While swimming pools and electrical safety may seem strangely obvious (I mean, water and electricity don’t gel well, right?), we’re not talking about not dropping toasters in your pool here (which probably wouldn’t have that much effect due to the size of the body of water, but we don’t recommend trying it anyway). What we are, instead, talking about is ensuring that your pool’s electrical system is properly maintained. Luckily, you have Titan Electrical here with more handy advice!
As with everything, pool equipment degrades and the associated technology also improves regularly. Your old equipment will inevitably require replacements, repairs, or even upgrades. Now you’re probably thinking ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, right? Well, yes and no. If equipment is working well, there’s no need for replacements. Keep in mind, however, that newer products tend to be more energy efficient – meaning it’ll cost you less in energy bills in the long run.
While equipment upgrades can – for the most part – be performed by you (or a spouse you managed to bribe to do it while you sip cocktails poolside), bigger electrical system upgrades should definitely be done by a professional electrician (see previous comment re. water and electricity). Remember: your pool’s electrical equipment is connected to the mains in your house. If you don’t know what you’re doing, things can go horribly, horribly wrong.
Since the electrical systems are all interconnected, potential electrical issues in your pool could affect your home. Electrical trips in pool pump systems have a direct effect on the performance of your home’s electrical system, as well as your electrical Certificate of Compliance. You read that right. Faults in your pool could mean that your COC isn’t valid.
So how often does your pool’s electrical system need to be checked? Well, the obvious answer would be that if you notice trips in any of your home’s electrical systems when you switch on the pool’s lights or pump, then that’s a pretty good indicator that something is wrong. Routine inspections should be conducted (see what I did there?) at least once a year, just before swimming season begins (so probably mid spring). You’d definitely want to have your pool’s system checked before renting or selling your property. As a buyer, you should insist on receiving a COC for the property regardless. Make sure that this includes checking of the pool electrical system.
But what should be checked? In general, an electrician will check to see whether your pool light bulb and gaskets are in proper working condition. Both of these can trigger bigger potential issues. Between the lens and the light’s institution, there’s a watertight front rubber gasket. If that develops a leak, the light will short out. Over time, the pool light itself tarnishes and causes the light to break down completely. And that’s a far bigger expense than simply replacing a light bulb.
Your pool pump is another likely culprit for potential issues. Ever stood near your pump housing once it’s been on for a while? You can feel the heat being generated, right? Well, that heat generation can cause potential issues. Don’t freak out over a reasonable amount of heat, though. Unusual amounts of heat are obvious and pose electrical fire risks.
In short, if you regularly check your pool’s electrical system, there’s far fewer associated risks to your home’s electrical system. Don’t wait before something breaks down. After all, it’s summer and time for braais and a dip in the pool! Call Titan Electrical today to have your pool checked. We won’t judge you for midday cocktails, promise.
