Bubble, bubble avoiding trouble
Spa pools are increasingly common throughout Australia, as homeowners look for a little bit of luxury even in small spaces. A fantastic way to relax after a long day, a soak in the spa can present hazards if installation and maintenance are compromised.
Read on for some helpful information on ensuring spa safety and minimising injury risk.
Suction outlets
Suction outlets can be a major hazard as hair, hands or other body parts can become entrapped, endangering swimmers and creating drowning risk. To avoid entrapment risk, outlets must be no less than 600mm apart, but when installed in tight spaces such as the foot well of a spa and that dimension cannot be met, a third outlet is required with not less than 300mm between each one.
Check your spa to see that it complies. If not, seek the advice of a licensed pool builder as a priority. Don’t risk injury or misadventure by using a spa that does not comply.
Additionally, if suction outlets are not operating correctly, you should immediately speak with a licensed pool builder or contact SPASA for further advice.
Minimise risks
There are other steps and checks you should carry out to minimise the risk of injury from spa pool use:
Some older spas have potty-style skimmer boxes. If your spa features a potty-style box, ensure that it has a lid which is securely fastened — either screwed or glued down — so it cannot be easily removed.
Ensure your spa has two functioning suction outlets for each pump. this reduces powerful suctioning if one outlet becomes blocked.
Check spa suction outlet covers are not damaged and are firmly affixed using the method and parts recommended by the manufacturer.
When not in use, portable spas must be secured with a locked safety cover or lid.
For portable spas, electrical components and pumps must meet the electrical safety requirements and be properly covered. Ensure compliance by checking for an electrical safety approval number or regulatory compliance mark.
Young children must be supervised constantly if using a spa pool. they should never be left unattended in or near a spa pool.
Spa pools should incorporate a cut-off switch for the pump and all users should know where it is and how to activate it in the event of an emergency.
Ensure that suction outlets are operating correctly to minimise entrapment risk.
Swimmers should never put their head underwater in a spa pool.
Swimmers with long hair should be particularly careful when near outlets and consider tying hair back when using the spa pool.
When purchasing a spa, ask the supplier for evidence of design and manufacture to comply with necessary Australian and inter-national standards, minimising the likelihood of entrapment or other safety risks.
There is always a safety risk around water, so pool and spa owners should take all the necessary precautions to provide a harm-free environment. Confirming that your spa pool is compliant and ensuring that all swimmers are aware of (and adhere to) safety guidelines will go a long way to delivering that goal.