The Vac-Alert Safety Vacuum Release System is designed to prevent swimming pool entrapment. The Vac-Alert is a non-electrical self-monitoring, low-maintenance safety system that responds in milliseconds to an increase in pump suction created by an obstruction being held by suction on the main drain. Pool entrapment can occur because of a damaged outlet in a […]
Vac-Alert
Chris Carr FISPE urges swimming pool engineers to be single main drain alert… Way before the 1990’s, swimming pools in the UK were fitted with a single main drain and we thought nothing of it. However, over time, it became apparent that there is a serious risk of entrapment on a single main drain. Just […]
Research detailing the number of pool and spa entrapment incidents recorded globally make shocking reading. Figures covering a six-year period from 2015 to 2021 show 229 entrapment incidents of which 76 were fatal. Incidents occurred in countries across Europe and as far afield as Belarus, China, and Chile. Spain at 24 and then Brazil at […]
Following an entrapment incident involving a five-year-old British boy while on holiday in South Africa, UK hot tub suppliers are strongly emphasising that such cases are extremely rare and the vast majority of UK hot tubs pose no risk. In April, Sam Leathes was holidaying with his family when he became trapped underwater in the […]
In July this year, tragedy struck when an 11 year old boy, on holiday with his family in the Dordogne, France drowned in a public pool. The boy’s leg had become trapped by fierce suction from the only main drain. The pool had recently undergone refurbishment. Sadly, it had not been fitted with a second […]
Chris Carr, Fellow of the Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers and former ISPE president, calls for a review of current pool and spa standards, as new research proves two main drains are not sufficient to completely exclude the risk of entrapment….
