Safety vacuum release systems and automatic pump shut-offs vary in their placement within the circulation system, depending on the brand. Be sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions to find proper locations, as well as wiring schematics, check-valve guidelines, calibration and test procedures, and other information to ensure the products work properly.
A: Several of the available SVRSs and automatic shut-offs are incorporated into the pump or motor. They include the following brands:
A.O. Smith Corp.
The firm’s Guardian SVRS motors have a built-in load-sensing module that shuts the pump off during a suction blockage.
Hayward Pool Products
The manufacturer recently released the EcoStar SVRS, a variable-speed pump with integrated automatic shut-off.
Nidec Motor Corp.
The EcoTech EZ variable-speed motor/control, designed as an easy, drop-in replacement, features an SVRS module.
Pentair Water Pool and Spa
The company’s line of variable-speed pumps with built-in SVRSs include the Pentair IntelliFlo VS+SVRS and the Sta-Rite IntelliPro VS+SVRS.
Waterway Plastics
This manufacturer enters the entrapment-protection market with the Econo-Flo VS variable-speed pump with SVRS, and the SVL56 SVRS pump, available in single- and two-speed versions.
B: Stingl Products
The Stingl-Switch SR-500 monitors vacuum and, upon detecting a blockage, shuts down the pump. Wall-mounted, wired into motor. Vacuum hose runs to pump trap.
C: Vacless Systems
In the case of a suction blockage, Vacless Breathers allow air into the pump pot. Some models also shut off the pump.
Attached to pump, replacing suction-side drain plug.
D: Hayward Stratum
This device vents the suction line and turns off the pump.
Wall-mounted, connected to the pump, with vacuum take-off tube hooked into suction line.
E: H2flow
Formerly called Emotron, the company produces the PSP20, a wall-mounted automatic pump shut-off system.
Wired into motor’s electrical connections.
F: Vac-Alert Industries
Upon suction blockage, the VA-2000 models detect a vacuum and inject air into the suction line.
Located on suction line, between main drain and drain line isolation valve, away from pump suction.
G: Paramount Pool & Spa Systems
The MVFuse monitors vacuum in the suction line, introducing air into the system if a blockage is detected.
Teed into plumbing near pool or spa, in leaf canister or small in-deck housing.
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.”
