As you spend more time outdoors during the summer months, make sure your family avoids outdoor electrical hazards that may present themselves in and around water. Following these guidelines could help your family stay safe while enjoying outdoor activities.

  • Always have a qualified electrician regularly inspect electrical devices in and around your pool. Additionally, have the technician show you where and how to turn off all power in case of an electrical emergency.
     
  • Make sure overhead lines are at a safe distance away from your pool and other structures such as diving boards or slides.
     
  • If installing a new pool, hot tub or spa, ensure the wiring is performed by a qualified electrician experienced in the special safety requirements for these types of installations.
     
  • Electrical appliances, equipment, and cords should be kept at a safe distance (at least 6 feet) from the water.
     
  • Always opt for battery-operated devices when possible, instead of cord-connected equipment, such as televisions, radios, and stereos.
     
  • Have a qualified electrician check all grounding and bonding in the pump room. Faulty grounding can cause an unsafe current to go through the bonding wire into all-metal fixtures in or around the pool, such as handrails, ladders, and the underwater pool lights.
     
  • Make sure your pool light breakers and other power outlets are on a GFCI protected circuit to ensure current is interrupted in case of an emergency.

Keep in mind that anything electrical used in or around water can pose an electrocution hazard. Whether you’re building a pool, repairing electrical elements, or bringing an older pool up to code, ensure the proper wiring, grounding, and bonding guidelines are meticulously met to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Call Mister Sparky® of San Antonio at (210) 899-2430 for more advice !