Waterway 640-477XV - User Manual

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GRATE AND FRAME OWNER’S MANUAL

WARNING - SUCTION ENTRAPMENT HAZARD

Suction in suction outlets and/or suction outlet

covers which are damaged, broken, cracked,

missing, or unsecured can cause severe injury and/

or death due to the following entrapment hazards:

Hair Entrapment: Hair can become entangled in suction outlet cover.

Limb Entrapment: A limb inserted into an opening of a suction outlet

sump or suction outlet cover that is damaged, broken, cracked, missing,

or not securely attached can result in a mechanical bind or swelling of

the limb.

Body Suction Entrapment: A negative pressure applied to a large

portion of the body or limbs can result in an entrapment.

Evisceration / Disembowelment Entrapment: A negative pressure

applied directly to the intestines through an unprotected suction

outlet sump or suction outlet cover which is damaged, broken, cracked,

missing, or unsecured can result in evisceration / disembowelment

entrapment.

Mechanical Entrapment: There is potential for jewelry, swimsuit,

hair decorations, nger, toe, or knuckle to be caught in an opening of a

suction outlet cover resulting in mechanical entrapment.

USE ONLY GENUINE WATERWAY REPLACEMENT PARTS.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Model Number: 640-477X V 18” x 18” Grate & Frame

810-4770-2017.0621

2200 East Sturgis Road, Oxnard CA 93030 • Phone 805.981.0262 • Fax 805.981.9403

www.waterwayplastics.com • waterway@waterwayplastics.com

Designed,

Engineered &

Manufactured

in the USA.

Read and follow all instructions in this owner’s manual and on the equipment. Failure to follow instructions can cause

severe injury and/or death.

SOFA INSTRUCTIONS

When installing and using this equipment, basic safety precautions shall always be followed, including the following: IMPORTANT

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. READ, FOLLOW, AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.

Any modication that increases the ow rate of the circulation system shall require re-evaluation of the cover/grate and sump to

ensure that the ow rating of the Suction Outlet Fitting Assembly (SOFA) is not exceeded.

Missing, broken, or cracked cover/grates, sumps, mud-frames, or any other SOFA component shall be replaced before bathers are

allowed to use the pool.

Loose cover/grates shall be reattached before bathers are allowed to use the pool.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

WARNING:

VGBA

2017

WHEN INSTALLING AND USING THIS EQUIPMENT, BASIC SAFETY

PRECAUTIONS SHALL ALWAYS BE FOLLOWED, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING:

“IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS”. READ, UNDERSTAND, AND FOLLOW

ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS.

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Summary

General Safety and SOFA Instructions

VGBA Warning and Installation Guidelines

Essential safety precautions and warnings for installation and use of the equipment, including SOFA instructions.

Suction Entrapment Hazard Details

Details specific entrapment risks: hair, limb, body, evisceration, and mechanical hazards.

Entrapment Hazard Reduction and Warnings

Reducing Entrapment Risk Recommendations

Recommendations for reducing entrapment risks, including system installations and component checks.

Critical Warnings for Safe Operation

Key warnings regarding component integrity, flow rates, and proper usage to prevent serious injury.

SOFA Specific Guidelines and Installation

SOFA Component Lifespan and Limitations

Details on SOFA component lifespan, blockable SOFA usage, and prohibited attachment methods.

Installation Best Practices and Warnings

Guidelines for proper installation, including tool usage, fastener tightening, and component inspection.

Flow Rate and System Configuration

Information on SOFA flow ratings, system capacity, and configuration for multiple SOFA systems.

Technical Diagrams and Specifications

Assembly Diagram

Exploded view illustrating the grate, frame, and fastener components for assembly.

Head Loss Curve

Graphical representation of head loss versus flow rate for the 18" x 18" fitting.

Field Fabricated Sump and Flow Path

Field Fabricated Sump Overview

Diagram and specifications for a field fabricated sump, including dimensions and pipe connections.

Flow Path Diagram and Dimensions

Plan and section views illustrating the flow path and key dimensions for installation.

This document is the owner's manual for a Grate and Frame, specifically model number 640-477X V, measuring 18" x 18". It is designated as a Suction Outlet Fitting Assembly (SOFA) and is intended for use in pools, spas, and hot tubs. The manual emphasizes critical safety precautions and operational guidelines to prevent severe injury or death due to suction entrapment hazards.

