Sta-Rite 500101 Installation Manual

®

StarGuard

8-inch Round Main Drain

Installation Guide

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

READ, THEN KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

© 2009 Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc. All rights reserved

This document is subject to change without notice

1620 Hawkins Ave., Sanford, NC 27330 • [phone]
10951 West Los Angeles Ave., Moorpark, CA 93021 • [phone] • [phone]

StarGuard®, IntelliFlo®, Pentair Pool Products®, American Products®, Pentair Water Pool and Spa® are trademarks and/or
registered trademarks of Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc. Unless noted, names and brands of others that may be used
in this document are not used to indicate an affiliation or endorsement between the proprietors of these names and
brands and Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc. Those names and brands may be the trademarks or registered trademarks
of those parties or others.

P/N 510587 Rev B 12-15-09

Contents

WARNINGS and IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS......................................................ii

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act ............................................................vi

Acts Codes and Standards........................................................................................................vii

Hydraulic System Specifications................................................................................................1

Section 1

Field Fabricated Sump Installation..................................................3

Section 2

StarGuard® 8-inch Round Drain

Installation ........................................................................................ 4

P/N 500100 - 500109, 500140 - 500149

Section 3

StarGuard® 8-inch Round Drain Two Port
(2” NPSM Side x 1-1/2 “ NPSM Bottom)

Installation ..........................................................................................7

P/N 500110 - 500114

I

Section 4

StarGuard® 8-inch Round Drain Single Port
(2” NPSM Side)

Installation .......................................................................................10

P/N 500115 - 500119

Section 5

StarGuard® 8-inch Round Drain
(Dual Bottom Ports)

Installation .......................................................................................13

P/N 500120 - 500129

Section 6

StarGuard® 8-inch Round Drain Two Port (for vinyl liner pools)
(2” NPSC Side x 1-1/2” NPSC Bottom)

Installation .......................................................................................17

P/N 500130 - 500139

Required tools: No. 2 Philips head screwdriver and torque driver (in-lbs).

READ, THEN KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

StarGuard® 8-inch Round Main Drain Installation Guide

II

WARNINGS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

INSTALLERS, POOL OPERATORS AND POOL OWNERS MUST READ THESE WARNINGS
AND ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT!

SERIOUS BODILY INJURY OR DEATH CAN RESULT IF THIS PRODUCT IS NOT
INSTALLED AND USED CORRECTLY.

THIS COVER MUST ONLY BE INSTALLED AND USED WITH THE SUPPLIED PENTAIR
WATER POOL AND SPA® FRAME OR WITH AN EXISTING PENTAIR POOL PRODUCTS

®

OR AMERICAN PRODUCTS® FRAME THAT IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAS INTACT BRASS INSERTS.
THIS COVER IS INCOMPATIBLE WITH ANY OTHER FRAME. IF THE POOL OR SPA HAS AN EXISTING
FRAME (OTHER THAN ONE IN GOOD CONDITION WITH INTACT BRASS INSERTS MANUFACTURED BY
PENTAIR POOL PRODUCTS OR AMERICAN PRODUCTS), THE EXISTING FRAME MUST FIRST BE
REMOVED AND THE NEW SUPPLIED FRAME INSTALLED. DO NOT INSTALL THIS COVER ON ANY
OTHER STYLE OF FRAME OR ANOTHER MANUFACTURER’S FRAME. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS
WARNING MAY RESULT IN A SUCTION ENTRAPMENT HAZARD AND CAN CAUSE LIMB AND BODY
ENTRAPMENT OR EVISCERATION.

FOR USE WITH MULTIPLE SUBMERGED SUCTION OUTLETS OR A SINGLE

SUBMERGED SUCTION OUTLET. IF ONLY A SINGLE SUCTION OUTLET OR MAIN
DRAIN EXISTS, A SAFETY VACUUM RELEASE SYSTEM (SVRS) SUCH AS THE PENTAIR WATER POOL
AND SPA INTELLIFLO® VS+ SVRS PUMP, A GRAVITY DRAINAGE SYSTEM, AN AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF
SYSTEM OR A SUCTION-LIMITING VENT SYSTEM MUST BE USED.

