Chicago Pool Injury Lawyers - Article

Pool Drain Hazards

The pool can be a very fun place to spend summer months. It can be the source of endless hours of entertainment or an excellent source of exercise. Unfortunately, when not maintained correctly, a pool can be dangerous. One of the dangers of pools that people do not realize is the possibility of body entrapment in a pool drain.

Between June of 1990 and August of 2004, there were 74 cases of body entrapment due to a pool drain. Of those 74 cases, 13 resulted in death. The deaths were a result of drowning after the body or a part of the body was caught against the drain. A body can become trapped against the drain if the circulation pump continues to attempt to pull water from the pool even when there is something against the drain and no water gets through. This problem can occur in both residential and public pools.

Of the cases of entrapment, more than half occurred in spas, hot tubs, or whirl pools. 31 of the incidents occurred in swimming pools, and 3 accidents occurred in a wading pool. The accidents involved people between the ages of 22 months and 89 years. The median age for victims was 9 years old.

When an accident occurred, it most commonly occurred when a child was playing with an open drain by inserting a hand or foot into the drain. This limb would become stuck and then swell, making escape nearly impossible for the child.

Body entrapment becomes a possibility when there is a drain that can become completely covered by a person which is connected to a pump that allows for suction even when covered. To combat this risk, pool supply companies have created rounded or curved drain covers that allow water to get by around whatever is on top of the drain. This prevents the vacuum action from taking place and allows the person to escape.

If you have been injured in a pool or spa, contact the Chicago pool injury lawyers of Friedman & Bonebrake at 312-466-8200 to discuss your case and to determine your legal options.