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THIS MAKES A GOOD CASE FOR PREUSE INSPECTION BEFORE POOL IS OPEN FOR USE.
AND IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT VGB DOE REUIRE VACLOK AS WELL AS WELL APPROVED COVER FOR LOW WATER PORTS ATTCHED TO SKIMMER OR DISABLE SAME.
Good points, let's explore them.
Twist timer is certainly a good idea to help reduce the "ooof dahh's" of a maintenance tech. However, it could still leave the vacuum line operating for the remaining time, exacerbating any entrapment issues. We really need to take the human element out of the equation as much as possible, we all make mistakes. I wouldn't want to be the one who forgot to put the vacuum cap back in place and injured a patron.
You are also correct that a pump cart may not be easily brought to the pool. Obstacles such as long an narrow stairs are an issue. In those cases there are other means of cleaning a pool such as, in-floor systems, electric robotic cleaners and even battery operated pole attached cleaners.
You hit on a key point, "design issues". When issues such as these are looked at objectively during the design process one can design out many if not all of the entrapment issues, including vacuum lines.
In essence this is the same argument that we've been having over drain elimination. Pools have always had drains so let's keep the drains. In this case, there is an inconvenience to the operator by eliminating the vacuum lines. I suggest that there is always at least one viable alternative especially when addressed at the design level.
David Penton said:
In an interesting conversation about this same article I was involved in on another website; a great suggestion was made to help add another way to "idiot-proof" the situation, which I thought was very clever!
The sugestion was made to install a twist dial timer to the vacuum pump system. In the event that the serviceman walks out and forgets to turn off the pump, and re-install the safety plug, the pump will automatically shut down after a period of time. We all install them on the commercial spa booster pumps already, it is a great additional layer to consider.
There are certain situations where it may not be plausable to bring a pump cart on site to service the pool. The elimination of Side Suction lines altogether is not the answer, and may bring with it a whole new set of design issues. In a residential Slot overflow pool, there is no place for a skimmer... and if the pool happens to be unaccessable for a pump cart, then there is no way to clean the pool.
The answer is to educate the pool owner on the VERY real danger that exists, and to install every layer of protection available to keep everyone safe.
The VacLock fitting is spring loaded, and locks closed when not in use. It is one simple $40 fix.
Side suction ports are a necessity in certain situations, but it is important that the dangers are CLEARLY explained, and as much as possible to install redundant systems in order to minimize the risks associated with them.
I personally am not a fan of SVRS systems, because they are mechanical, and thus subject to mechanical failure. If a failure occurs and goes unnoticed, then there is a false sense of security that the system is safe, when it actually may not be. I would rather educate the client on the inherent danger that does exist. I have walked away from commercial retrofit jobs that only wanted to install "an approved cover" with an SVRS system. I personally do not want the risk. If they are unwilling to do it the right way, with split drains, appropriate separation, and proper sump dimensions, then I let someone else do the job... (Just my opinion)
I appreciate your input & experience, but, an SVRS is not the answer to all entrapment issues. The words "I believe..." in your response puts conjecture back in the equation instead of science. Until a testing method is developed to represent a child's arm caught in a vacuum line I feel it is inadvisable for a manufacturer to suggest his or her product would prevent a limb entrapment such as this.
While I am on my soap box....
Let's look at the root problem here. The vacuum line. How about we eliminate the vacuum lines? I've been in this business a long time and have always used skimmer ports for vacuuming pools. In the case of rim-spill pools I use a portable vacuum. This eliminates the entrapment issue altogether. No port to forget to plug or valve off, no mechanical safety mechanism to rely on, the hazard is abated completely.
Back when I was a young, impressionable youth I began receiving training in safety related issues. In that training I was repeatedly taught, and still believe, that engineering a safety hazard out of existence is far preferable to reliance on personal protective equipment, training or other ''topical'' treatments. Let us as an industry strive to eliminate the hazard.
I agree 100%, pools are a dangerous environment. There is no substitute for parental supervision, trained swimmers of all ages and accountability for operators and owners. Most importantly is that we continue to band together and explore all avenues of creating a safer bathing environment.
James F. Ellul Jr. said:
Because John, the Act, no matter how well intentioned, was an emotional response to a horrible situation. As such it was rushed into existance because, "we have to do something!" was the cry the Congress heard.
We as an industry have failed to self regulate and by doing so we allowed a completely ignorant governmental agency to regulate our actions.
Your point is well taken.
I see it ALL THE TIME!!! when we do new pool startups!
How is this any different? It's actually probably worse, because the line velocity is higher through the 1 1/2" line than the 2" line in the story.
michael gardner said:
I am glad I do not have to answer these questions.
Dave Penton, it really is not like a side suction port in a residential pool. The 1.5 " residential opening is split with the skimmer and very rarely does the suction cleaner get all the flow. The pump on the commercial was likely a 1.5 or 2HP pum with a direct path to the pool
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