The approach taken in the guidelines is to present various options to attain "layers of protection"against entrapment in all pools and spas. The options available depend on whether entrapment hazards are being addressed in new construction or an existing facility. Entrapment hazards can be addressed in new construction by several options, including alternative gutter or overflow circulation systems that eliminate the main drain altogether, or the use of multiple main drains to prevent sole source suction in combination with appropriate drain (pool outlet) covers. Options for existing pools include reconfiguring the circulation system to include multiple main drains with proper drain covers, installing SVRS that respond to an increase in pump suction associated with entrapment and remove the suction forces, or other technology capable of recognizing a potentially hazardous situation such as a sudden increase in pump suction or missing drain cover(s) and responding to remove or prevent the hazard(hereafter referred to as "other technology")
Due to the "human element" involved in the care and maintenance of pools and spas, it is strongly recommended that consideration be given to including an additional and final layer of protection in all pools and spas that use submerged suction outlets, to relieve an entrapping suction force should outlets become blocked or if covers are broken or removed. Options for new construction include, but are not limited to, a properly designed atmospheric vent system, SVRS, or other technology. For existing facilities, options include the installation of an SVRS or other technology. This is especially important in wading pools and older pools with single main drains.
posted by Excitingspas
@ 3:22 PM
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1. Always use a locked safety cover when the spa is not in use and keep young children away from spas or hot tubs unless there is constant adult supervision.
2. Make sure the spa has the dual drains and drain covers required by current safety standards.
3. Regularly have a professional check your spa or hot tub and make sure it is in good, safe working condition, and that drain covers are in place and not cracked or missing. Check the drain covers yourself throughout the year.
4. Know where the cut-off switch for your pump is so you can turn it off in an emergency.
5. Be aware that consuming alcohol while using a spa could lead to drowning.
6. Keep the temperature of the water in the spa at 104degrees Fahrenheit or below.
posted by Excitingspas
@ 12:50 PM
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These are the gates people walk through. Swimming pool barriers should be equipped with a gate or gates which restrict access to the pool. A locking device should be included in the gate design. Gates should open out from the pool and should be selfclosing and self-latching. If a gate is properly designed, even if the gate is not completely latched, a young child pushing on the gate in order to enter the pool area will at least close the gate and may actually engage the latch.
When the release mechanism of the self-latching device is less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism for the gate should be at least 3 inches below the top of the gate on the side facing the pool. Placing the release mechanism at this height prevents a young child from reaching over the top of a gate and releasing the latch.
Also, the gate and barrier should have no opening greater than 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the latch release mechanism. This prevents a young child from reaching through the gate and releasing the latch.
Indoor Pools When a pool is located completely within a house, the walls that surround the pool should be equipped to serve as pool safety barriers. Measures recommended above where a house wall serves as part of a safety barrier also apply for all the walls surrounding an indoor pool.
1) Instruct babysitters about potential pool hazards to young children and about the use of protective devices, such as door alarms and latches. Emphasize the need for constant supervision.
2) Never leave a child unsupervised near a pool. During social gatherings at or near a pool, appoint a "designated watcher" to protect young children from pool accidents. Adults may take turns being the "watcher. " When adults become preoccupied, children are at risk.
3) If a child is missing, check the pool first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom and surface, as well as the pool area.
4) Do not allow a young child in the pool without an adult.
5) Do not consider young children to be drown proof because they have had swimming lessons. Children must be watched closely while swimming.
6) Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
7) Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Babysitters and other caretakers, such as grandparents and older siblings, should also know CPR.
8) Keep rescue equipment by the pool. Be sure a telephone is poolside with emergency numbers posted nearby.
9) Remove toys from in and around the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children to the pool.
10) Never prop open the gate to a pool barrier.
Install a fence or other barrier, such as a wall, completely around the pool. If the house is part of the barrier, the doors leading from the house to the pool should be protected with an alarm or the pool should have a power safety cover. Alarm and cover details are below.
The fence or other barrier should be at least 4 feet high. It should have no foot- or handholds that could help a young child to climb it. Vertical fence slats should be less than 4 inches apart to prevent a child from squeezing through.
If the fence is chain link, then no part of the diamond-shaped opening should be larger than
1-3/4 inches. Fence gates should be selfclosing and self-latching. The gate should be well maintained to close and latch easily. The latch should be out of a child’s reach.
Power safety covers over the pool may be used as an alternative to door alarms. A power safety cover should meet the requirements of the ASTM pool cover standard that addresses labeling requirements and performance. ASTM requires that a cover withstand the weight of two adults and a child to allow a rescue should an individual fall onto the cover. The standard also requires quick removal of water from the cover. A young child can drown in just inches of water.
Apower safety cover is a motor powered barrier that can be placed over the water area. Motor driven covers easily open and close over the pool. When the power safety cover is properly in place over the pool, it provides a high level of safety for children under 5 years old by inhibiting their access to the water.
1) If the house forms one side of the barrier, then doors leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarms that produce an audible sound when a door is unexpectedly opened.
2) Install an alarm that can be temporarily turned off by an adult for a single opening of the door by using a keypad or switch that is out of a child's reach.
Battery and electrically powered alarms are available. The keypad switch can be used by adults who wish to pass through the door without setting off the alarm. It should be placed high on all doors leading from the house to the pool. Affordable and easily installed alarms are available. An alarm signal immediately tells a parent that a door has been opened.
