Pool and Spa Electrical Safety Tips: Could Save Your Life!

Pool and Spa electrical safety is not something to take lightly. When it comes to safety in and around bodies of water, drowning is usually the first danger that comes to mind. However, a danger that is just as deadly – electrical shock – is also something to be extremely cautious of. Electrical shock in water, often referred to as Electric Shock Drowning (ESD), occurs when an electrical current leaks into the water from a nearby source, such as a boat or dock with faulty wiring. This current can incapacitate a person, making it difficult or impossible to swim to safety, leading to drowning.

Here are several essential pool and spa electrical safety rules:

Pool and Spa Electrical Safety Tips

• Keep all outdoor receptacles covered and dry – especially those around pools, spas, and other summer water activities.
• Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) outside. They help prevent electrocutions and electric shock injuries. Using portable GFCIs also helps increase electrical safety around the pool or spa.
• All electrical equipment used for swimming pools, even the cleaning equipment, must be grounded.
• Keep electrical devices and cords at least 10 feet away from water sources.
• Use battery-operated appliances instead of cord-connected appliances in and around the pool or spa.
• Make sure nobody handles electrical devices when wet either from water activities or perspiration.
• No power lines should be hovering over a swimming pool or spa.
• Don’t go in the pool or spa before, during or after a thunderstorm.
• An electrician should inspect and upgrade your pool, spa or hot tub in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) to avoid electric shock.

Pool and Spa Electrical Safety: How Do I know if I’m Being Shocked?

• Swimmers might experience a tingling sensation, muscle cramps, or find it challenging to move, feeling like they are unable to move.
• Keep an eye out for signs like swimmers displaying anxious or panicked behavior, individuals remaining motionless in the water, swimmers avoiding specific areas or a swimmer not moving, and issues with underwater lights (such as lights being on when they shouldn’t be or flickering). Moreover, the pool operator or lifeguard may have been informed about tingling or other unusual sensations.

If Someone Gets Shocked: What to do

The American Red Cross recommends the following plan of action in case you or someone else gets shocked in a pool:

• Move away from the source of the shock.
• Get out of the water. Don’t use a metal ladder as it is an electrical conductor and may intensify the shock.
• Immediately turn off all power to prevent rescuers from becoming victims.
• Call or make sure someone else calls 911.
• Use a rescue hook (shepherd’s crook) to carefully pull the victim out of the water.
• Position the victim on his/her back, then check for breathing and administer CPR if needed.

Be Safe!

Using electrical devices, such as appliances, equipment and tools outdoors also poses safety risks. Educating yourself and others about the risks and safety measures can significantly reduce the chances of electric shock drowning.

To prevent such incidents, it’s crucial to ensure that all electrical installations near water are up to code and regularly inspected by a qualified electrician. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) should be installed to cut off electricity if a fault is detected. Additionally, swimmers should avoid areas where electrical equipment is used and be aware of any warning signs indicating electrical hazards.

Pool and Spa electrical safety isn’t something to be taken lightly. Simple steps like never swimming near docks with electrical hookups, keeping boats well-maintained, and understanding the importance of proper electrical safety can save lives. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and always prioritize safety when enjoying activities in and around water.

Check out these outdoor electrical safety tips. For professional water damage repair or mold removal service, contact your local PuroClean office.