IMPROPER INSTALLATION OR USE OF THIS PRODUCT MAY PRESENT A RISK OF

HAIR OR BODY ENTRAPMENT AND DROWNING. INSTALL THIS EQUIPMENT IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED. USE ONLY WITH THE COMPONENTS AND
MOUNTING HARDWARE PROVIDED. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND/OR USE WITH
COMPONENTS NOT PROVIDED BY PENTAIR POOL PRODUCTS® AND INTENDED TO BE USED WITH
THIS PRODUCT MAY RESULT IN IMPROPER POSITIONING OR FUNCTIONING OF DRAIN COVER AND
MAY CAUSE SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

F

SUCTION ENTRAPMENT HAZARD

Pool and spa pumps produce high levels of suction, which can pose extreme danger if a person comes in
close proximity to an open pool or spa drain or if a drain cover is loose, cracked, broken or missing.

Pool and spa pumps move large volumes of water, which can pose extreme danger if a person’s hair
comes in close proximity to a drain that is not the proper size for the pump or pumps.

Suction entrapment dangers include:

Hair Entanglement – When the hair tangles or knots in the drain cover, trapping the swimmer underwater. This

hazard is present when the flow rating of the cover is too small for the pump or pumps.

Limb Entrapment – When a limb is sucked or inserted into an opening resulting in a mechanical bind or swelling.
This hazard is present when a drain cover is missing, broken, loose, cracked or not properly secured.

Body Entrapment – When a portion of the body is held against the drain cover trapping the swimmer
underwater. This hazard is present when the drain cover is missing, broken or the cover flow rating is not high
enough for the pump or pumps.

StarGuard® 8-inch Round Main Drain Installation Guide

WARNINGS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Evisceration/Disembowelment – When a person sits on an open pool (particularly a child wading pool) or

spa outlet and suction is applied directly to the intestines, causing severe intestinal damage. This hazard is
present when the drain cover is missing, loose, cracked, or not properly secured.

Mechanical Entrapment – When jewelry, swimsuit, hair decorations, finger, toe or knuckle is caught in an
opening of an outlet or drain cover. This hazard is present when the drain cover is missing, broken, loose,
cracked, or not properly secured.

Use these fittings only with a pumping system rated for the corresponding flow or less for 2

inch plumbing (see sump diagram on page 5). FAILURE TO DO SO CAN RESULT IN HAIR
OR BODY ENTRAPMENT WHICH CAN CAUSE SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH. If in doubt about
the rating of your system, consult a qualified pool or spa professional.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Regularly inspect all drain covers for cracks, damage and advanced weathering. If a drain cover
becomes loose, cracked, damaged, broken or is missing, close the pool or spa immediately, post a
notice and keep the pool or spa closed until an appropriate VGB 2008 certified drain cover is properly
installed. Drain covers deteriorate over time due to exposure to sunlight and pool chemicals. This
drain cover must be replaced within seven (7) years from installation (or earlier if the cover becomes
damaged in any way).

An ANSI/ASME A112.19.8a approved anti-entrapment drain cover must be used

for each drain. Pools and spas should utilize two drains per pump. If a drain cover
becomes loose, broken or is missing, close the pool or spa immediately and shut off the pump until an
approved anti-entrapment drain cover is properly installed with the supplied stainless steel screws.
Only the supplied 316 stainless-steel screws should be used with the drain cover. Substitute screws
such as masonry screws, sheet rock screws or other types of screws should never be used. Screws put
into the frame anywhere except in the original screw holes will not hold and will allow the drain cover
to come off the main drain, causing an entrapment hazard, including possible limb and body
entrapment or evisceration/disembowelment. If the screw holes of the frame are stripped or the brass
inserts are missing, loose, or damaged, replace the frame. DO NOT DRILL NEW SCREW HOLES IN THE
FRAME AS THIS WILL DAMAGE AND WEAKEN THE FRAME.

III

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Attention Installer: This manual contains important information about the installation, operation and safe use of

this product. This information should be given to the owner and/or operator of this equipment. Please refer to
www.pentair.com for all warnings and instructions related to the StarGuard® 8-inch Round Main Drain.

