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Skimmer boxes for swimming pools

Skimmer boxes can often be found at the side of a fibreglass swimming pool or spa and may look like a potty or seat to a small child. If a child sits down on a skimmer box, the immense suction of the pool’s filter pump forms an instant seal between a child’s bottom and the edge of the skimmer box resulting in horrific, and sometimes fatal, injuries.

In October 1988, the Commissioner for Consumer Protection introduced a Product Safety Order to ensure that all newly installed pools and spas have safe skimmer boxes. However, skimmer boxes installed prior to 1988 may be unsafe.

A few simple checks, explained below, can be made to help ensure a pool or spa is safe.

  • Check that your skimmer box has a device (such as an affixing bar, lid or other fitting), which prevents the skimmer box being sat on.
    • If the skimmer box has a safety skirt, make sure it is in place and is not loose or damaged. The safety skirt is a vertical barrier, moulded into the fibreglass that is permanently fixed to the skimmer box.
    • If the skimmer box has a lid, make sure the lid is securely fixed in place and is only removable with the use of a tool.
  • If your skimmer box is unsafe, buy a low cost conversion kit, which is available from local swimming pool suppliers.

Publications

More information

For more information or for a copy of the brochures call Consumer Protection on 1300 30 40 54; or ring the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Western Australia on 9361 1344.