Swimming pool suction covers are a crucial safety feature for pools with pumps or filters, as they can prevent accidental entrapments and drowning. These covers can be especially important for families with young children or pets.
According to the article, suction covers can be installed on both above-ground and in-ground pools. They work by covering the suction outlet of the pool pump to prevent anything from getting sucked in.
A common concern with suction covers is that they may not be as effective as other safety devices, but the article notes that they can be just as safe when properly installed and maintained. In fact, the article cites a study that found suction covers can reduce the risk of entrapment by up to 90%.
Some suction covers are designed with a manual or automatic locking system to ensure they stay in place and prevent accidental opening. This can give pool owners peace of mind, especially during periods of heavy use or when children are playing in the pool area.
For another approach, see: Swimming Pool Safety Covers Inground
Pool Safety
Pool safety is a top priority for any pool owner, and one of the most important aspects is ensuring that the suction covers are safe for swimmers.
In 2002, a tragic accident occurred when a young girl named Virginia Graeme Baker got her hair sucked into a pool drain, resulting in her death. This incident led to the creation of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA), which requires all pool drain covers to comply with new entrapment standards.
The VGBA was made effective on December 19, 2008, and it requires pool owners to install safety equipment, including ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 certified suction outlets and covers, designed to prevent entrapment.
Older pools often lack grates or anti-vortex covers on the main drains, which can be a serious entrapment hazard. In fact, a girl in Indiana was drowned in 1999 when her hair was sucked into an open pipe used as a suction fitting in her local swimming pool.
Related reading: Safety Equipment in Swimming Pool
To ensure pool safety, it's essential to have anti-entrapment grates or covers installed on the main drains. New pools can be designed with stainless steel suction niches that are properly rated to ensure a low flow rate that won't trap bathers below the surface.
If you have an older pool, you can still retrofit covers for uncovered drains and inspect all covers regularly to ensure they're in good condition.
Here are some key guidelines to follow:
- Ensure every pump has no less than two suction outlets each, without exception.
- Make sure no drain in your pool is unprotected by either grates or anti-vortex covers.
- Retrofit covers for uncovered drains and inspect all covers regularly.
- Replace any weakened gratings immediately with chemical and U.V. resistant covers.
- Acquaint yourself with local building and health codes, as well as the recommendations of the NSPI regarding pool drains.
By following these guidelines and installing safe suction covers, you can help prevent accidents and ensure a safe swimming experience for everyone.
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Background
The VGBA, or the Virginia Graeme Baker Act, took effect on December 19, 2008, with the goal of preventing drain entrapment and child drowning in swimming pools and spas.
The Act requires drain covers to comply with entrapment protection requirements specified by the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 performance standard, or any successor standard.
In 2011, the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 standard was withdrawn and replaced by the ANSI/APSP/IAPMO-16 2011 standard, which was later incorporated into the Commission's standard.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Swimming Pool Drain Covers
The Commission incorporated the APSP-16 2011 standard into 16 CFR part 1450 as the successor drain cover standard on August 5, 2011, with an effective date of September 6, 2011.
The APSP published APSP-16 2017 on August 18, 2017, and the Commission later incorporated portions of this standard into its mandatory drain cover standard in 2020.
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance requested a 60-day extension of the effective date for APSP-16 2017 due to COVID-19 disruptions to testing and manufacturing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reduce suction entrapment in my pool?
Install anti-entrapment drain covers and consider upgrading to newer pool and spa drains designed with safety features to prevent suction entrapment
What are the negatives of a pool cover?
Pool covers can create a damp environment that fosters mold and bacteria growth, posing health risks. Regular maintenance is crucial to minimize these issues and ensure a safe and healthy pool experience.
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