliance?
What types of drain covers are available to purchase that meet the specifications of the VGB Act?
Can Lawson Aquatics manufacture cut the grates to fit my specific drain size requirements?
How do I fasten the grates?
What documentation must I keep on hand to show I am VGB compliant?
Can Lawson Aquatics provide a summary of test results?
Who should I contact about becoming VGB compliant?
Answer: Contact Lawson Aquatics at 1.800.897.6160 for assistance in finding a Registered Design Professional in your area. A Registered Design Professional will be able to offer professional advice to you concerning the VGB design and certification requirements of your pool or spa.
Could my facility be shut down if I am not in compliance?
Answer: Yes. Failure to comply with the requirements of the Act may result in pool closure.
What types of drain covers are available to purchase that meet the specifications of the VGB Act?
Answer: There are two classifications of basic drain covers that must meet the specifications of the VGB Act.
Field Fabricated Drain Systems
Field Fabricated Drain Systems are typically used in larger systems (public pools, waterpark facilities, lazy rivers, wave pools, commercial-sized pools, and other water-related attractions). The entire drain system (water flow rate, drain grate, sump, pump, valves, etc) must be certified by a Registered Design Professional. Lawson Aquatics® Grates meet the strength and UV resistance requirements of the VGB Act. Lawson Aquatics® Grates meet the three (3) primary requirements for field fabricated Grates:
- 750-hour certified UV and degradation testing (published test results available upon request)
- Open area requirements
- Strength requirements (Strength test data is variable depending on the grate chosen. Please refer to our standard load tables.)
| PLEASE NOTE: Other requirements for Field Fabricated Drain Systems, like flow rate or hair entanglement resistance, apply to the entire system and not specifically to the grates. |
Manufactured Drain Covers
These drain covers are manufactured to specific sizes and shapes for specific types of drains. They are molded using high grade PVC and are designed for smaller drains. They are often dome-shaped to prevent a body from completely covering and potentially sealing the drain. Our grates are certified and labeled accordingly. For more information click here
Can Lawson Aquatics manufacture grates to fit my specific drain size?
Answer: Yes. Any size. Available in one inch increments in one direction and no more than 21" unsupported span in the other direction.
How do I fasten the grates?
Answer: Lawson Aquatics provides all necessary fasteners for installation such as "T" clips, bolts, nuts, or screws. These fasteners are made from 316 Stainless Steel. The Registered Design Professional must specify the fittings they want used if contrary to installation Instructions.
For complete installation instructions click here
What documentation must I keep on hand to show I am VGB compliant?
Answer: You must keep the certification and documentation by the Registered Design Professional available for any inspection team that may require that information.
Can Lawson Aquatics provide a summary of the test results?
Answer: Yes. The test results are provided in the tables below. NSF, an independent testing facility, tested Lawson Aquatics® grates for tensile strength and impact strength after being subjected to ultraviolet (UV) radiation weathering. The independent testing was performed in accordance with ASTM D638 for tensile testing and ASTM D256 for Izod impact testing.
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| Exposure Cycle |
8 hours UVA-340 @ 60°C, 4 hours Condensation @ 50°C |
| UV Irradiance |
0.89 W/m2/nm |
| Exposure Duration |
750 hours |
| Average Tensile and Izod Data |
Property |
Virgin Material |
UV Exposed Material |
% Retained |
| Izod Impact Toughness (ft.-lbs./in) |
42.8 |
41.2 |
96.3 |
| Tensile Strength (psi) 30185 |
30185 |
30933 |
102.5 |
For complete documentation of NSF testing click here
Contact Us
If you would like more information on how Lawson Aquatics can help you become VGB complaint, call us at 1.800.897.6160.
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