Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA)
The Southern Nevada Health District has seen a recent influx of modified, refurbished, or misrepresented VGB 2008-listed suction outlet fitting assemblies (SOFAs, or drain covers) circulating on the market. Examples include previously used or damaged SOFAs that have been painted to look new, and VGBA 2017 SOFAs which were modified to look like VGB 2008 products. We have also been made aware of 3D printed SOFAs sold online with manufacturer logos included on the product and supplied documentation.
To ensure that every aquatic venue in our community as safe as possible, we encourage everyone to purchase products only from trusted distributors. Be cautious when looking for any products being sold by third parties or on secondary markets.
VGB 2008 SOFAs that are brand new and still in the original manufacturer packaging can be installed through 2025. SNHD will need to inspect these SOFAs prior to installation to verify that they are brand new and unopened. Beginning January 1, 2026, we will no longer accept installation of VGB 2008 products.
If you still have VGB 2008 SOFAs installed, we strongly recommend planning to replace them before they break. Completing the remodels in the off-season gives you the advantage of getting review and approval as early as possible before pool season.
Once you have your approved 2017 SOFAs installed, you will not have to apply for a remodel when one breaks, as long as it is replaced with the same model. Additionally, you can stock up on as many replacements as you need to ensure minimal downtime going forward.
More information on SOFA requirements and our quarterly Industry Outreach Meetings can be found at the links below:
Recent changes to the American National Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA) for Use in Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs, ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017, have resulted in new testing procedures to determine the maximum allowable flow rate through the SOFA. VGBA 2017 fittings are listed to the current standard.
What changed in the updated standard?
- Testing procedures to determine maximum flow rate are now dependent on various factors, including pipe size, sump depth and dimensions, sump port/pipe location, and minimum length of pipe from the sump before any reduction. Fittings listed to the updated standard have a different maximum flow rating for each pipe size tested.
- Any fitting manufactured after May 24, 2021 is listed to the updated standard and will have different maximum flow ratings than previously manufactured fittings, even if the model number is identical.
Replacement Scenarios
A remodel is not required
- If an existing VGB 2008 cover is being replaced with an identical VBG 2008 cover (identical model number, flow rating, etc.).
A substantially similar replacement is required
- If an existing VGB 2008 cover is being replaced with a different model VGB 2008 cover and all of the following conditions are met:
- The size of the cover has not changed (i.e., 8” round to 8” round, 9” x 9” to 9” x 9”, etc.);
- Flow rating of the replacement cover is greater than or equal to rating of the existing cover; and
- There are no new sump requirements with the replacement cover.
A remodel is required
- If an existing VGB 2008 cover is being replaced with a different model VGB 2008 cover, and any of the following conditions exist:
- The size of the cover has changed (e.g., 8” round to 9” x 9”, etc.);
- Flow rating of the replacement cover is less than the existing cover; or
- The replacement cover has different sump requirements (e.g., sumpless to 3’ sump).
- If an existing VGB 2008 cover is being replaced with any VGBA 2017 cover.
*If a specific scenario is not listed, please contact your inspector for further clarification.
SOFA Remodel Procedures
Selecting a replacement cover
- Measure sump depth, pipe diameter and length, and pipe orientation of the existing system.
- Examples of required dimensions can be found in Figure 5 from ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017:
- Select a replacement cover that is approved for installation with the existing plumbing and sump configurations.
- Select a replacement cover with a flow rating that exceeds the maximum system flow rate for the pump, not the desired operating flow rate.
- To determine maximum system flow rate, the pump must be run at the highest speed (maximum RPM) with the lowest operating resistance/TDH (clean filter, all flow going through main drain, etc.).
- Determine system TDH using working vacuum and pressure gauges on the pump.
- Plot system TDH against manufacturer pump curve.
- If a VGB 2008 cover is selected, it may be installed over any pipe size unless otherwise noted. Refer to VGB 2008 Certified Documentation for maximum flow rating and installation instructions.
- If a VGBA 2017 cover is selected, it must be installed with the specific plumbing and sump configurations approved. Refer to VGBA 2017 Certified Documentation for maximum flow rating and installation instructions.
*Note: Refer to manufacturer documentation
for specific installation requirements.
Remodel Process
- An appropriately licensed Nevada pool contractor may make application using the Non-substantial Alteration application. Applications can be submitted to aquatic@snhd.org.
- Inspections will be required to determine that the replacement cover is appropriate for use on the system.
- No aquatic venue is permitted to operate after remodel work has started until written approval from SNHD has been granted.
Additional Considerations
- Depending on existing field conditions (quantity of drains, pipe size, pipe orientation, sump configuration, etc.), locating an approvable replacement fitting for the application may be difficult. Consult with SOFA suppliers and manufacturers to determine the best solution for your application.
- If selecting a replacement SOFA with a maximum flow rating that exceeds the maximum system flow rate for the pump is difficult, changing pump may be an option to achieve compliance.
- SOFAs listed to the ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 standard are federally regulated products. SNHD cannot approve any deviations from certified manufacturer installation instructions.
- Manufacturers must specifically approve a blockable SOFA for use on a single drain system. If the proposed replacement for a single drain system has only been approved for use on a dual/split drain system, additional work may be required to obtain compliance.
Contact Information
Phone:
(702) 759-0572
Email:
aquatic@snhd.org
Location:
Fremont Public Health Center
2830 E. Fremont St.
Las Vegas, NV 89104
Quick Links:
• Fee Schedule
• Imminent Health Hazards
• Make a Complaint
Updated on: September 9, 2025