El Cerrito, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Safety Rules (2026)

The federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act, 15 USC 8003) and California's parallel statute (HSC 116064-116067) require all swimming pool and spa drains to be fitted with anti-entrapment drain covers that meet ANSI/APSP-16 or the successor ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 standard. Single main drain pools must also have one or more of the following: a safety vacuum release system (SVRS) meeting ASME/ANSI A112.19.17 or ASTM F2387, a suction-limiting vent system, a gravity drainage system, an automatic pump shut-off system, or a drain disablement/removal. Dual main drains separated by at least three feet meet the anti-entrapment requirement without additional safety equipment. Contra Costa County enforces these requirements through building permits for new construction and remodels, and public pool inspections by Environmental Health. The VGB Act primarily covers public pools and spas, but California extends key requirements to residential pools built or remodeled after January 1, 2010. Pool service companies must verify drain compliance during equipment replacement. Non-compliance can result in closure orders for public pools and liability exposure for private owners.