How to Keep Your Swimming Pool Away From Electrical Dangers
A swimming pool in the backyard is a dream come true for many homeowners. It aids in maintaining a healthy fitness regimen despite busy schedules and enhances the appeal of the home during gatherings and celebrations. It also provides a good place for the family to relax, unwind, and have a fun weekend.
One of the important things that come with installing a swimming pool in your backyard is safety. This is especially true when you have kids and pets who are more prone to accidents. It is crucial to make sure that everything is in order before taking the first plunge into the swimming pool.
Electric safety is an important factor that should be considered while installing a swimming pool. Due to the reduced resistance of the skin, it is very easy to get an electric shock when you are in the water. So, if the pool is not adequately safe, unsuspecting swimmers may be subjected to severe shocks when there is a slight malfunction in some pieces of equipment. Wet areas like pool decks and grass are also danger zones that can cause electric shocks.
Different places where electricity can be located in and around the swimming pool
There are numerous pieces of equipment in and around the swimming pool that use electricity. The malfunction of any one of these can give rise to the risk of electric shocks. Some of these include:
- pool equipment that uses electricity, like pumps, vacuums, and filters
- underwater pool lights
- electrical outlets
- electrical switches
- power cords
- extension cords
- electrical products like stereos, radios, and TVs
- nearby power lines
Tips to ensure your swimming pool is electrically safe
There are numerous precautions that can be taken to ensure that your swimming pool area is safe. Some of these steps include:
Educate your family about electrical pool safety
This is the first thing to be done as soon as you decide to install a swimming pool in your backyard. Your family, especially kids, will love to watch their favourite shows or blast the music of their favourite artists while lounging in the pool. As fun as it seems, this can increase the risk of electric shocks. Especially if they are using devices that require cords. There is always a risk of the cords falling into the swimming pool, causing unwarranted accidents.
Again, this does not mean that all fun activities should be banned from the pool area. What is important is to exercise caution and follow safety measures while using these devices near the swimming pool. Try to use battery-operated devices when you are in the swimming pool. If you are using devices with cords, maintain a safe distance from the water. This will help you to be safe while still having fun in the pool area.
Your family should also be educated about the warning signs of impending electrocution, like tingling, cramps, and inability to move.
Avoid keeping electrical equipment near the pool
Electricity and water are not compatible with one another. So, it is always better to keep electrical equipment away from the swimming pool at a safe distance. If electric equipment like a radio or television falls into the swimming pool after coming loose, it can energise the pool water. When the pool water is energised, it is not necessary to go into the pool to get electrocuted. People can be subjected to electric shocks by touching metal railings, net handles, or pool ladders.
The equipment used in the pool, like pumps and filters, also poses safety threats if their wires get damaged or frayed, putting electric current into the swimming pool.
It is important that you hire the services of a skilled and experienced electrician to do the wiring for your pool equipment to avoid such accidents. Regular maintenance of the pool wiring is also essential to ensure safety. It is also necessary to place the electrical equipment at a distance of a minimum of two meters from the pool edge.
Avoid extension cords near the pool
It is never safe to keep an extension cord in the vicinity of the pool. There is always a risk of the cord malfunctioning, either from water splashes or from swimmers dripping water onto it. This can cause an electric current to flow through the pool water, posing danger to everyone in and near the pool.
To avoid this issue, try to use battery-operated devices. If cords are necessary to operate the device, try keeping the extension cord at a distance without the danger of splashing or dripping water.
Have you had a chance to check out our complete pool maintenance checklist? See here!
Be mindful of pool light wiring
Using pool lights is a great way to enhance the ambience of the poolside and make it look heavenly. Pool lights are also helpful in increasing visibility during the night, reducing the possibility of accidents. But if the pool lights crack or there is an issue with the wiring, it can cause serious electrical accidents. Sometimes, improper installation or defective sealing can also give rise to the electrical malfunctioning of pool lights. Regular inspection and maintenance of the pool lighting are necessary to avoid such issues. It is also better to familiarise yourself with the wiring codes and installed systems to easily detect faults.
Lightning storms
Swimming during lightning storms is not a safe idea. Even though rare, lightning can strike the surface of your swimming pool and make the water energised. In some cases, it might also hit the equipment in and around the pool, causing faults in it. These can also cause severe electric shocks. The safest course of action during a lightning storm is to completely avoid the pool.
Speaking of rain, check our tips on how to keep your fibreglass pool maintained after heavy rainfall.
In Conclusion
A swimming pool is a point of pride for many homeowners. It enhances the beauty of the backyard and increases the value of the home. It is also the best place to have fun with your family on weekends. But to make the swimming experience healthy and stress-free, it is important to keep the pool area safe from all kinds of dangers. Making the pool area electrically safe is crucial to having a wonderful and relaxing swimming experience with your family.
If you haven’t yet chosen your dream pool, chat to our friendly team about your options!
