Pool Drain Safety

 

An important but often overlooked need is pool drain safety. Because drains use suction to filter things out of the water, they put people at risk for entrapment. If a small, light person gets too close to a pool drain, they can become trapped underwater. This can lead to a host of injuries including accidental drowning.

 

What can you do to prevent harmful swimming pool drain suction?

Install dual main drain suction points. These have been proven to be superior to single point suction drains.

Install VGBA compliant pool grates and drain covers.

Upgrade your pump to an SVRS (Safety Vacuum Release System) model.

 

From poolsafely.gov;

Ensure all pools and spas – both in your backyard and any public pool you may visit – have compliant drain covers.

Virginia Graeme Baker, after whom the Pool and Spa Safety Act is named, died from drowning due to a suction entrapment from a faulty drain cover. All public pools and spas must have drain grates or covers that meet safety standards to avoid incidents like the one that took Graeme’s life. Powerful suction from a pool or spa drain can even trap an adult.

Install proper barriers, covers and alarms on and around your pool and spa.
roper fences, barriers, alarms and covers can be lifesaving devices. A fence of at least four feet in height should surround the pool or spa on all sides and should not be climbable for children. The water should only be accessible through a self-closing, self-latching gate. Teach children to never try to climb over the gate or fence. Install a door alarm from the house to the pool area, and keep pool and spa covers in working order.
These are very important pool concerns. And it is often overlooked by some pool owners. As a result, we provide below some information from external sources that may be helpful. A couple of the pictures may be stark, but it is important to understand how to safely operate and supervise the use of your pool. If you have questions or would like additional information, please feel free to call us at The Pool Butler (561-287-7066). Be Safe!