Before installing this product, read and follow all warning notices and instructions which are

included. Failure to follow safety warnings and instructions can result in severe injury, death,
or property damage. Call [phone] for additional free copies of these instructions. It is absolutely critical
that the suction plumbing be installed in accordance with the latest national and local codes for swimming
pools.

A pool/spa pump produces high levels of suction, which can pose extreme danger if a

person comes in close proximity to an open pool or spa drain or a loose or broken drain cover
or grate.

Hydrostatic relief valve

For installations utilizing a hydrostatic relief valve, using a collector tube will maintain a clear path to the
hydrostatic valve. At least one hydrostatic relief valve in a set of suction outlets will allow hydrostatic uplift
pressure caused by ground water to be relieved into the pool or spa.

StarGuard® 8-inch Round Main Drain Installation Guide

IV

WARNINGS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Entrapment Avoidance Notice:

The covers used on suction outlets should be approved and listed as conforming to the currently published
edition of ANSI/ASME A112.19.8a Standard. These covers should be inspected regularly and replaced if
cracked, broken or older than the design lifetime indicated on them by the manufacturer. The maximum
possible flow rate of the pump should be less than or equal to the maximum approved flow rate indicated on the
suction outlet cover by the manufacturer. THE USE OF UNAPPROVED COVERS OR ALLOWING USE OF
THE POOL OR SPA WHEN COVERS ARE MISSING, CRACKED OR BROKEN CAN RESULT IN BODY OR
LIMB ENTRAPMENT, HAIR ENTANGLEMENT, EVISCERATION AND DEATH.

Pumps improperly sized or installed or used in applications other than for which the pump was

intended can result in severe personal injury or death. These risks may include but not be
limited to electric shock, fire, flooding, suction entrapment or severe injury or property damage caused by a
structural failure of the pump or other system component.

The use of alcohol, drugs, or medication can greatly increase the risk of fatal hyperthermia in

hot tubs and spas.

To reduce the risk of injury, do not permit children to use this product unless they are closely

supervised at all times.

When setting up pool water turnovers or flow rates the operator must consider local codes

governing turnover as well as disinfectant feed ratios.

DO NOT increase pump size; this will increase the flow rate through the system and exceed

the maximum flow rate stated on the drain cover.

StarGuard® 8-inch Round Main Drain Installation Guide

WARNINGS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Most states and local codes regulate the construction, installation, and operation of

public pools and spas, and the construction of residential pools and spas. It is important to
comply with these codes, many of which directly regulate the installation and use of this product. Consult the
local building and health codes for more information.

• Dual suction fittings shall not be located on seating areas or on the back rests for such seating
areas.

• If the pool or spa has only a single suction outlet or main drain, a Safety Vacuum Release System
(SVRS) such as the Pentair Water Pool and Spa IntelliFlo® VS+SVRS pump, a gravity drainage
system, an automatic shut-off system or a suction-limiting vent system MUST be used.

• In the event one suction outlet is completely blocked, the remaining suction outlets serving the
system shall have a flow rating capable of the full flow of the pump(s) for the specific system.

• An approved anti-entrapment suction outlet cover must be used for each drain.

• Never exceed the maximum flow rate stated on the drain cover.

• Before each use of the facility the suction fitting, including fasteners, should be inspected for
damage or tampering.

• Close the pool or spa if any suction outlet component is loose, cracked, broken, missing or not
securely attached. Replace loose, cracked, damaged, broken or missing drain covers.

• In addition to two or more suction outlets per pump (Figure 2) installed in accordance with the latest
APSP standards and CPSC guidelines, follow all applicable national, state and local codes.

• The suction outlet to a swimming pool pump pulls a high vacuum. If pump is used with only one
suction pipe, anyone blocking pump suction with hair or body will be trapped and held against the
suction fitting. Disembowelment or drowning can result.

• To prevent entrapment, install at least two suction outlet (main drains) fittings per pump in pool.
Separate these outlets by either of the following procedures.

A. Locate the outlets at least three (3) feet apart.

B. Locate the outlets in two (2) different planes (Figure 1), (for example, one on the bottom and one on a

vertical side wall, or on two separate vertical side walls). Use multiple suction sources to reduce risk of
entrapment. Failure to maintain fittings and covers can lead to severe injury or death. Use of fittings
when covers are broken, loose or missing can lead to severe injury or death. If using 1½ in. plumbing.
Consult your local building dept. for codes or ordinances that may apply.

