Pools, Hot Tubs, and Electrical Safety

There’s a reason why it’s a good idea to call and rely on a certified electrician when it comes to working with electricity. It’s very dangerous to work with electricity, and it’s important to practice even more caution for electrical safety around water in particular.

Electricity and water: a dangerous combination

It’s well-known that water and electricity can make for a very dangerous combination! But, do you know why? Well, water is an excellent conductor of electricity. If you are touching water that is touching electricity, you can become the grounder - meaning electricity would use the water to flow through you to reach the ground, resulting in a potentially fatal accident.

Why you should hire a professional for the electrical wiring of your pool or hot tub

Not only is wiring your pool and hot tub a complicated process, but it’s also extremely important that it’s done properly in order to minimize the risk of an electric shock - not just during the installation, but while you are using the pool or hot tub .

There are rules for pool electrical safety (such as not being installed within 25 feet of power lines) that need to be followed when building an above-ground or underground pool. Professionals will know these rules and how to properly (and safely) install the electrical equipment in your hot tub or pool. This can range from underwater lights, pumps, vacuums, filters, or even appliances that aren’t connected (such as a radio player or extension cord).

Faulty wiring or improper installation of electrical equipment is extremely dangerous, especially when any water is involved, which is why you should always, always rely on a professional to complete the electrical components of your home, pool, or hot tub.

Pool and hot tub safety includes making sure that yours are built in compliance with proper codes, particularly around electricity. Having a professional do the installation will ensure your hot tub and pool are up to code (and safe for you to use).

How to choose the right electrician

Any electrician can claim to know what they’re doing, but to protect yourself, make sure you find out they know what they’re doing. They should have the proper credentials (i.e. Red Seal certification), have had experience working around water (specifically pools and hot tubs) in the past, and know the ANSI-approved standards for residential pools.

Be sure that they have been around a long time and that they have worked on numerous pools/hot tubs in the past; not just one. You want to make sure you’re finding somebody who is credible, reliable, and knows what they’re doing when it comes to installing parts and pieces around your pool or hot tub.

Regular maintenance

Once your pool or hot tub has been successfully installed, you may think that you’re good to go. However, it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance and inspections to make sure that they continue to meet current safety regulations, and that nothing has been knocked loose.

In addition to that, wear and tear and aging of equipment can lead to damage that can be potentially fatal. Aging electrical wires, damaged underwater lights, and equipment that isn’t properly grounded can all pose a very significant risk to you and your family when it comes to your pool or hot tub.

Be sure to keep up with regular maintenance and have a certified professional come out to inspect everything. At Ferguson Electrical Solutions, we can help. Send us a message online or give us a call at (519) 400-9825 .