As a dad to two splash-loving kids, I understand the joy that a backyard pool brings. But as parents, we also know there’s another side to the pool. For me, it’s a source of worry.
One aspect of pool safety often overlooked is pool drain covers. I know what you’re thinking: “Is a drain cover really that essential?” As I’ve found out, the answer is a giant yes.
I’m here to share what I’ve learned with you, just one parent to another.
This article will cover the following:
- The Importance of Pool Drain Covers
- Understanding Pool Drain Covers
- Selecting the Right Pool Drain Cover
- The Role of Supervision and Education in Pool Safety
- Conclusion
Learn how anti-entrapment pool drain covers can protect your kid. Understand risks of drain entrapment, regulatory standards, and parental roles in pool safety.
Not sure which pool safety device you need? Explore my list of the must-have pool safety devices when you have children. This carefully curated guide is the result of numerous hours of research and my own experience as a dad and pool owner.
🤗 Transparency Statement: This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, I only promote products I trust. Thanks for your support!
The Importance of Pool Drain Covers
It’s odd to talk about pool drain covers but bear with me. As parents, we often take precautions to childproof our homes. We install safety gates, lock away cleaning supplies, and make sure toys are age-appropriate. But sometimes, we overlook the dangers that lurk in our own backyards, especially when it comes to our swimming pools.
Now, I never gave much thought to our pool drain before. It’s just a drain, right? But after hearing a few scary stories and doing my research, I realized how important pool drain covers are.
Why Are Pool Drain Covers Essential for Safety?
Simply put, a pool drain’s job is to circulate water. It sucks water in, filtered, and treated before being pumped back into the pool. However, the force a pool drain can suck water (and anything near it) can be surprising. That’s where the pool drain cover comes into play.
Think of a pool drain cover as a shield. It’s designed to distribute the drain’s suction over a larger area, reducing the overall force at any point. This design makes it much harder for anything to get caught and trapped in the drain. It’s a guard that stands between our precious kids and the powerful suction of the pool drain.
What Are the Entrapment Risks Associated with Uncovered Pool Drains?
This is the hard part to talk about, but it’s necessary. An uncovered pool drain can be a hazard, particularly to children. The powerful suction can trap a child at the bottom of a pool if they get too close. Hair, loose clothing, or even a body part can get caught, making it difficult, if not impossible, for them to break free.
And it’s not just speculation or baseless worry. There have been actual incidents.
A well-known incident spurred significant changes in pool safety regulations in the United States. It’s the story of Virginia Graeme Baker, the granddaughter of former Secretary of State James Baker III.
In 2002, 7-year-old Virginia, an experienced swimmer, drowned after becoming trapped by the suction of a hot tub drain. Despite the efforts of her mother and two men who attempted to pull her free, the force of the drain’s suction was too strong. This tragedy shone a spotlight on the dangers of pool and spa drains.
This heartbreaking incident led to the passage of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act in December 2007
. The Act mandates anti-entrapment drain covers and other safety devices, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission enforces it.
That is only one of those horrible stories of parents whose life has been shattered. Stories that will make any parent’s heart drop. And it was these stories that made me realize the importance of pool drain covers.
A pool drain cover, while simple, plays a critical role in keeping our pool safe.
Understanding Anti-Entrapment Drain Covers
To make our pools safer, we need to know our stuff. These drain covers are more than just simple grates; they’re specifically designed to shield our kids from the power of the drain’s suction. And while it’s not something we want to dwell on, knowing the details is important to ensuring their safety.
What Are Pool Drain Covers and How Do They Work?
A pool drain cover, quite simply, is a protective cover that fits over the pool drain. Its main job? To reduce the risk of entrapment. They’re designed in such a way that they distribute the force of the suction over a larger area. Instead of all the power concentrated at one point (like it would be with an uncovered drain), the force is spread out.
If a swimmer gets close, they’re far less likely to get stuck against the drain cover because the force at any point is much less.
What Types of Pool Drain Covers Are Available on the Market?
When I started looking into pool drain covers, I was surprised by the variety. There are different sizes, shapes, and types. All are designed to fit various drains and different pools.
- Flat covers are the simplest type, providing a basic level of protection. They’re often used in larger pools where the risk of entrapment is lower due to the number of drains and water circulation.
- Dome-shaped or safety drain covers are designed to reduce the risk of entrapment further. The shape means that even if a swimmer comes into direct contact with the cover, there’s still a route for water to flow, reducing the suction effect.
