4
POOL PUMP SUCTION
REQUIREMENTS
Pump suction is hazardous and can trap and drown or disem-
bowel bathers. Do not use or operate swimming pools, spas, or hot tubs if a
suction outlet cover is missing, broken, or loose.
Follow the guidelines below
for a pump installation which minimizes risk to users of pools, spas, and hot
tubs.
Entrapment Protection
The pump suction system
must provide protection against the hazard of
suction entrapment or hair entrapment/entanglement.
Suction Outlet Covers
All suction outlet covers must be maintained. They must be replaced if
cracked, broken, or missing.
See below for outlet cover certification requirements.
All suction outlets must have correctly installed, screw-fastened covers in
place.
Testing and Certification
Suction outlet covers must have been tested by a nationally recognized testing
laboratory and found to comply with the lastest ASME/ANSI Specification for
Suction Fittings For Use in Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Whirlpool
Bathtub Applications.
Outlets Per Pump
(see Figure 1)
Provide at least two hydraulically balanced main drains, with covers, for each
swimming pool pump suction line. The centers of the main drains (suction fit-
tings) must be at least three feet apart.
At Least
3 Feet
Suction Outlet
(Main Drain)
Suction Outlet
(Main Drain)
IAPMO Certified
Anti-entrapment
Cover or Suction Fitting,
screw-fastened to
Main Drain Sump
IAPMO Certified
Anti-entrapment
Cover or Suction Fitting,
screw-fastened to
Main Drain Sump
Pump
Valves OK between
pump and Tee
No valves between
Tee and Main Drains
2762 0197
Figure 1 – Recommended pump suction layout.
