Swimming Pool Electrical Maintenance
With winter on its way out and summer starting to poke its head around the corner, most people are getting to open their pools for the season. While we all enjoy a cool dip on a hot summer’s day, it’s important to remember to take proper safety precautions when it comes to your pool’s electrical system. It’s no secret that water and electricity can be a dangerous combo, so it’s important to make sure your pools’ electrical systems are all running smoothly and pose no danger to you and your family.
You should make sure to have a licensed electrician come out and inspect your pool’s electrical system at least once a year to make sure there are no problems. Preferably, this should be done before you open the pool for the summer, around a few weeks before you plan on opening. It’s best not to try and do these inspections yourself as most homeowners will often miss things that a licensed professional has been trained to look out for. Electrical dangers are often hidden, especially around pools, hot tubs, and spas, so save yourself the time and headache and contact a professional to come out and take a look.
Your electrician should take a look at any lighting systems you may have around your pool as well as wiring connections and junction boxes. They will make sure all of these systems have been properly grounded to avoid the risk of electrocution and electrical fire. They will also look for any wiring that has gone faulty over the winter season and make sure all connections are properly seated and running smoothly. They will repair any dangerous connections as well as letting you know if any of your systems are in need of replacement.
Besides regular maintenance and inspections, you should also make sure that ground fault circuit interrupters are being used on any electrical equipment within twenty feet of the waters edge. All electrical outlets within this range should also be equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters as well. Make sure that all extension cords and electrical cords are kept more than five feet away from the pool at all times to prevent accidents, both from tripping and electrocution. When you can, try to use battery operated devices instead of those that require the use of an electrical outlet.
Be sure to have a plan in place in case of emergency to remove any pool users from the water and properly label all power switches so they can be quickly shut off during an emergency. Remember, that pool electrical accidents are easily prevented and proper safety maintenance is the first step in avoiding these kinds of emergencies in the future. When in doubt, always consult a licensed professional with any questions or concerns that you may have about your pool’s electrical system.
Once your electrician has finished their inspection you’ve got the green light to go ahead and get your pool up and running for the summer. It’s better to solve any problems before the season starts to avoid worrying come summertime. With all this in mind, you’ll have no problem enjoying a refreshing, and safe, summer swim.
MJ Rooney Electrical Contracting offers Residential Electrical Service in Westchester County, New York and Lower Connecticut. Call +1(914) 681 1334 today for a free quotation