AQUASTAR 8MF Series 8 Inch Round MoFlow Suction Outlet Cover and Mud Frame Instruction Manual

AQUASTAR 8MF Series 8 Inch Round MoFlow Suction Outlet Cover and Mud Frame

IMPORTANT SAFETY 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 modification that increases the flow rate of the circulation system shall require re-evaluation of the cover/grate and sump to ensure that the flow 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

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITATIONS

All SOFAs shall be installed in accordance with AquaStar’s installation instructions. No modification shall be made to a SOFA structure or flow path unless the new configuration has been certified to the original SOFA. SOFA- configuration specific flow ratings are NOT to be exceeded at any time the pool is open to bathers.
The flow rating for pools with multiple, blockable SOFAs piped together in one body of water without isolation valves shall be determined by combining the flow rating of all SOFAs, minus the flow rating of one. If the flow ratings of all SOFAs are not equal, subtract the flow rating of the SOFA with the highest flow rating.
Cover/grates marked blockable installed in existing pools with single SOFA systems shall also be installed in conjunction with an additional device or system designed to prevent suction entrapment, where the additional device or systems is of a type listed in the section “Single Outlet Blockable Drain Systems” of these instructions.
Blockable SOFAs used for new pools and spas shall be installed in a multiple SOFA system only.
Select and install a SOFA, or combination of SOFAs, such that the resulting individual suction system flow rating is greater than the pumping system’s maximum system flow rate.
Skimmers, gutters, and other overflow systems may not always be operational and could divert all the pump(s) flow through the SOFA suction system, therefore the flow capacity of these systems shall not be included when evaluating an individual suction system flow rating. SOFAs shall not be located on seats or the backrests for seats.
When used in multiple-outlet systems, cover/grates marked Blockable shall be arranged such that the two outermost sumps/frames shall have a minimum separation of three feet, measured center-to-center. If they are to be installed closer than three feet center-to-center, they shall be located on two different planes, i.e., one SOFA shall be located on the pool floor, and one shall be located on a vertical wall, or each SOFA shall be located on two separate walls.

Pool finish should never exceed top of frame. Taper pool finish down and away from top (or lower) of frame. Top of grate should never be installed lower than the pool finish.

The use of adhesives or other attachment methods that prevent access to suction piping or SOFA components is prohibited.

Installation requires Phillips screwdriver. Hand tighten only. Start installation of screws by hand to ensure proper thread engagement and to prevent cross-threading. Use a hand-held Phillips screwdriver to hand tighten each screw until the screw and SOFA component fit snugly together. The parts and fasteners are snug when there are no visible gaps and they do not move when pulled or pushed by hand. DO NOT USE POWER TOOLS TO INSTALL FASTENERS.

Covers, when installed, shall not protrude more than 2 in. (51 mm) from the finished surface of the pool in which the SOFA is installed.

MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

FIELD AND CONFIGURATION MODIFICATION

Any field modification made to this product not authorized by AquaStar Pool Products shall void the VGBA-2017 certification.

No modification shall be made to a SOFA structure or flow path unless the new configuration has been certified as a new SOFA.

SERVICE LIFE

Replace cover assembly and fasteners within five years. Replace mud frame and sump within thirty years or if damaged. If cover or SOFA components become brittle, show significant color change, or are damaged in any way, remove and replace as it is an indication that they have reached the end of their service life.

Cover and all other SOFA components shall be replaced at or before the end of their service life and that service life begins the month and year in which a SOFA component is installed with or without water.

WINTERIZING

Covers and supports may be removed to access suction piping — Save and store these OEM components in a safe location for reinstallation  when not immediately reinstalled after winterizing. Lost or damaged components must be replaced with components sourced from AquaStar for the VGBA-2017 certification of this product to remain valid.

SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS

Service tool required: Phillips screwdriver (hand-tools only).

Cover/grate, including fasteners, shall be observed for damage or tampering each operational day.
Missing, broken, or cracked cover/grates shall be replaced before bathers are allowed to use the pool.

Loose covers/grates and associated components shall be reattached before bathers are allowed to use the pool. Mud frame, support components, and fastener receptacles shall be clean and free of debris or obstructions during installation of covers and fasteners.

Install drain covers in order of the assembly drawings provided in section “SOFA MODEL SPECIFIC FLOW RATES AND NSF ANSI/APSP/ICC 16-2017 CERTIFICATION DOCUMENTATION” of these instructions.

Start installation of screws by hand to ensure proper thread engagement and to prevent cross-threading, then continue to tighten using hand tools only. DO NOT USE POWER TOOLS TO INSTALL FASTENERS.

