Safety device for a suction outlet

A safety device for use in a suction outlet assembly for swimming pools, whirlpools and spas, the outlet assembly having an opening therein in communication with a pump adapted to create sufficient suction for causing fluid flow through the outlet assembly and a cover mounted over the opening without substantially obstructing fluid flow therethrough, said safety device comprising obstructing means for obstructing the opening when the cover is detached from the outlet assembly, whereby fluid flow through the outlet assembly is substantially prevented even if the pump is in operation, said obstructing means including a valve movable between an open position, in which said valve permits fluid flow through the opening when the cover is affixed to the outlet assembly, and a closed position, in which said valve inhibits fluid flow through the opening when the cover is detached from the outlet assembly, positioning means for positioning said valve in said open position when the cover is affixed to the outlet assembly, and urging means for urging said valve towards said closed position, said positioning means including a positioning member which is sized and shaped to engage said valve for positioning said valve in said open position when the cover is affixed to the outlet assembly and to disengage said valve for causing said valve to move to said closed position when the cover is detached from the outlet assembly, and said valve having a valve member sized and shaped so as to be pivotally mounted in the opening of the outlet assembly.

A safety device for use in a suction outlet assembly for swimming pools, whirlpools and spas, the outlet assembly having an opening therein in communication with a pump adapted to create sufficient suction for causing fluid flow through the outlet assembly and a cover mounted over the opening without substantially obstructing fluid flow therethrough, said safety device comprising obstructing means for obstructing the opening when the cover is detached from the outlet assembly, whereby fluid flow through the outlet assembly is substantially prevented even if the pump is in operation, said obstructing means including a valve movable between an open position, in which said valve permits fluid flow through the opening when the cover is affixed to the outlet assembly, and a closed position, in which said valve inhibits fluid flow through the opening when the cover is detached from the outlet assembly, positioning means for positioning said valve in said open position when the cover is affixed to the outlet assembly, and urging means for urging said valve towards said closed position, said positioning means including a positioning member which is sized and shaped to engage said valve for positioning said valve in said open position when the cover is affixed to the outlet assembly and to disengage said valve for causing said valve to move to said closed position when the cover is detached from the outlet assembly, said positioning member being sized and shaped so as to be positioned between the cover and said valve when the cover is affixed to the outlet assembly, and said positioning member having a head and a leg which depends from said head and which has a plurality of holes so as not to obstruct fluid flow through the outlet assembly.