Why Do Pools Need Two Drains?
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Do pools need two drains on the floor, and if so why are two main drain needed instead of just one? The answer is safety. Single set main drains are an entrapment hazard and represent one of the most dangerous parts of pools that the industry is working to improve and eliminate. Unfortunately there is no oversight or inspection for residential pools for problems like this and so it takes a proactive pool owner...or an accident to to know there is a problem that needs remediation. VGBA is the Virginia Graeme Baker Act and this outlines entrapment hazards and safe installation standards for swimming pool installation. This is where you could find more information about the actual ways in which the pool should be built to be free of entrapment hazards.
With a single set main drain it is possible that the force of the suction of the pump can trap you. This force is greater than any person can fight against. Notably it is not a force like you might see in a Hollywood movie dragging you closer to the main drain as you try to swim away. Instead the flow of water is undetectable to you even in close proximity, however the moment you obstruct the flow with your body the force of the pump will grab, pull and hold you against any amount of struggling or pulling. Only turning off the pump and releasing the vacuum would be enough to allow you to pull free. Having dual main drains installed allows the force of the pump to divert to the other main drain should one become blocked momentarily. This is active suction main drains in pools should all be dual set and never single set. For more information about pool drains you can read this page that answers the question are pool drains dangerous?
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