Hand-check cover/grate for snugness to the sump/frame after installation. Do not over-tighten screws.

Replace covers if components have become brittle, show significant color change, or are damaged in any way.

When any SOFA component is held in place by the interior finish of the pool, that surface shall be free of deterioration and voids.

If mud frame or manufactured sump have become brittle, show significant color change, are stripped, or damaged in any way, replace. If plastic anchor or brass anchor kit (BIK4) is stripped or damaged in any way, replace.

REPLACEMENT COVER FOR EXISTING POOLS

When installing covers on existing components ensure that the component is in good condition, and does not show signs of brittleness, significant color change, or damage in any way. If damaged replace the component.

EXISTING FASTENER SECURITY CHECK

When installing fasteners ensure that the screw hole is not loose (see Fig. 1), has damaged threads (see Fig. 2), is the wrong thread size (see Fig. 3), or does not align with the cover screw hole. For each location that appears to be reusable, test fastener security by partially installing screw in each location and then pulling firmly by hand. If the screw cannot be installed or pulls out, the component is to be considered damaged and should be replaced. Drilling holes into an existing component is not permitted.

When properly secured, the screw shall have at least 3 threads of engagement (see Fig 4). Use a hand-held Phillips screwdriver to hand tighten each screw until the screw and SOFA component fit snugly together. The parts and fasteners are snug when there are no visible gaps and they do not move when pulled or pushed by hand. DO NOT USE POWER TOOLS TO INSTALL FASTENERS.

• FIGURE 1
  IF SCREW HOLE IS LOSE
  

• FIGURE 2
  IF SCREW HOLE HAS DAMAGED THREADS
  

• FIGURE 3
  IF SCREW IS THE WRONG THREAD SIZE
  

• FIGURE 4
  ENSURE AT LEAST THREE THREADS OF ENGAGEMENT AND HAND CHECK TO ENSURE SCREW IS SECURE
  

FASTENERS REQUIRED FOR SQUARE RETROFIT DRAIN COVERS

AquaStar’s 9” x 9” and 12” x 12” series square drains require four (4) screws per installed cover, even for models that offer additional (unused) screw holes to accommodate differing screw hole patterns. This applies as well to 2×2 grid 18” x 18” covers utilizing four 9” x 9” retrofit covers in a single mud frame.

The installer must identify the four screw holes that are needed based on the existing mud-frame to which the replacement cover is to be applied. Acceptable installation configurations include four (4) screws with one (1) screw located in the center of each side [A], or two (2) screws on two (2) opposite sides [B], or one (1) screw adjacent each corner [C]. Also note that screw locations indicated by [A] or [B] have acceptable locations that are rotated 90-degree for locations [B] or mirrored for locations [C]. Please refer to the example square drain cover pictured to the right.

FASTENERS FOR R8MFXXX RETROFIT DRAIN COVERS

The 8″ Round Retroit MoFlow® Suction Outlet Cover is designed to replace off -standard 8″ round covers with either a 7-13/32″, 6″, or 4-3/4″ center-to center screw hole measurement frames. The installer must identify the four screw holes that are needed based on the existing mud-frame to which the replacement cover is to be applied.

SINGLE OUTLET BLOCKABLE DRAIN SYSTEMS

The flow rating for existing pools with a single, blockable SOFA is the flow rating of the SOFA, when also installed in conjunction with an additional device or system designed to prevent suction entrapment, where the additional device or systems is of a type listed in section “ADDITIONAL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS REQUIRED FOR SINGLE OUTLET BLOCKABLE DRAIN SYSTEMS” of these instructions. A single, blockable SOFA in a system that does not also include one of the additional devices or systems shall result in a flow rating of zero.

ADDITIONAL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS REQUIRED FOR SINGLE OUTLET BLOCKABLE DRAIN

SYSTEMS (LISTED BELOW)

SAFETY VACUUM RELEASE SYSTEM – A system that ceases operation of the pump, reverses the circulation flow, or otherwise releases the vacuum in a circulation system when a blockage is detected, that has been tested by an independent third-party and found to conform to ASME/ANSI standard A112.19.17 or ASTM standard F2387.

SUCTION-LIMITING VENT SYSTEM – A circulation system that incorporates a tamper-resistant atmospheric vent that is hydraulically located between the suction outlet and the circulation pump, which allows air to enter the circulation system and release the vacuum within the system when the suction outlet is blocked and the circulation pump is operating.

