A suction fitting assembly for a bathing installation includes a cover with a pattern of orifices, a wall fitting, and an adapter structure. The wall fitting is configured for insertion through a hole in a wall of a bathing water receptacle, and may be secured in place with a locking nut. The cover is fastened to the wall fitting on the bather side of the wall. A suction adapter structure is connected to the wall fitting. A function of the suction adaptor structure is to admit air through an air tube from the atmosphere to the suction line during a blocked condition, rendering pump operation ineffective.