Pool Safety

Swimming pools are fun for everyone but you need to be aware of entrapment dangers! Avoid Entrapment!

Always Follow These Important Rules

• Never play or swim near drains or suction fittings. If a cover is not compliant, or is loose or broken, your body or hair may be trapped causing permanent injury or drowning.
• Never enter a pool or spa that has a loose, broken, or missing suction fitting or drain cover.
• Immediately notify the pool/spa owner or operator if you find a loose, broken, or missing drain cover. In such a case the pool or spa should be closed and an industry professional should make the necessary repair or replacement.

Take these 3 Steps to Keep Your Pool, Spa, or Hot Tub Safe and Free from Entrapment Risk

1. Have your pool or spa inspected by a licensed industry professional.

2. There is no backup for a broken, missing or inadequate cover. Replace any broken, missing or non complaint covers with covers that are marked: “VGB2008,” “ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007” or show the swimmer logo.

• Hair: Hair can become entangled in an improperly covered drain.
• Limbs: Arms or legs can get lodged and may not be able to be pulled free from an improperly covered drain, even if the pumps are turned off.
• Body: Any part of the body that covers a drain can be held down by the suction, never sit on a drain.
• Evisceration: Sitting on a drain with suction or a broken or missing cover can cause injuries or disembowelment.
• Mechanical: Fingers. toes, and items such as jewelry or a bathing suit can become entangled and stuck in a non-compliant drain or cover.

3. Pools or spas with a single main drain require additional protection. A good majority of pools built in Costa Rica have only one main drain. Options include:

• Eliminating the drain or reversing the flow
• Adding a second, properly spaced outlet
• Installing an SVRS (safety vacuum release system)
• Installing an automatic pump shut-off system
• Installing a suction limiting vent system
• Adding a gravity drainage system

Information provide by: Costa Rica Pools & Construction-located in Quepos-2777-1700 (across the street from the futball field next to Sansa) and in Uvita-2743-8200 (in the Dome Plaza across from Bridgestone),  [email protected]