Pool drains can be safety hazards. Pool entrapment is a serious risk. Learn how to make your pool safer below.

Here is what you need to know to better protect children, pets, and guests in your pool.

  • Regularly inspect your pool drain cover.
  • When swimming in a new pool, make sure it has a safe drain cover.
  • Instruct children not to play around the pool drain.
  • Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry that can get entrapped in the drain.
  • Tie back long hair.
  • Know how to shut off power to pool pump or pool itself.

Note: special thanks to the Zac Foundation for helpful pool drainage safety information [Source].

How To Spot an Unsafe Pool Drain

Below (credit) please see how easy it can be to spot an unsafe pool drain. An informed parent is empowered to proactively make their pool safer!

safe pool drain cover comparison

Here are Three Precautions You Can Take [Source]:

  • Consider investing into newer pool or spa drains, as they are designed such that they cannot be obstructed
  • Install anti-entrapment drain covers. they help make sure no one can become trapped underwater.
  • Learn how to shut down power to your pool pump in an emergency. Also learn how to turn off power to your pool.

Want to Get Involved? Here is How You Can Help.

The Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Pool and Spa Safety Act went into effect in 2008.  It mandates that all pool drain covers must meet standards for suction entrapment avoidance.  The VGB Pool and Spa Safety Act is up for re-authorization in Congress.

Please download a letter (click here), edit it, and send it to your representative in Congress urging them to approve re-authorization.