Pool and spa dangers
Drains and other high-suction components in pools and spas can be dangerous.
That is why the United States Congress passed the Title XIV Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, which was named after the granddaughter of Secretary of State James A. Baker, III. Virginia lost her life in a family spa suction entrapment during a birthday party.
Federal law now requires that all pools and spa drains that were manufactured, distributed or sold on or after December 19, 2008, must meet ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 requirements. In addition, public pools and spas must be retrofitted with covers that meet safety standards.
The purpose of drain covers is to prevent the powerful suction of the spa or pool drain from forming a complete seal that can cause a person’s hair or body to be trapped against the drain. Such a situation may result in drowning or even disembowelment, in the event of buttock entrapment.
In 1993, a 5-year-old-girl named Valerie Lakey experienced evisceration of her small and large intestines when her bottom became pinned to the drain of a kiddie pool. Swimmers should exercise caution to steer clear of any drains, and covers should be checked for safety periodically.
Pool and spa dangers