V

• Remove the pressure test plugs and/or plugs used in winterization of the pool/spa from the suction
outlets.

Three (3) feet minimum

Three (3) feet

minimum

Two on Pool Walls

Figure 1: Alternate Location for Suction Outlets

One on Wall / One on Floor

Figure 2: Two Suction Outlets per Pump

If you have any questions about installation or maintenance of this drain cover, please contact your pool
professional. Never attempt to alter or repair the cover or frame on your own.

StarGuard® 8-inch Round Main Drain Installation Guide

VI

VIRGINIA GRAEME BAKER POOL AND SPA SAFETY ACT

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act raises certain new requirements on owners and

operators of swimming pools and spas.
Pools or spas constructed on or after December 19, 2008, shall utilize:

(A) A multiple main drain system without isolation capability with suction outlet covers that meet

ASME/ANSI A112.19.8a Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, and
Hot Tubs and either:

(i) A safety vacuum release system (SVRS) meeting ASME/ANSI A112.19.17 Manufactured
Safety Vacuum Release Systems (SVRS) for Residential and Commercial Swimming Pool,
Spa, Hot Tub, and Wading Pool Suction Systems and/or ASTM F2387 Standard Specification
for Manufactured Safety Vacuum Release Systems (SVRS) for Swimming Pools, Spas and
Hot Tubs or

(ii) A properly designed and tested suction-limiting vent system or

(iii) An automatic pump shut-off system.

Pools and spas constructed prior to December 19, 2008, with a single submerged suction outlet shall use a
suction outlet cover that meets ASME/ANSI A112.19.8a and either:

(A) A safety vacuum release system (SVRS) meeting ASME/ANSI A112.19.17 and/or ASTM F2387,

or
(B) A properly designed and tested suction-limiting vent system, or
(C) An automatic pump shut-off system, or
(D) Disabled submerged outlets, or
(E) Suction outlets shall be reconfigured into return inlets.

For more information about the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, contact the
Consumer Product Safety Commission at [phone] or visit www.cpsc.gov.

NOTE: Always turn off all power to the pool pump before installing the cover or working on
any suction outlet.

StarGuard® 8-inch Round Main Drain Installation Guide

ACTS CODES AND STANDARDS

Important Acts Codes and Standards Information

StarGuard® and all suction outlet fittings (drain covers) are federally regulated by the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC). This authority was given to the CPCS in 2007 as part of the Virginia Graeme
Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. Visit www.cpsc.org for more information.

ASME/ANSI A112.19.8a Certification
These suction fittings, for use in swimming pools, wading pools, spas and hot tubs, were tested and certified to

the aforementioned safety regulations, by IAPMO Research and Testing. 5001 E. Philadelphia St. Ontario, CA
91761 – USA 877-4UPCMARK (toll free). Product certification commenced April 2009, test results can be
obtained from: www.pentairwater.com and/or http://pld.iapmo.org/

NSF/ANSI-50
StarGuard® is certified to comply with NSF/ANSI 50 Circulation system components and related materials

forswimming pools, spas/hot tubs. To download a current copy of the NSF certification, go to http://www.nsf.org/
certified/pools/.

Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
StarGuard® is certified to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, Section 1404(b).

This section requires all suction outlet fittings (drain covers) to conform to ASME/ANSI A112.19.8a.

International Code Council
StarGuard® is an approved component as required by the International Code Council (ICC) building codes,

which include the International Residential Code (IRC), and the International Building Code (IBC), collectively
know as the iCodes. The ICC updates the iCodes every three years. For more information, visit
www.iccsafe.org.

International Residential Code (IRC)
Many states and local jurisdictions have adopted the IRC, including Appendix G. Section AG106 addresses

Suction Entrapment Avoidance requirements that regulate residential swimming pools and spas. It is important
to know if these codes are in affect where the residential pool or spa is being built and which version is being
required. Effective in the 2009 version of the IRC is the requirement to build in accordance with
ANSI/APSP 7 - 2006 American National Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming Pools,
Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Catch Basins. 2003 and 2006 versions do not include a reference to the
ANSI/APSP 7 standard, instead they included the requirement that all pools and spas be equipped with
dual-drains and a vacuum relief system that can be either an Approved Gravity Drainage System, or a Safety
Vacuum Release System (SVRS) such as the IntelliFlo® VS+ SVRS pump. Visit www.iccsafe.org for more
information.

