The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act takes its name from Virginia Graeme Baker, a 7-year-old girl who drowned after she was trapped under water by the powerful suction from a hot tub drain.

After her tragic death, her mother, Nancy Baker, lobbied Congress to win support for a law to require anti-entrapment drain covers and other safety devices, as needed in pools and spas. The statute was signed into law in December 2007.

Compliance was required by the end of 2008; however, there was and is no set way to comply with the law.

According to discussions on the Internet, each pool or spa installation requires an individual assessment as to what will bring it into compliance. The solution for a pool or spa can have more than one answer.

Some pools can comply with the change of a drain cover. Some situations will require a major remodel of the pool or spa drain.

For more information, go to www.poolsafely.gov.