Five Types of Entrapment

Examining the five recognized types of suction entrapment.

3 MIN READ

Generally speaking, an entrapment occurs when a person comes in contact with an improperly protected suction outlet, and a part of their body, jewelry, clothing or hair is entrapped, entangled or held down by the force created by the pump. There are currently five recognized types of suction entrapment:

Body entrapment

How this happens: A part of the body, generally the torso, backside or other expansive area, completely covers the outlet, causing a vacuum to form and the skin to adhere to the drain.

Number of incidents: Between 1999 and 2009, there were 33 recorded body entrapments, comprising 35 percent of the total occurrences.

The challenge: Single-drain pools and spas can pose a danger that many swimmers, especially children, are not aware exists.

How to prevent it: The only way to completely eliminate the hazard is to disable the drain or build a drainless system. However, the risk can be greatly reduced by installing VGBA-approved outlet covers, multiple-drain systems, secondary devices or gravity-feed systems.

Limb entrapment

How this happens: A broken or missing drain cover causes the outlet to be exposed, and a bather’s limb becomes entrapped in the pipe.

Number of incidents: Between 1999 and 2009, there were 32 recorded limb entrapments, comprising 34 percent of the total occurrences.

The challenge: Children, or even adults, may insert an arm into an exposed drain.

How to prevent it: Install VGBA-certified drain covers and make sure they remain secure. Even more effective: Build a pool with no submerged suction outlets of any kind.

Hair entrapment

How this happens: Hair entrapment is not caused by the formation of a vacuum, but rather is the result of hair getting stuck in the drain and wrapping around components.

Number of incidents: Between 1999 and 2009, there were 13 recorded hair entrapments, comprising 14 percent of the total occurrences.

The challenge: Strands of hair are tiny, allowing them easy access through the grate.

How to prevent it: After drainless systems, the most effective preventive measure is the use of certified outlet covers with a flow rating higher than the maximum pump flow.

Evisceration

How this happens: When the backside completely covers the drain, and there is no system in place to prevent a vacuum, the force can cause a tear in the tissue and the intestines begin exiting the body.

Number of incidents: Between 1999 and 2009, there were two recorded eviscerations, comprising 2 percent of the total entrapments.

The challenge: Eviscerations happen very rapidly, making them more difficult to curtail once the process has begun.

How to prevent it: Install a drainless system or VGBA-certified drain covers. Multiple outlets and gravity-feed systems are believed to mitigate the problem; however, this has not been proven.

Mechanical entrapment

How this happens: An object, such as a chain or bathing-suit strap, catches on a drain, wraps around a component or otherwise becomes lodged.

Number of incidents: Between 1999 and 2009, there were 13 recorded mechanical entrapments, comprising 14 percent of the total occurrences.

The challenge: Like hair entrapment, this is not caused by suction, but involves a mechanical attachment, which must be broken for the person to become freed.

How to prevent it: Install drainless systems or VGBA-certified outlet covers.

Please note: One entrapment incident between 1999 and 2009 was unexplained and, therefore, was not recorded as falling into any of the five categories.

About the Author

Rebecca Robledo

Rebecca Robledo is deputy editor of Pool & Spa News and Aquatics International. She is an award-winning trade journalist with more than 25 years experience reporting on and editing content for the pool, spa and aquatics industries. She specializes in technical, complex or detail-oriented subject matter with an emphasis in design and construction, as well as legal and regulatory issues. For this coverage and editing, she has received numerous awards, including four Jesse H. Neal Awards, considered by many to be the “Pulitzer Prize of Trade Journalism.”