logo
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
News
November 14, 2021
Beware of electrical work on pools

By Marcelle Dibrell

Most of us know that it’s a really bad idea to mix electricity and water. That’s why it is so important to take special precautions in the pool area.

Because while it is true that swimming pool electrocutions are a rare occurrence, that fact is of little comfort to the families whose lives have been changed by it.

Remember Calder Sloane, the 7-yearold boy who was electrocuted by a faulty pool light?

Following their son’s tragic death, the Sloan family filed a lawsuit against the light manufacturer, the pool maintenance company, an electrical company that did work on the home, and the home inspector.

The boy’s devastated father continues to fight for stronger electrical legislation in the state of Florida.

This year there was another electrical incident that shocked three people including an 8-year-old boy in a Maine campground swimming pool. Although they recovered, they were hospitalized for their injuries.

Electrical incidents at pools and spas are rare – true – but the fact is that nearly every year, there are reports of electrocutions, electroshock drowning incidents, or shock injuries.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that they are aware of 33 deaths and a total of 47 incidents related to electricity in swimming pools and spas from 2002 to 2018.

Some of these accidents occurred due to hazardous pool equipment that was either malfunctioning or improperly installed in the first place.

Experts say that the greatest risk of electrical accidents comes from older pool lights.

For that reason, they recommend upgrading old pool lighting to lighting that adheres to modern safety standards.

They also recommend getting older pools’ electrical components inspected periodically, especially if the history of the pool is unknown. That’s because those who do perform electrical inspections for pools and spas encounter code violations in nearly all of the pools that they visit.

According to Patrick Jackson, Plumbing and Electrical Division Manager for Alan Smith Pool Plastering, Inc., located in Orange, CA, most residential pools have electrical hazards and violations.

Some of these pools are regularly maintained by service technicians. Most of them likely had their equipment installed by service technicians.

Many of the replacement equipment installations Jackson sees are not electrically bonded. Many are lacking GFCI protection. It’s not uncommon for him to find that the water has a little stray current.

Jackson says most of the problems he sees happen when an old piece of equipment is replaced.

There are plenty of pool projects that are considered do-it-yourself work, but electrical work is not one of them. Electrical repairs should be performed by a qualified and licensed professional.

As a pool service technician, it is important to know that most jurisdictions require that electrical repair work be done by a licensed electrician. Check with local codes to determine what you are allowed to do. For complete electrical safety requirements, obtain the copy of the National Electric Code (NEC)- that is referenced by your local authority.

This special edition of Service Industry News provides a general discussion on basic electrical theory, circuits, and safety.

LATEST NEWS
Body found in backyard swimming pool
News
Body found in backyard swimming pool
A Suffolk County, NY police detective discovered a body in his swimming pool
June 14, 2025
A Long Island, New York, homeowner and his son discovered a body this May while opening their backyard swimming pool for the season. The body is belie...
this is a test
News
Need to raise prices? Read how to do it
June 14, 2025
This years’ Service Industry News survey revealed an interesting trend: Pool and spa small business owners have raised their average monthly prices. A...
this is a test
Florida pool builder sentenced to 20 years
News
Florida pool builder sentenced to 20 years
June 14, 2025
A Florida pool and spa builder has been sentenced to prison for defrauding customers. According to a press release from the Florida Attorney General’s...
this is a test
Las Vegas hotels discover Legionella in water
News
Las Vegas hotels discover Legionella in water
June 14, 2025
For many American families, the summer months signal a time for vacation. That’s why health departments are sounding the alarm about a hidden health t...
this is a test
News
Todrain,ornottodrain, that is the question
June 14, 2025
The state of Montana has enacted a new regulatory change concerning hot tub maintenance for short-term rentals that is expected to save the state mill...
this is a test
Minnesota struggles with backyard spas:  Public or private?
News
Minnesota struggles with backyard spas: Public or private?
June 14, 2025
When are residential pools, spas, or hot tubs actually public pools, spas, or hot tubs? It sounds like a riddle, but it’s a real question up for debat...
this is a test
Read Our Newsletter
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Free Subscription
View Current Print Ads
Educational Announcements
Aquatic Training Institute

Educational Leverage

Foundation For Pool Industry Education

Locey Pool

Pool Chemistry Training Institute

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Portofino University

Underwater Pool Masters
Trade Show Dates
  • The International Pool Spa Patio Expo
    Nov. 12-14, Dallas, Texas
  • The Pool and Spa Show
    Jan. 28-30, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • 35th Annual National Plasterers Conference
    Feb. 26-28, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
  • The Southwest Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 4-8, Houston, Texas
  • The Western Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 6-8, Long Beach, California
Books to Order
About Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy
We use cookies to ensure that our website gives you the best experience possible. By continuing to use this website, you agree to this use of cookies.OK