{"id":369,"date":"2017-10-13T14:44:48","date_gmt":"2017-10-13T21:44:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pe.local\/prevent-pool-electrocution\/"},"modified":"2024-07-11T10:21:30","modified_gmt":"2024-07-11T17:21:30","slug":"prevent-pool-electrocution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.prairielectric.com\/hazards-and-safety\/prevent-pool-electrocution\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prevent Pool Electrocution"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve been paying attention to news stories surrounding accidental pool electrocution instances and drownings, you may be rightly concerned about the safety of your community pool or perhaps the one in your own backyard. Human error is nearly always the culprit in pool electrocutions, but with the right maintenance and tools, these deadly situations can be prevented. In addition to the following tips, it\u2019s crucial that your pool is installed and regularly inspected by a <\/span>certified technician<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common causes of pool electrocution<\/b><\/h2>\n

According to the<\/span> U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission<\/span><\/a>, 60 deaths and nearly 50 serious shocks had been reported between 1990 and 2003 involving electrical hazards in and around swimming pools. Here are some of the most common culprits of pool electrocutions:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Faulty electrical installation:<\/strong> Despite popular belief, most pool electrocutions are not caused by underwater pool lights. Rather, incorrectly installed wiring often creates stray electrical currents that are interconnected among all components of the pool, from the motorized pump to its metal handrails. If left ignored, these stray currents can enter the water and shock swimmers.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Pool lighting:<\/strong> When pool lights have not been correctly bonded or grounded, they can send electricity directly through the water and shock those in the pool. In fact, faulty pool lights can send electrical currents through the water even when they are turned off. As a general rule of thumb, any pool feature that is connected to power and placed underwater<\/span> poses a hazard<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Electronics falling into the water:<\/strong> The same basic rules governing bathtub safety and handheld electronics can be applied to pools. When a plugged-in appliance or piece of equipment falls into a pool, it instantly sends a potentially deadly electrical current through the water.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Safeguard your pool against electrocution<\/b><\/h3>\n