SAFETY TIPS

Pool Safety

Your pool and/or spa will no doubt be a source of fun and relaxation for you, your family and friends. To help everyone further enjoy your pool and spa, here is a list of Safety Tips to remind you and the users of your pool and spa of some common safety practices when using or maintaining the pool or spa.

  • Install a safety enclosure around the pool with self-locking gates.
    Protect the pool from access by small children and animals.

  • Supervise children at all times when they are in the pool enclosure.
    It only takes a second for a child to slip into the water unnoticed.

  • Have rescue equipment available (throw rings, life hooks and first aid kit).
    If an accident happens, there may not be time to look for needed materials.

  • Learn CPR and have CPR signs up to remind you of the procedures.
    Learning and keeping up on CPR procedures can save lives.

  • Teach children to swim.
    Teaching your children to swim is the best thing to do for them if you own a pool. It will be a lifelong benefit.

  • Never swim alone.
    There is no guarantee that you will not need help. Even good swimmers need help occasionally.

  • Do not swim in an inadequately lighted pool at night.
    You should be able to see all pool walls and the bottom clearly when swimming to prevent an accident or to see someone in trouble.

  • Protect children against access to pool or spa equipment.
    Chemicals, electrical circuits and moving equipment can cause serious injury or death to any child exposed to these threats. Children are naturally curious and like to play with moving equipment and interesting containers.

Electrical Safety

  • Turn off all electrical equipment to pool or spa before servicing equipment. Timers and automatic controls can unexpectedly turn equipment on while servicing equipment. This can cause serious personal injury or damage to the equipment.

  • Follow all instructions supplied with your equipment for safe servicing and repairs. Manufacturers are constantly updating their recommendations for performing the safest and easiest repair procedures for their equipment.

  • Have your pool area tested for electrical safety. Electrical and pool professionals have equipment to test your pool and adjoining area for electrical safety. (See electrical safety checklist).

  • Do not swim when there is a possibility of lightening. A pool is a natural ground for lightening to strike. Lightening need not strike you or the pool to injure someone in the pool.

  • Do not allow electrical appliances within 10 feet of the pool or spa (radios, lamps, etc.) Electrical appliances can cause serious electrical shock if they come in contact with water.

  • Do not install any electrical switches in a location that would require you to reach over pool equipment to turn them on or off. Serious injury can be incurred if the filter separates or contact is made with moving parts of a pump when reaching for an electrical switch.

  • If a tingling sensation is felt in or near the pool, shut off all electrical power to pool equipment. Call a pool professional or electrician to check the pool for electrical safety before allowing anyone to use the pool. Electrical leakage in a pool area could come from any electrical source. If a tingling sensation is felt, electrical leakage is probably present. Even with the power off, electrical current could be present. Any electrical leakage in the pool can be very dangerous.

Electrical Safety Checklist

When having your pool professional or electrician check your pool system, the following list will be helpful in determining if your pool/spa electrical system meets basic electrical safety requirements. Be certain that:

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protects pool lighting circuit and all electrical outlets within 20 feet of the pool.
 
Pool lighting circuit has a dedicated circuit breaker properly sized for the application.
 
Pool light junction boxes are at least 48 inches from the edge of the pool and raised at least 8 inches above water level or 4 inches above the deck, whichever is higher.
 
All electrical equipment is properly grounded.
 
All electrical equipment and metal objects within 5 feet of the pool are properly bonded.
 
An electrical shut off for pool lighting and equipment is accessible in case of emergency.