GRAVITY DRAINAGE SYSTEM – A powered circulation system, which utilizes a collector tank hydraulically located between the pump and the suction outlet that is filled by the gravitationally induced flow of water from the suction outlet, and is vented to the atmosphere by a tamper-resistant opening.

AUTOMATIC PUMP SHUT-OFF SYSTEM – A system that is designed to sense blockage of the suction fitting and then turn-off the power to the pump, and subsequently release the vacuum in the circulation system when a blockage is detected.

DRAIN DISABLEMENT- A device or system that permanently stops the flow of water from a SOFA.

THIS SPACE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

SOFA MODEL SPECIFIC FLOW RATES AND ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 CERTIFICATION

DOCUMENTATION

Please use the QR code or link listed below to look up the SOFA-Configuration specific flow rating of the cover that is to be installed. Please remember to cut and fill out the VGBA DRAIN COVER IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION document that is included in these instructions. Permanently post as near as feasible to the pump control and provide a copy of this information to the pool owner to be kept with other important pool-related documents

8″ Round MoFlow® Suction Outlet Cover FOR CONCRETE INSTALLATION

Cover Model # 8MFxxx

Dimension

Parts and Description

1. 8″ Round Mud Frame
2. 8″ Round MoFlow Suction Outlet Cover
3. 10 x 3/4″ Flat Head Phillips, 316 SS, Qty 4
   

For SOFA Specific Flow Ratings and General Certificate of Conformity (GCC). Please scan QR code or visit www.aquastarpoolproducts.com/flowcode

8″ Round Color Choice® Suction Outlet Cover FOR CONCRETE INSTALLATIONS

Cover Model # CC8xxx

Dimension

Parts and Description

1. 8″ Round Mud Frame
2. 8″ Color Choice Riser
3. 8″ Color Choice Round Suction Outlet Cover
4. 10 x 3/4″ Flat Head Phillips, 316 SS, Qty 4

10″ Round Color Choice® Suction Outlet Cover FOR CONCRETE INSTALLATIONS

Cover Model # CC10xxx

Dimension

Parts and Description

1. 10″ Round Mud Frame
2. 10″ Color Choice Riser
3. 10″ Color Choice Round Suction Outlet Cover
4. 10 x 3/4″ Flat Head Phillips, 316 SS, Qty 4

10″ Round MoFlow® Suction Outlet Cover FOR CONCRETE INSTALLATIONS

Cover Model # 10MFxxx

Dimension

Parts and Description

1. 10″ Round Mud Frame
2. 10″ Round MoFlow Suction Outlet Cover
3. 10 x 3/4″ Flat Head Phillips, 316 SS, Qty 4

10″ Round Suction Outlet Cover and Solid Riser Ring FOR CONCRETE INSTALLATION

Cover Model # 10AVRxxx

Dimension

Parts and Description

1. 10″ Round Mud Frame
2. 10″ Round Riser Ring
3. 10″ Anti-Entrapment Suction Outlet Cover
4. 10 x 1-1/4″ Flat-Head Phillips, 316 SS, Qty 2
5. 10 x 3/4″ Flat-Head Phillips, 316 SS, Qty 2

9″ Square MoFlow® Suction Outlet Cover FOR CONCRETE INSTALLATIONS

Cover Model # 9MFxxx

Dimension

Parts and Description

1. 9″ Square Mud Frame
   9″ Square MoFlow Suction Outlet Cover

2. 10 x 3/4″ Flat Head Phillips, 316 SS, Qty 4

9″ Square Wave Suction Outlet Cover and Vented Riser Ring FOR CONCRETE INSTALLATION

Cover Model # WAV9WRxxx

Dimension

Parts and Description

1. 9″ Square Mud Frame
2. 9″ Square Riser Ring
3. 9″ Square “Wave” Suction Outlet Cover
4. 10 x 1-3/4″ Flat Head Phillips, 316 SS, Qty 4

9″ Square Retrofit MoFlow® Suction Outlet Cover FOR CONCRETE INSTALLATIONS

Cover Model # R9MFxxx

Dimension

Parts and Description

1. 9″ Square Retrofit MoFlow Suction Outlet Cover
2. 10 x 1″ Flat Head Phillips, 316 SS, Qty 4
3. 10-24 x 1-1/4″ Flat Head Phillips, 316 SS, Qty 4

12″ Square MoFlow® Suction Outlet Cover FOR CONCRETE INSTALLATIONS

Cover Model # 12MFxxx

Dimension

Parts and Description

1. 12″ Square Mud Frame
2. 12″ Square MoFlow Suction Outlet Cover
3. 10 x 3/4″ Flat Head Phillips, 316 SS, Qty 4

