Anti-vortex covers were developed in the early 1970’s to protect the more powerful, self-priming, closed face impeller, pumps from running dry and burning up. It was a great idea for protecting the pump. It’s engineering design was revolutionary for pump protection and was not intended to protect children.

The curiosity of children can and will draw them to the most dangerous feature of a pool or spa, the main drain. Their curiosity can become deadly as we all are becoming aware. Anti-vortex covers have only one attribute for protecting children from main drain suction entrapment: a domed shape. The domed shape can help a child avoid entrapment or evisceration but, the anti-vortex apertures around the edges can injure or trap fingers, toes or entangle hair. The anti-vortex cover may protect the pump for which it was designed, but does not protect our children from all four entrapment potentials, only one. On the other hand the newest technology protects our children as well as protecting the pump. ANSI/NSF Standard 50 Certified anti-entrapment drain covers implement: Materials, UV protection, Chemical resistance, and protection against: Child evisceration, Body entrapment, Mechanical finger entrapment and Hair entanglement.

If you install a flat grate or a anti-vortex cover, you may be the cause of a traumatic occurrence or deadly hazard. Make your next main drain cover installation a safe installation.