Swimming Pool Split Drains

What is a main drain and why does it present a danger to my children?

The term "main drain" is misleading; a main drain doesn't drain the pool. It is a suction fitting that, along with your skimmers, allows your pump to take water from the pool and send it to your filter. The main drain can have significant suction that is diffused by a proper anti-vortex main drain cover. If this cover is missing, loose or broken, all of the suction is applied through a rather small opening. The suction can be especially high if a skimmer is blocked by a full basket. Having only one main drain is no longer considered safe, as shown by a significant number of drownings and eviserations over the years.

What is a VGB grate? Am I required to have them?

Virginia Graeam Baker is the Act of Congress that requires a new, safer design for all main drain grates on public pools. Residential pools are not required by law to have these new grates (except for new pools), but we recommend these new grates for all pools and in-ground spas.

Are residential pools required to have split drains?

All pools built after 2006 must have split drains. While older pools are not required by law to have split drains (they are "grandfathered" in), doesn't it make sense to protect your children with the latest safety designs?

Is a split drain the only modification required to reduce entrapment danger?

Safety experts advise layers of protection to reduce risk as much as possible. The split drain reduces the risk of entrapment significantly, but does not eliminate it. Why? Because like any physical device, they can break or become inoperative due to poor maintenance. One of the drains could become blocked with leaves, for example, defeating the design. A further safety feature required on public pools is an SVRD device than eliminates suction altogether if it senses a blockage. These can be rather expensive to install properly, however, and are not necessary unless you have heavy leaf drops in your pool or you are concerned about proper pool maintenance.

What does it cost to install a split drain in my pool?

Each pool is different, so we have to see your pool to give you an estimate. If you are planning to have your pool resurfaced, the cost of installing the split drain at the same time saves money.
Hines Pool & Spa, Inc is one the leading renovation and resurfacing companies in Central Texas.


What is a main drain and why does it present a danger to my children? The term "main drain" is misleading; a main drain doesn't drain the pool. It is a suction fitting that, along with your skimmers, allows your pump to take water from the pool and send it to your filter. The main drain can have significant suction that is diffused by a proper anti-vortex main drain cover. If this cover is missing, loose or broken, all of the suction is applied through a rather small opening. The suction can be especially high if a skimmer is blocked by a full basket. Having only one main drain is no longer considered safe, as shown by a significant number of drownings and eviserations over the years. What is a VGB grate? Am I required to have them? Virginia Graeam Baker is the Act of Congress that requires a new, safer design for all main drain grates on public pools. Residential pools are not required by law to have these new grates (except for new pools), but we recommend these new grates for all pools and in-ground spas. Are residential pools required to have split drains? All pools built after 2006 must have split drains. While older pools are not required by law to have split drains (they are "grandfathered" in), doesn't it make sense to protect your children with the latest safety designs? Is a split drain the only modification required to reduce entrapment danger? Safety experts advise layers of protection to reduce risk as much as possible. The split drain reduces the risk of entrapment significantly, but does not eliminate it. Why? Because like any physical device, they can break or become inoperative due to poor maintenance. One of the drains could become blocked with leaves, for example, defeating the design. A further safety feature required on public pools is an SVRD device than eliminates suction altogether if it senses a blockage. These can be rather expensive to install properly, however, and are not necessary unless you have heavy leaf drops in your pool or you are concerned about proper pool maintenance. What does it cost to install a split drain in my pool? Each pool is different, so we have to see your pool to give you an estimate. If you are planning to have your pool resurfaced, the cost of installing the split drain at the same time saves money. Hines Pool & Spa, Inc is one the leading renovation and resurfacing companies in Central Texas. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends split drains be installed on existing backyard pools. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/363.pdf Read what The American Academy of Family Physicians says about pool safety and entrapment. http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/policy/policies/r/respoolsafety.html A missing or broken single main drain cover can allow a child to become stuck to the powerful suction, causing drowning or severe injuries. A split drain spreads the suction and is much safer than traditional, single drain designs. Split Drains Help Prevent Entrapment.


		Federal Law requires public pools to have split main drains and VGB grates to protect swimmers from entrapment. Shouldn’t your pool offer the same protection for your children?