Spa Pool Safety

Spa pools are commonly found in homes throughout Australia. Consumers need to be aware spa pools can be hazardous, particularly if not correctly installed and maintained.

This spa pools safety guide has been produced to help consumers determine the safety of their spa and minimise the risk of injury from spa pool use.

SUCTION OUTLETS

The major hazard of spa pools is the danger of trapping your hair or a part of your body on the spa suction outlets.

To help avoid entrapment, it is important that all spas have two functioning suction outlets which are a minimum of 600 millimetres apart.

If the suction outlets do meet these requirements seek the advice of a licensed pool builder.

If you have concerns about the way suction outlets are operating, seek the immediate advice of a licensed pool builder or call the Swimming Pool and Spa Association (SPASA).

MINIMISE RISKS

There are other steps and checks consumers should follow to minimise the risk of injury from spa pool use:

• If you own an older spa pool with a potty-style skimmer box (which resembles a child's potty), ensure that the skimmer box has a lid & that it is secured by glue or screwed down in place so it cannot easily be removed.

• Ensure there are two suction outlets for each pump in your spa as this reduces the powerful suction if one becomes blocked.

• Check the covers of any spa suction outlets are not damaged and are firmly and properly affixed using the manufacture's recommended parts

• If you have a portable spa, make sure you use a locked safety cover or lid when the spa is not in use.

• Always keep your young children away from spas unless there is constant adult supervision.

• Your spa should have a cut-off switch for the pump. Know where it is so you can turn it off in an emergency.

• Check that all suction outlets are operating, so they do not present an entrapment risk for the body, hair, fingers or toes.

• For portable spas, ensure all electrical components and pumps meet electrical safety requirements and are properly covered. This can be done by checking they are marked with an electrical safety approval number or a regulatory compliance mark.

• A person should not put their head under the water in a spa as this may increase the risk of entrapment.

• A person with long hair should be particularly careful to avoid putting their head near outlets.

• If you are purchasing a spa, ask the supplier for proof that it is designed to minimise the likelihood of entrapment and complies with recognised Australian and International Standards.