Swimming Pool Safety Issues on Pool Drains

According to the government website Pool Safety.gov, 260 children under the age of five drown in public and home swimming pools each year. An often overlooked cause of pool accidents comes from drains and suction systems. The Consumer Products Safety Commission reports 130 people have had their hair trapped by a drain device since 1990, with 27 of those swimmers dying.

  1. Significance

    • Malfunctioning drains--like those without a tight-fitting cover--can suck in hair, jewelry, swimwear or limbs, trapping the swimmer underwater until he drowns.

    Effects

    • Improperly working drains with suction entrapment can disembowel a swimmer if she gets caught in the suction.

    Expert Insight

    • The Consumer Products Safety Commission suggests never using a pool or spa with a broken drain cover and recommends having your pool regularly inspected by a professional.

    Prevention/Solution

    • If a swimmer becomes trapped, immediately turn off the power for the pump and break the suction by inserting your hand between the swimmer and the pump.

    Considerations

    • The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007 required public pools to replace old or broken drains with newer drains equipped with safety features to reduce drain-related drownings. Home pools aren't regulated and can be much more dangerous.