VII

International Building Code (IBC)
Many states and local jurisdictions have adopted the International Building Code which regulates commercial

building projects, including public swimming pools and spas. Section 3109.5 addresses Suction Entrapment
Avoidance requirements that regulate public swimming pools and spas. It is important to know if these codes
are in affect where the public pool or spa is being built and which version is being required. Effective in the
2009 version of the IBC is the requirement to build in accordance with ANSI/APSP 7 - 2006 American National
Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Catch
Basins. 2003 and 2006 versions do not include a reference to the ANSI/APSP 7 standard, instead they
included the requirement that all pools and spas be equipped with dual-drains and a vacuum relief system that
can be either an Approved Gravity Drainage System, or a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS) such as the
IntelliFlo® VS+ SVRS pump. Visit www.iccsafe.org for more information.

ANSI/APSP-7 Suction Entrapment Avoidance Standard
The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals publishes many swimming pool and spa related standards,

including ANSI/APSP 7 - 2006 American National Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming
Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Catch Basins. ANSI/APSP 7 is referenced by the iCodes, and is
required by some states and local jurisdictions. It requires all suction outlet fittings (drain covers) to be tested
and Listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory as conforming to most recent version of ASME/ANSI
A112.19.8a. Visit www.apsp.org for more information.

StarGuard® 8-inch Round Main Drain Installation Guide

1

Hydraulic System Specifications

POOL PUMP SUCTION REQUIREMENTS

Pump suction is hazardous and can trap and drown or disembowel bathers. Do not use or allow anyone else to
use a pool, spa, or hot tub unless it has at least two (2) suction outlets to each pump suction line (see Figure 1,
Outlets Per Pump, below). Do not use or operate swimming pools, spas, or hot tubs if a suction outlet cover is
missing, broken, or loose. Follow the guidelines below for a pump installation which minimizes risk to users of
pools, spas, and hot tubs.

Entrapment Protection

The pump suction system must provide protection against the hazard of suction entrapment or hair entrapment/
entanglement.

Suction Outlet Covers

All suction outlet covers must be maintained. They must be replaced if cracked, broken, or missing. See page
vii for outlet cover certification requirements. All suction outlets must have correctly installed, screw-fastened
covers in place.

Outlets Per Pump

Provide at least two (2) hydraulically balanced main drains, with covers (see Figure 1), for each swimming pool
pump suction line. The centers of the main drains (suction fittings) must be at least three (3) feet apart.

The system must be built so that it cannot operate with the pump drawing water from only one (1) main drain
(that is, there must be at least two (2) main drains connected to the pump whenever it is running, see Figure 1).
However, if two (2) main drains run into a single suction line, the single suction line may be equipped with a
valve which will shut off both main drains from the pump (see Figure 1).

For existing single drain pools and spas, or multiple main drains located less than three feet (3) apart, a backup
system must be installed, such as the IntelliFlo® VS +SVRS. Other backup systems include, approved gravity
draining systems, or suction-limiting vent.

At least

three (3) Feet

VGB 2008

certified

Anti-entrapment

Cover or Suction Fitting,

screw-fastened to

Main Drain Sump

Suction Outlet

(Main Drain)

Water Velocity and Flow Rates

The maximum water velocity through drain covers is limited by some local regulations, for example some state
health departments limit the velocity through public pool drain covers to 1-1/2 feet per second. This velocity
limit is lower than the flow rating provided by the ASME A112.19.8 certification, therefore local limit applies and
must be followed. Never exceed the flow rating listed on the cover even if local code does not provide a velocity
limit (see Chart 2 on page 2).

No valves between
Tee and Main Drain

Valves OK between
pump and Te

e

Figure 1: Outlets Per Pump

Cover or Suction Fitting,

s

VGB 2008

certified

Anti-entrapment

screw-fastened to

Main Drain Sump

Suction Outlet

(Main Drain

Pump

)

StarGuard® 8-inch Round Main Drain Installation Guide