What is a
main drain and why does it present a danger to my children?
The
term "main drain" is misleading; a main drain doesn't drain the pool.
It is a suction fitting that, along with your skimmers, allows your
pump to take water from the pool and send it to your filter. The main
drain can have significant suction that is diffused by a proper
anti-vortex main drain cover. If this cover is missing, loose or
broken, all of the suction is applied through a rather small opening.
The suction can be especially high if a skimmer is blocked by a full
basket. Having only one main drain is no longer considered safe, as
shown by a significant number of drownings and eviserations over the
years.
What is a VGB grate? Am I required to have
them?
Virginia
Graeam Baker is the Act of Congress that requires a new, safer design
for all main drain grates on public pools. Residential pools are not
required by law to have these new grates (except for new pools), but we
recommend these new grates for all pools and in-ground spas.
Are residential pools required to have
split drains?
All
pools built after 2006 must have split drains. While older pools are
not required by law to have split drains (they are "grandfathered" in),
doesn't it make sense to protect your children with the latest safety
designs?
Is a split drain the only modification
required to reduce entrapment danger?
Safety
experts advise layers of protection to reduce risk as much as possible.
The split drain reduces the risk of entrapment significantly, but does
not eliminate it. Why? Because like any physical device, they can break
or become inoperative due to poor maintenance. One of the drains could
become blocked with leaves, for example, defeating the design. A
further safety feature required on public pools is an SVRD device than
eliminates suction altogether if it senses a blockage. These can be
rather expensive to install properly, however, and are not necessary
unless you have heavy leaf drops in your pool or you are concerned
about proper pool maintenance.
What does it cost to
install a split drain in my pool?
Each
pool is different, so we have to see your pool to give you an estimate.
If you are planning to have your pool resurfaced, the cost of
installing the split drain at the same time saves money.
