SCE offers tips to combat the silent electrical threats in and around pools, hot tubs, and spas

 

Dive Headfirst into Swimming Pool Safety
By Paul Netter

 

You might be ready for a summer of swimming pool games like Marco Polo or simply frolicking and swimming your days away, but is your pool safely ready for them?

From building or setting up a portable pool under power lines to not having  ground-fault circuit interrupters  on all outlets within 20 feet of the water’s edge, there are many  electrical hazards  — both visible and hidden — that can endanger unsuspecting pool occupants this summer.

But they don’t have to, not with crucial  annual inspections of swimming pools , hot tubs and spas and an awareness of safely navigating the dangers of water and electricity before the fun and games begin.

“It’s vital to periodically have your pool inspected to ensure that pool lighting, ground-fault circuit interrupters and all grounding and bonding systems are functioning properly,” said Ted Gribble, senior manager of Wildfire & Public Safety at Southern California Edison. “These inspections should only be done by licensed electricians with experience working on pools, hot tubs and spas.”

These qualified professionals will replace or upgrade electrical devices and equipment such as underwater lights, junction boxes and pumps, and heaters to prevent mishaps and the 41 reported electrocutions and 48 injuries that the  Consumer Product Safety Commission  says have occurred in pools and spas in the US between 2002-2023.

And don’t forget about overhead hazards. Pools and diving boards should be kept well away from overhead power lines. It is important to maintain the minimum clearance requirements. If you have electric lines near your pool or wish to install a pool in your yard near power lines, first consult with SCE’s Local Planning department at 800-655-4555 or your local inspection agency.

High-powered  water squirters  should also be kept away from power lines, as should long-handled cleaning tools. Always carry these tools horizontally and keep them more than 10 feet away from the lines.

Additional  pool, hot tub, and spa safety tips  include:

• Ground-fault circuit interrupters should be on all pool lighting, circuits, pumps, heaters, and all outlets within 20 feet of the water’s edge and tested monthly.
• Use portable GFCIs when permanent ones are unavailable.
• Do not string lights above or near pools.
• Use only battery-operated devices near pools.

• Inspect any underwater lighting that flickers, buzzes or has collected mold and rust.
• If you feel tingling in the water, exit as quickly as possible, avoiding metal ladders and rails.
• Power shutoff switches should be clearly labeled in case of an emergency.
• Keep a  fiberglass rescue hook  nearby.
• In emergencies, rescuers should never enter the water until the power is turned off.

The  Pool & Hot Tub Alliance  and the  California Contractors State License Board  offer databases to help find licensed professionals and verify their licenses, respectively.