12″ Square Wave Suction Outlet Cover and Vented Riser Ring FOR CONCRETE INSTALLATION

Cover Model # WAV12WRxxx

Dimension

Parts and Description

1. 12″ Square Mud Frame
2. 12″ Square Vented Riser Ring
3. 12″ Square “Wave” Suction Outlet
4. 10 x 1-3/4″ Flat Head Phillips, 316 SS, Qty 4

12″ Square Retrofit MoFlow® Suction Outlet Cover FOR CONCRETE INSTALLATIONS

Cover Model # R12MFxxx

Dimension

Parts and Description

1. 12″ Square Retrofit MoFlow Suction Outlet Cover
2. 10 x 1-1/2″ Flat Head Phillips, 316 SS, Qty 4
3. 10-24 x 1-1/4″ Flat Head Phillips, 316 SS, Q1y 4
4. 10 x 1″ Flat Head Phillips, 316 SS, Qty 4

18″ Square Mud Frame with Four 9″ Square MoFlow® Suction Outlet Covers FOR CONCRETE INSTALLATIONS

Cover Model # 18MFxxx

Dimension

Parts and Description

1. 18″ Square Mud Frame
2. 9″ Square MoFlow Suction Outlet Cover, Qty 4
3. 10 x 3/4″ Flat Head Phillips, 316 SS, Qty 16
4. Drop-In Clip

18″ Square with Four 9″ Square Retrofit MoFlow® Suction Outlet Covers FOR CONCRETE INSTALLATIONS

Cover Model # R18MFNFxxx

Dimension

Parts and Description

1. 18″ Square Mud Frame
2. 10-24 x 1-1/4″ Flat Head Phillips, 316 SS, Qty 16
3. 10 x 1″ Flat Head Phillips, 316 SS, Qty 16

8″ Round MoFlow® Suction Outlet Cover with Vinyl Sump FOR VINYL INSTALLATION

Cover Model # 8MFSBVxxx

Dimension

Parts and Description

1. 2″ Socket x 1-1/2″ Socket Pipe Reducer
2. Vinyl/Fiberglass 8″ Sump Bucket
3. Vinyl/Fiberglass Sump Bucket Gasket
4. 2″ Tapered Threaded Pipe Plug
5. Clamping Ring With Overmolded Gasket
6. 8″ MoFlow Suction Outlet Cover
7. 10 x 1-1/4″ Flat Head Phillips Screw, 316 SS, Qty 10

⚠ WARNING! SUCTION ENTRAPMENT HAZARD

INCREASING PUMP SIZE WILL INCREASE FLOW. When in doubt, consult your pool and spa professional. NEVER use a pool or spa that has a missing or broken suction outlet cover. USING A POOL OR SPA WITH A MISSING OR BROKEN SUCTION OUTLET COVER CAN RESULT IN HAIR OR BODY ENTRAPMENT WHICH CAN CAUSE SEVERE BODILY INJURY OR DEATH. THE VACUUM 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 a potential for jewelry, swimsuit, hair decorations, finger, toe or knuckle to be caught in an opening of a suction outlet cover resulting in mechanical entrapment. AFTER INSTALLATION OF FITTINGS, IF A GAP EXISTS BETWEEN POOL FINISH AND BASE OF COVER IT MUST BE FILLED IN TO AVOID FINGER OR OTHER ENTRAPMENT.

WARNING! – Failure to remove pressure test plugs and/or plugs used in winterization of the pool/spa from the suction outlets can result in an increased potential for suction entrapment as described above.
WARNING! – Failure to keep suction outlet components clear of debris, such as leaves, dirt, hair, paper and other material can result in an increased potential for suction entrapment as described above.
WARNING! – Suction outlet components have a finite life. The cover/grate should be inspected before each use of facility and replaced at least every five years or if found to be damaged, broken, cracked, missing, not securely attached or missing screws. DO NOT use facility until corrected!

⚠WARNING! TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ENTRAPMENT HAZARDS

If not a VGBA-2017 Unblockable SOFA approved single unblockable outlet, a minimum of two functioning suction outlets per pump must be installed. Suction outlets in the same plane (i.e. floor or wall) must be installed a minimum of three feet (3 feet or 1 meter) apart, as measured from center point to center point. Dual suction fittings shall not be located on seating areas or on the backrest for such seating areas. If any suction outlets are located closer they shall be located on two different planes (i.e. one on the bottom and one on the vertical wall, or one each on two separate vertical walls). The maximum system flow rate shall not exceed the flow rating of the individual suction system. Never use pool or spa if any suction outlet component is damaged, broken, cracked, missing or not securely attached. Replace damaged, broken, cracked, missing or not securely attached suction outlet components immediately. In addition to two or more suction outlets per pump installed in accordance with latest APSP, Standards and CPSC guidelines, follow all applicable national, state and local code. Use gray medium set glue when attaching PVC pipe to Aquastar’s PVC based sump buckets. Do not ever use blue glue or related hot glues, clear glues or any fast-setting cement.