- Unblockable drain covers are large enough that a person can’t cover the entire surface with their body, making entrapment almost impossible. These are a great option if you’re really concerned about safety.
Let’s look at how to choose the right cover for our pools.
Selecting the Right Pool Drain Cover
Choosing a pool drain cover was a big task for me. I was overwhelmed by the choices available for pool drain covers. But as I navigated through this process, I found that understanding what to look for, and ensuring the cover was properly installed, made all the difference. Let’s break it down.
What Should You Look for in a Pool Drain Cover?
- Safety standards: Any pool drain cover you consider should meet the safety standards set by the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. These covers must meet the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 performance standard. While this law doesn’t apply to residential pools, I strongly suggest adhering to these standards for maximum safety. Essentially, the drain cover should be structured so that it can’t form a seal with a body or body part, reducing the risk of entrapment.
- Shape and size of your drain: Pool drain covers come in different shapes (round, square, and rectangle) and sizes. A larger cover disperses the suction over a wider area, reducing the risk of entrapment. The size you choose should fit correctly over your drain, covering it completely without any gaps. It’s crucial to measure your drain accurately before purchasing a cover.
- Material: While stainless steel is extremely durable, high-quality plastic or PVC covers can also be a good choice. They are often UV-resistant, which prevents them from becoming brittle over time due to sun exposure. Whatever material you choose, ensure it’s rust-resistant and durable enough to withstand the pool’s chemicals.
- Flow rating: Take note of the flow rating, which refers to the water the cover can safely handle. Flow rate refers to the volume of water your pool can move per minute. It’s usually measured in gallons per minute (gpm). You can find your pool’s flow rate from the pool pump’s manual or by asking a pool professional. The pool drain cover you choose should have a flow rate equal to or higher than your pool’s flow rate. This ensures that the cover can handle the amount of water being circulated and doesn’t become a risk.
How Can You Ensure the Pool Drain Cover Is Installed Properly?
Proper installation is key. A poorly installed drain cover can pose just as much of a risk as no cover at all.
While installing a pool drain cover yourself is possible, I recommend hiring a professional, especially if you’re unsure. They have the necessary training and knowledge to install the cover correctly and securely.
However, if you choose to install it yourself, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. Check and double-check that the cover is secure and flush against the drain. There should be no gaps that could trap a swimmer.
Here are some common missteps:
- Not tightening the screws enough can lead to the cover becoming loose.
- Over-tightening the screws, which can lead to cracks in the cover.
- Not ensuring the cover sits flush with the pool floor creating a potential entrapment hazard.
- Using a cover that doesn’t fit the drain correctly leaving parts of the drain exposed.
Remember to inspect the drain cover for wear and tear regularly. Replace it immediately if it’s cracked, loose, or showing signs of damage.
Even with the right cover, we can’t let our guard down.
The Role of Supervision and Education in Pool Safety
We know, of course, that keeping our children safe goes beyond just equipment. There’s no substitute for our watchful eyes and teaching them about pool safety. My wife and I have a system in place to ensure we’re always keeping an eye out when the kids are swimming, and we’ve also made a point to teach them important safety rules.
Accidents can happen in an instant, even with a drain cover in place.
We should be within arm’s reach of younger children at all times, and for older children, we should actively watch them, undistracted. That means no phones, no books, no chitchat. Just our eyes on our kids.
Learning CPR and basic pool rescue skills is also a good idea. The knowledge that we hope we’ll never have to use, but that could be life-saving if we do.
Moreover, as parents, we’re our kids’ first and most important teachers. It’s our job to educate them about pool safety, including the risks associated with pool drains.
Start with basic rules: no running around the pool, always have an adult present and never swim alone. As they get older, explain why drain covers are necessary and teach them to avoid swimming near drains, even with covers.
Conclusion
Pool drain covers are more than just another gadget for your pool. They’re a life-saving device. But no pool safety device should replace adult supervision and the knowledge we impart to our kids. It’s about creating layers of protection, so we have others in place, even if one fails.
As a father and a pool owner, I know how real the fear can be, the constant worry every time our kids are near the pool. But rather than letting this fear paralyze us, Let’s prioritize pool safety. Install that drain cover and teach your kid about pool safety.
And remember, even the best swimmer can get into trouble, so never let your guard down.
P.S. Seeking the must-have pool safety device? Check out my list of the best pool safety devices!
From pool alarms to personal flotation devices, this guide covers it all. Regardless if you’re securing an in-ground pool, an above-ground pool, or even a spa, here are the most effective pool safety devices you could get to protect your kids.