Page 2 of 8 DUAL SUCTION OUTLET SET ISDUALSWG REV D
WARNING – Suction Entrapment Hazard.
Suction in suction outlets and/or suction outlet covers which are damaged, broken, cracked, missing,
or unsecured can cause severe injury or death due to the following entrapment hazards:
Hair Entrapment- Hair becomes knotted or snagged in an outlet cover.
Limb Entrapment- A limb sucked or inserted into an opening of a circulation outlet with a broken or
missing cover in the pool resulting in a mechanical bind or swelling
Body Suction Entrapment- Suction applied to a large portion of the body or limbs resulting in an
entrapment.
Evisceration/ Disembowelment Entrapment- Suction applied directly to the intestines through an
unprotected sump or suction outlet with a missing or broken cover.
Mechanical Entrapment- Potential for jewelry, swimsuit, hair decorations, finger, toe or knuckle to
be caught in an opening of an outlet or cover.
To Reduce the risk of Entrapment Hazards:
o A minimum of two functioning suction outlets per pump must be installed.
Suction outlets in the same plane (i.e. floor or wall), must be installed a
minimum of three feet (3’) [.91 meter] apart, as measured from suction pipe
center to suction pipe center. (See Diagram 1. If suction outlets are to be located
closer then three feet (3’) [.91 meter] apart, they shall be located in different
planes (i.e., one on the bottom, and one on the vertical wall, or one on each of
two separate vertical walls.) (See Diagram 2)
o Dual suction fittings shall be placed in such locations and distances to avoid “dual blockage” by a
user.
o Dual suction fittings shall not be located on seating areas or on the backrest for such seating areas.
o The maximum system flow rate shall not exceed the flow rating of any listed (per ASME/ANSI
A112.19.8M-1987, ASME A112.19.8-2007, APSP-7) suction outlet cover installed.
o Keep suction outlet components clear of debris, such as leaves, dirt, hair, paper and other material.
o Never use a Pool or Spa if any suction outlet component is damaged, broken, cracked, missing, or not
securely attached.
o Prior to each use of the swimming pool and/or spa, observe and replace damaged, broken, cracked,
missing, or not securely attached suction outlet components immediately.
o Remove pressure test plugs and/or plugs used in winterization of the pool/spa from the suction outlets.
o Two or more suction outlets per pump should be installed in accordance with latest APSP Standards
and CPSC guidelines. Follow all National, State, and Local codes applicable.
o Multiple layers of protection are available including installation of a vent pipe system, a gravity flow
system, or a vacuum release system.
o Suction outlet components have a finite life, the cover/grate should be inspected frequently and
replaced at least every seven years or if found to be damaged, broken, cracked, missing, or not
securely attached.
o Do not exceed maximum flow rate stated on suction fitting.
o Only replace a pump with one with a similar flow curve, avoid a pump with a higher horsepower
rating.