As the manufacturer, AquaStar Pool Products, Inc., hereby certifies that their suction outlet fitting assemblies and drain covers manufactured on or after May 24, 2021 meet or exceed the requirements of ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017. Products manufactured before May 24, 2021 meet or exceed the requirements of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act, ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007, VGBA 2008 and ANSI/APSP 16-2011 standards and safety regulations as set forth by the Consumer Products Safety Commission. A copy of this certificate of compliance is available on AquaStar Pool Products Inc.’s website, www.aquastarpoolproducts.com.

VGBA DRAIN COVER IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

ATTENTION INSTALLER – Please carefully cut along the dashed line and remove from instructions. Fill in the blank spaces below upon installing drain cover. Permanently post as near as feasible to the pump control and provide a copy of this information to the pool owner to be kept with other important pool-related documents.

Manufacturers Name:
AquaStar Pool Products Inc.

Cover/Grate Part Number:
Please check the box ( ☑ ) of the cover being installed:

☐ 8MFxxx ☐ CC8xxx ☐ R8MFxxx ☐ CC10xxx
☐ 10MFxxx ☐ 10AVRxxx ☐ 9MFxxx ☐ R9MFxxx
☐ 12MFxxx ☐ WAV9WRxxx ☐ WAV12WRxxx ☐ R12MFxxx
☐ 18MFxxx ☐ R18MFNFxxx ☐ 8MFSBVxxx

Service Life of the Cover Grate:
5 years from the date of installation

Certified Suction Outlet Fitting Assembly (SOFA) Flow Ratings:
Please use the QR Code or Link to fi nd the SOFA Specific flow rate for your configuration.

SOFA Model #: ____
Orientation: ____ (wall or floor) SOFA Flow Rating: GPM

Location of the Installed Suction Outlet Fitting Assembly:
Please describe the location of the suction outlet fitting assembly.

Location: ___

Installation Date:
Please mark the month and year that the drain cover was installed below.

Month

Year

A Safe Drain is No Accident™

VGBA Compliance Every Pool, Every Time

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION READ, FOLLOW, AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS

This VGBA Suction outlet has an installation specific flow rating and this product SHALL NOT be installed on a pumping system that is capable of exceeding this limit, which varies based on the number and location of installed suction outlets. READ and FOLLOW the section of the included installation instructions explaining how to calculate the suction system flow ratings and that of the installed pumping system.

WARNING! This is a Blockable VGBA Suction Outlet that must ONLY be installed in a multiple VGBA Suction Outlet system or be installed in a suction system that also includes one or more of the following devices or systems designed to prevent suction entrapment.

SAFETY VACUUM RELEASE SYSTEM – A system that ceases operation of the pump, reverses the circulation flow, or otherwise releases the vacuum in a circulation system when a blockage is detected, that has been tested by an independent third party and found to conform to ASME/ANSI standard A112.19.17 or ASTM standard F2387.

SUCTION-LIMITING VENT SYSTEM – A circulation system that incorporates a tamperresistant atmospheric vent that is hydraulically located between the suction outlet and the circulation pump, which allows air to enter the circulation system and release the vacuum within the system when the suction outlet is blocked and the circulation pump is operating.

GRAVITY DRAINAGE SYSTEM – A powered circulation system, which utilizes a collector tank hydraulically located between the pump and the suction outlet that is filled by the gravitationally induced flow of water from the suction outlet, and is vented to the atmosphere by a tamper-resistant opening.

AUTOMATIC PUMP SHUT-OFF   SYSTEM – A system that is designed to sense blockage of the suction fitting and then turn-off the power to the pump, and subsequently release the vacuum in the circulation system when a blockage is detected.

DRAIN DISABLEMENT- A device or system that permanently stops the flow of water from a SOFA.

THIS LABEL IS TO BE REMOVED BY THE INSTALLER ONLY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

REFER TO INSTRUCTIONS OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – (877) 768-2717 – www.aquastarpoolproducts.com – MADE IN THE USA – © 2022 AquaStar Pool Products, Inc. – REV101922

References

• AquaStar Pool Products
• Flowcode

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