You already know that water and electricity don’t mix, but we bet you don’t think much about your backyard swimming pool as a threat.
Think again.
Inground pools and hot tubs typically have lights built into them to permit night swimming and add to the aesthetics of the pool or spa. And all pools likely run on some sort of electrical-powered mechanical equipment that can pose a safety risk if it’s improperly installed or just malfunctions over time. In this post, we’ll discuss the importance of electrical inspections for your pool and why you should always be taking the necessary steps to maximize all kinds of safety around these household features.
Why Electrical Safety is Important in the Pool
When most people think of safety threats around pools, they think of the potential for drowning incidents. Another safety hazard that might come to mind is the lack of fencing or a barrier to prevent young children from accessing it when not accompanied by an adult. But electrical hazards can pose the risk of injury or death as well.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 50 people were either injured or died in known electrocution incidents in swimming pools between the years 2010-2018. While this may seem like a small number, consider that it’s also likely an underreported statistic, as many injuries or fatalities may have just been reported as electrocutions and not specified that they occurred in a swimming pool.
Some of the electric-powered features that you can find in the likes of swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas include:
- Submerged lights
- Pumps, filters, vacuums, and other maintenance or operating equipment
- Extension cords, outlets, or switches
- Overhead power lines
Electrical Danger in the Pool
There are a few reasons why electrocution in the pool can be so dangerous, besides the obvious fact that water and electricity are a hazardous combination. For starters, anyone in the pool may not even realize that there’s a problem – the water could feel perfectly fine and normal to them. It’s when a swimmer touches something metal – like a ladder or rail – that the real electrocution danger will occur. What’s more is that an onlooker or bystander could see the threat and jump in to help, only to be electrocuted as well.
Signs to Watch out For
There are a few tell-tale signs to watch out for that may indicate someone is being shocked in the pool. One, anyone swimming may feel a tingling sensation. Muscle cramps or the feeling of not being able to move are also common when experiencing an electrical shock. Submerged lights that aren’t working or swimmers avoiding a certain area of the pool are other signs to take note of before entering the pool.
So what should you do if you’re in the water and think you’re receiving an electrical shock? Three main things:
- Immediately move away from the area of the pool that you think is the problem.
- Exit the pool as quickly as you can. If it’s possible, exit without touching anything metal.
- After exiting, turn off the power to the pool until the electrical issue can be fixed by a professional.
When to Schedule Your Pool Electrical Inspection
Now that we’ve gone over some of the major electrical hazards that may be present in your backyard or neighborhood swimming pool, you can get a better understanding of why electrical inspections are so important. So when should you schedule an inspection, and how often? Ideally, pool electrical inspections should be scheduled at least annually prior to swimming beginning for the season. Additionally, if a property with a pool is being rented or sold, an inspection should also take place to ensure safety for any temporary or permanent future residents.
A pool electrical inspection will assess a variety of different things, including:
- Status of any existing electrical work
- The potential for shock risks or overloaded circuits
- Proper earthing and bonding
Contact Tidal Electrical Services Today
For more information about the importance of regular, routine inspections from professional electricians on your pool and to schedule your next inspection, contact Tidal Electrical Services today. As an experienced, professional contractor, we’ll make sure that the electrical components on your pool are operating in a safe manner so you can enjoy it without worry this summer. Contact us for more information and to schedule your inspection today.
