Electrical Safety Around Pools

With Memorial Day quickly approaching and temperatures rising in South Carolina, summer is just around the corner. Therefore, many people are reopening their pools and preparing them for the upcoming season. Here at Walkup Electrical Construction, we believe that you should add one more step to your pool preparation process. People often forget that a pool uses electricity, and mixing water with electricity is a deadly combination. Thus, this blog shares electrical safety tips to use around swimming pools.

General Electrical Safety Tips for Swimming Pools

In order to protect yourself, you first need to know where electricity is around your swimming pool. Examples of electrical sources include:

• Overhead power lines.
• TVs, stereos, radios, or other electrical entertainment products.
• Outside electrical outlets and switches.
• Power cords and their accompanying extensions.
• Electric pool equipment like vacuums, filters, and pumps.
• Underwater lights.

Now that we have identified the electrical sources, some tips to keep you safe around those items are:

• Know the location of all circuit breakers and electric switches in the event you need to turn them off in the case of an emergency.
• Post an emergency plan within clear view of anyone using the pool.
• Call an electrician if you notice mold or any other deficiency on the lens of your pool lights.
• Do not use an electrical cord that is damaged or a cord you repaired using tape.
• Install a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) that shuts off electric power under certain conditions to prevent shocks.
• Use battery-operated products whenever you can instead of electrical products.
• Don’t touch electrical products when you’re wet.

Benefits of Having an Electrical Inspection

Conducting an electrical inspection is wise to make sure that your pool is safe, especially if it is older. Problems associated with faulty electrical systems in public pools electrocute 250 people each year. An inspection could have prevented some of these deaths. If you have not had an electrical inspection of your pool, now is the time.

A full electrical inspection will include:

• Making sure that all of the required GFCI outlets and circuits are in place.
• Ensuring that you and your pool are following all electrical codes and safety controls.
• Confirming that all wires are properly grounded.
• Checking for condensation in any of the light fixtures.
• Testing to see if the pool heater works.
• Making sure that the timer and its wires are correct and in good working order.
• Guaranteeing that all pumps and filters are working properly.

Contact Walkup Electrical Construction Today

Walkup Electrical Construction is here to help you with both your electrical and HVAC needs. If you are looking for an electrician or an HVAC repair in Florence, SC, then look no further. We have a great reputation in the industry, and we are here to help you prepare for the summer months ahead. Contact us here today if you have any questions. From the team at Walkup Electrical Construction, we wish you a happy Memorial Day! We look forward to helping you this summer.