Installation
Pool Pump Suction Requirements
Pump suction is hazardous and can trap and drown or
disembowel bathers. Do not use or operate swimming
pools, spas, or hot tubs if a suction outlet cover is
missing, broken, or loose. Follow the guidelines below
for a pump installation which minimizes risk to users of
pools, spas, and hot tubs.
Entrapment Protection
The pump suction system must provide protection against
the hazard of suction entrapment or hair entrapment/
entanglement.
Suction Outlet Covers
All suction outlet covers must be maintained. They must
be replaced if cracked, broken, or missing.
See Testing and Certification for outlet cover
certification requirements.
All suction outlets must have correctly installed, screw-
fastened covers in place.
Suction Outlets Per Pump
Provide at least two hydraulically balanced main drains,
with covers, as suction outlets for each circulating pump
suction line (see Figure 2). The centers of the main drains
(suction outlets) on any one suction line must be at least
three feet apart.
Filter: Cartridge filters
require no backwash
valve. Sand or
diatomaceous earth filters
require a backwash valve.
Optional Shut-Off Valves
can be installed in the
filter inlet and outlet lines
to allow isolation of the
filter for service.
Figure 2 – Typical installation
For parts or assistance, call Flotec Customer Service at 1-800-365-6832.
Hazardous Suction.
Can trap hair or body,
causing severe injury
or death.
• Do not block suction.
• Keep small children
under close adult
supervision at all times.
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Backwash Valve
Pump Discharge Line
Circulation Pump
Return Line
Direction of Flow
The system must be built so that it cannot operate
with the pump drawing water from only one main
drain (that is, there must be at least two main drains
connected to the pump whenever it is running – see
Figure 2). However, if two main drains run into a single
suction line, the single suction line may be equipped
with a valve which will shut off both main drains from
the pump.
More than one pump can be connected to a single
suction line as long as the requirements listed above
are met.
Water Velocity
The maximum water velocity through the suction
fitting or cover for any suction outlet must be 1.5 feet
per second unless the outlet complies with the latest
ASME/ANSI Specification for Suction Fittings For Use in
Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Whirlpool Bathtub
Applications. In any case, do not exceed the suction
fitting's maximum designed flow rate.
If 100% of the pump's flow comes from the main drain
system, the maximum water velocity in the pump suction
hydraulic system must be six feet per second or less
even if one main drain (suction outlet) is completely
blocked. The flow through the remaining main drain(s)
must comply with the latest ASME/ANSI Specification for
Suction Fittings For Use in Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot
Tubs, and Whirlpool Bathtub Applications.
Testing and Certification
Suction outlet covers must have been tested by a
nationally recognized testing laboratory and found to
comply with the latest ASME/ANSI Specifications for
Suction Fittings For Use in Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot
Tubs, and Whirlpool Bathtub Applications.
Pump Suction Line
Skimmer
Suction Outlets (Main Drains)
with IAPMO Certified Anti-
Inlet Line
entrapment Covers or Suction
from Skimmer
Fittings, screw-fastened.
Main
Drain
Sump
At least 3 feet
No valves between
Tee and Main Drains
Main
Drain
Sump
Valves OK between
Tee and Pump
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