Function Description:

The Grate and Frame serves as a crucial component of a pool or spa's circulation system, acting as a suction outlet fitting assembly (SOFA). Its primary function is to prevent suction entrapment hazards, which include hair entrapment, limb entrapment, body suction entrapment, evisceration/disembowelment entrapment, and mechanical entrapment. The grate covers the suction outlet, allowing water to pass through while preventing bathers from directly contacting the high-suction areas of the sump. It is designed to be blockable, meaning it can be fully or partially obstructed without creating a hazardous suction differential, especially when used in a multiple-SOFA system. The device is integral to maintaining a safe aquatic environment by managing water flow and preventing direct access to the suction lines.

Important Technical Specifications:

Model Number: 640-477X V
Dimensions: 18" x 18" Grate & Frame
VGBA Compliance: 2017 VGBA (Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act) compliant.
Flow Rating: Rated at 540 GPM (Gallons Per Minute) for floor installations.
Material: Fasteners are specified to be passive grade 316 stainless steel.
Pipe Size (PVC): 6"
Sump Depth (Minimum): 13"
Ledge Depth (Minimum): 1.75"
Ledge Width (Maximum): 19.5"
Pipe Offset (Minimum): N/A
Length Before Reduction (Minimum): 3"
Head Loss Curve: A graph is provided showing head loss (in. Hg.) versus flow rate (GPM) for the 18" x 18" model. At 50 GPM, head loss is approximately 0.5 in. Hg.; at 100 GPM, it's about 1 in. Hg.; at 200 GPM, it's around 2.5 in. Hg.; and at 300 GPM, it's approximately 4.5 in. Hg. The curve extends up to 400 GPM.
Components: The system includes the grate (part 819-1031), fasteners (4x 642-479x V), and the sump/frame (part 642-4740).

Usage Features:

Installation: Intended for use on gunite, vinyl, fiberglass, and roto-molded pools, spas, and hot tubs. Installation requires ensuring proper thread engagement for fasteners, which should be hand-tightened to a maximum of 20 in-lb using a Phillips screwdriver bit and torque wrench. Power tools are explicitly prohibited for fastener installation. The installation surface must be flat and free of deterioration or voids.
Safety Precautions: The manual emphasizes that basic safety precautions must always be followed. Users are warned against operating the pool/spa if any suction outlet component is damaged, broken, cracked, missing, or not securely attached. Pressure test plugs or winterization plugs must be removed from suction outlets before operation.
Flow Rate Management: The flow rate of the circulation system must not exceed the SOFA's rated flow. Any modification that increases the flow rate requires re-evaluation of the cover/grate and sump. Increasing pump size or horsepower to exceed the safe flow rate is prohibited.
Blockable SOFA: This is a blockable SOFA. In new pools, blockable SOFAs must be installed in a multiple-SOFA system only. In existing pools with single SOFA systems, an additional anti-entrapment device or system must be installed.
Multiple SOFA Systems: For pools with multiple blockable SOFAs in one body of water without isolation valves, the combined flow rate of all SOFAs, minus the flow rate of one (using the larger flow rate if not equal), determines the safe flow rate. If SOFAs are piped together, the combined flow rate of all SOFAs determines the safe flow rate.
Placement: SOFAs should not be located on backrests or seats.
Winterization: For winterization, the cover should be removed, and the inlet plugged.

Maintenance Features:

Service Life:
- Suction cover/grate: 7 years
- Sump wall fitting: 14 years
- Other SOFA components: 25 years
- All SOFA components must be replaced on or before the end of their service life, starting from the month and year of installation.
Daily Inspection: The cover/grate and fasteners must be observed daily for damage or tampering.
Regular Inspection: Suction outlet components have a finite life and should be inspected frequently. The cover/grate should be replaced at least every seven years, or immediately if found to be damaged, broken, cracked, missing, or not securely attached.
Replacement: Missing, broken, or cracked cover/grates, sumps, mud-frames, or any other SOFA component must be replaced before bathers use the pool. Loose cover/grates must be reattached. Damaged fasteners must be replaced with original, passive grade 316 stainless steel parts. Cracked/damaged mud rings, sumps, or wall fittings must be replaced.
Cleaning: Suction outlet components must be kept clear of debris such as leaves, dirt, hair, and paper to prevent entrapment. During installation, components and fastener receptacles must be clean, free of debris, and obstructions.
Genuine Parts: Only genuine Waterway replacement parts should be used for maintenance and repair.
No Unauthorized Modifications: No modifications should be made to the SOFA structure or flow path unless the new configuration has been certified as a new SOFA. Unauthorized field modifications will void certification.