Glossary
Anti-entrapment drain cover
A drain cover built to a federal standard so a body, hair or limb can't be trapped by suction. Required in public pools.
An anti-entrapment drain cover is a pool or spa drain cover designed so that suction can't trap a person's body, hair, limbs, jewelry or swimsuit. Older flat grates could create a strong seal; compliant covers are shaped to prevent that.
Since December 19, 2008, public pools and spas in the U.S. must be equipped with anti-entrapment drain covers that meet the federal standard, under the Virginia Graeme Baker Act (CPSC (opens in a new tab)). The American Red Cross (opens in a new tab) recommends that home pool owners also install anti-entrapment drain covers and safety release systems. When booking a vacation rental, Pool Safely (opens in a new tab) says pools and spas should have raised drain covers.
What to check:
- every drain cover is in place, secure and not cracked;
- nobody uses the pool or spa if a cover is loose, broken or missing (Pool Safely (opens in a new tab)).
See drain entrapment and vacation rental pool safety.
What you can do today: ask your pool service or rental host whether your drain covers meet the current standard.