Are Pool Drains Dangerous?
Are Swimming Pool Drains Dangerous?
Swimming pools are a wonderful addition to a back yard, providing a place to hang out, relax, and entertain friends. However, a pool can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Keeping it fenced in and using safety measures like a pool alarm and pool cover can prevent accidental drowning, and setting rules regarding your pool and deck can reduce the risk of an accident. One danger you might not be considering, though, is that of the pool drain. Are pool drains dangerous? They definitely can be. Here, we offer some tips on how to avoid the dangers they pose.
Why Are Swimming Pool Drains Risky?
What makes swimming pool drains so dangerous? For one thing, the suction created by a pool drain can put 350 to 500 pounds on anyone in the vicinity. In fact, the average pool pump can generate a vacuum force far greater than a swimmer could manage to resist. There have been many cases in which people has become trapped by a pool drain, particularly small children, leading to tragic consequences. That’s why laws have been enacted to make pool drains safer, by requiring drain covers that reduce the force of the suction. Even if the pool pump is not running, though, a swimmer can become entrapped by getting fingers or hair stuck in a main drain lid. With or without suction, there is a risk of hair, jewelry, bathing suits, and extremities getting trapped in a drain, which can cause injury.
How to Avoid Dangers of Swimming Pool Drains
The good news is that you don’t risk entrapment simply by swimming past a swimming pool drain. What’s more, with the current regulations, properly designed and installed main drain lids can prevent people from getting trapped by the drain. Many pools are even designed with two main drains instead of one, creating a dual suction point system. This is better than the old single drain system, because a swimmer would have to block both drains to become entrapped. An additional safety measure involves upgrading to a pool pump designed to detect a sudden increase in flow restriction, as would occur in an entrapment, and shut off automatically. Keeping people safe in your pool requires compliance with modern regulations, which is why it’s important to work with a professional pool company to ensure that your pool drains and pool pump are safe and compliant.
Trust the Professionals at Our Swimming Pool Repair Company
If you are looking for a swimming pool maintenance company to help you keep your pool drains in compliance, Millennium Pools and Spas can help. With over 30 combined years of experience in the pool industry, we provide a comprehensive range of pool services for both residential and commercial customers in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland. When you hire Millennium Pool Service, you get a well-qualified, industry-trained staff of pool contractors and technicians, services that are tailored to your needs, and a commitment to 100% customer satisfaction. Contact us for more information.