1. What Is “Waterway White”?
Waterway White refers to a line of white-colored pool drain grates and frames, manufactured by Waterway Plastics. These components are engineered for main drains, safety compliance, and efficient water circulation in pools and spas. Available in various sizes—such as 9″ × 9″, 12″ × 12″, 18″ × 18″, and 24″ × 24″—they are designed to fit different plumbing configurations and aesthetic preferences
2. Key Specifications and Performance
Waterway White components are engineered with precise technical characteristics:
Flow Rates & Sizes:
The 9″ × 9″ grate and frame offer approximately 240 GPM floor flow and 208 GPM wall flow with 3″ plumbing, achieving 203 GPM at 1.5 ft/sec.
The 18″ × 18″ frame and grate deliver up to 740 GPM floor flow or 592 GPM wall flow, made from durable ABS plastic with stainless steel screws—ideal for concrete pools.
These specs ensure high performance, safety, and reliable water circulation.
3. Safety Compliance & Anti-Entrapment Design
Waterway White grates are built to the most stringent safety standards:
They comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Pool & Spa Safety Act and ASME A112.19.8-2007/2008 regulations, ensuring anti-entrapment protection
The V-shaped design on models such as the 24″ × 24″ V grate and frame boosts anti-vortex performance, enhancing safety in larger drains
These innovations help prevent strong suction zones that could pose hazards to swimmers.
4. Variants Across Sizes & Applications
Waterway White offers a range of product variants tailored to different installation needs:
- 8″ Anti-Vortex Cover (round): Efficient and safety-compliant, ideal for small-scale formats
- 9″ × 9″ Grate & Frame: Compact and widely used for residential pool installations
- 12″ × 12″ Grate & Frame: Offers larger coverage, optimizing streaming and safety
- 18″ × 18″ Grate & Frame: Designed for high-capacity flow, widely used in concrete pool construction
- 24″ × 24″ V Grate & Frame: Suited for commercial or large pools with enhanced anti-vortex functionality
This variety ensures an ideal option for many pool types and flow requirements.
5. Construction Quality and Durability
The durability and build quality of Waterway White products stand out:
- Made in the USA, these grates use UV-resistant ABS plastic, offering resilience to chemicals and pool conditions
- Stainless steel screws ensure corrosion resistance, adding to long-term durability
- Many models are rated with a 7-year lifespan, reflecting robust design and materials
All these factors contribute to a trusted, maintenance-friendly pool component.
6. Choosing the Right Waterway White Model
Here’s what to consider when selecting the appropriate model:
Pool Type & Drain Size: Match component size to your plumbing and pool design—smaller pools often use 9″ × 9″ models, while larger concrete or commercial pools can benefit from 18″ or 24″ sizes.
Flow Requirements: Assess your system’s GPM demands. Larger grates typically support more flow with fewer blockages.
Safety Compliance: Always use components that meet VGB and ASME safety regulations to ensure swimmer protection.
Material & Aesthetic Needs: The white finish blends well with most pool interiors, and high-quality ABS material ensures a lasting finish.
Conclusion
Waterway White is synonymous with pool safety, performance, and durability. Ranging from compact 8-inch covers to expansive 24-inch V-shaped frames, each product adheres to safety standards, offers excellent flow capacity, and ensures long-lasting reliability. Whether you’re building a residential pool or outfitting a commercial facility, Waterway White delivers dependable engineering and peace of mind.
