Page 61.2 Pool Pump Suction Entrapment Prevention GuidelinesWARNINGPump suction is hazardous and can trap and drown or disembowel bathers. Do not use or operateswimming pools, spa, or hot tubs if a suction outlet cover is missing, broken, or loose. The followingguidelines provide information for pump installation that minimizes risk of injury to users of pools, spas,and hot tubs:Entrapment Protection - The pump suction system must provide protection against the hazards of suctionentrapment.Suction Outlet Covers - All suction outlets must have correctly installed, screw-fastened covers in place.All suction outlet (drain) covers must be maintained. Drain covers must be listed/certified to ANSI/ASMEA112.19.8. They must be replaced if cracked, broken, or missing.Number of Suction Outlets Per Pump - Provide at least two hydraulically balanced main drains, with covers,as suction outlets for each circulating pump suction line. The centers of the main drains (suction outlets)on any one suction line must be at least three feet apart, center to center. (see figure 1 on page 7)The system must be built to include at least two suction outlets (drains) connected to the pump wheneverthe pump is running. However, if two main drains run into a single suction line, the single suction linemay be equipped with a valve which will shut off both main drains from the pump. The system shall beconstructed such that it shall not allow for separate or independent shutoff or isolation of each drain. (seefigure 1 on page 7)More than one pump can be connected to a single suction line as long as the requirements above are met.Water Velocity - The maximum water velocity through the suction fitting or cover for any suction outletmust be 1.5 feet per second unless the outlet complies with the latest version of ANSI/ASME A112.19.8,the standard for Suction Fittings For Use in Swimming and Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and WhirlpoolBathtub Applications. In any case, do not exceed the suction fitting’s maximum designed flow rate.If 100% of the pump’s flow comes from the main drain system, the maximum water velocity in the pumpsuction hydraulic system must be six feet per second or less even if one main drain (suction outlet) iscompletely blocked. The flow through the remaining main drain(s) must comply with the latest ANSI/ASMEA112.19.8, the standard for Suction Fittings For Use in Swimming and Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, andWhirlpool Bathtub Applications.Testing and Certification - Suction outlet covers must have been tested by a nationally recognized testinglaboratory and found to comply with the latest ANSI/ASME A112.19.8, the standard for Suction Fittings ForUse in Swimming and Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Whirlpool Bathtub Applications.Fittings - Fittings restrict flow; for best efficiency use fewest possible fittings (but at least two suctionoutlets).Avoid fittings which could cause an air trap.Pool cleaner suction fittings must conform to applicable International Association of Plumbing andMechanical Officials (IAPMO) standards.WARNINGSUCTION HAZARD. Can cause serious injury or death. Do not use this pumpfor wading; shallow pools or spas containing bottom drains, unless pump isconnected to at least two functioning suction outlets.