Pool drains work because they have a lot of suction behind them. They pull the water down, allowing the pool to be filtered, and in the process, cleans the pool. However, this suction is the main reason why pool drains are potentially dangerous. ... This is called suction entrapment, and it can be fatal.

Can a pool drain kill you?

Drain Entrapment: Like a monster hiding in the deep, pool and hot tub drains (mostly found in public pools) account for a large number of injuries as well as two documented deaths. The suction from the drain can pull a swimmer under the water. If the suction power is strong enough, the swimmer can drown.

Are pool pumps dangerous?

The power of a pool pump is more than enough the cause sever and life threatening injury. The warning label that comes on new main drains, skimmers and pool pumps states that the pool pump has enough force to trap, drown and disembowel you should you unwittingly cover the suction point with any part of your body.