Practice Electrical Safety Around Pools and Hot Tubs This Summer
It’s that time of the year again- summertime! In our sunny state of Florida, you know that means plenty of afternoons out by the pool and evenings in the jacuzzi. However, just because you can kick back and relax, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be vigilant about staying safe regarding electricity around your personal paradise.
If you plan to take a dip or two this summer, it’s best to be prepared. Read Axiom Power’s guide to learn proper electrical safety around pools and hot tubs!
Safety First
Electrocution is injury or death by electrical shock. While it’s not super common, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. If you aren’t taking the proper precautions to stay safe, electricity can pose a serious threat. Wet skin or surfaces, including a wet pool deck or grass, can significantly increase the danger of electrocution when currents are flowing nearby.
Between 2002 and 2018, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has been made aware of 47 injuries or deaths due to pool or spa-related electrical incidents. We want to reiterate: just because it doesn’t happen a lot, doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen to you.
We aren’t trying to scare you, but we do want you to feel aware and prepared to avoid any electrical injuries!
Identifying Electricity Around Pools and Hot Tubs
With modern pools and hot tubs that offer so many exciting and enjoyable features, there is obviously electricity involved. Be aware of electrical activity in the following:
Underwater lights
Electric pool equipment such as pumps, filters, vacuums, etc.
Extension and power cables
Electrical outlets or switches
Radios, stereos, TVs, and other appliances
Overhead power lines
Let’s See > What to Unplug When You Go on Vacation
Follow These Safety Tips
There are many steps you can take to ensure you are practicing electrical safety around your water features.
Keep outdoor receptacles covered and dry, particularly those around water features
Call on Axiom Power to install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) outdoors, which will improve electrical safety and prevent electric shock
Make sure electrical equipment anywhere near your pool or spa is properly grounded
Use battery-operated appliances instead of those connected with a cord whenever possible
Ensure no power lines are around the pool area
Never go swimming before, during, or after a thunderstorm
Hire Axiom to inspect your water features to make sure it follows the National Electrical Code (NEC)
How to Tell if Someone is Experiencing Electrical Shock
If you think that you or someone else is experiencing electrical shock, it’s important that you quickly take the appropriate steps to remove the victim from the situation.
Electrical shock may feel like a tingling sensation or muscle spasms. The victim may not be able to move at all and feel stunned by an invisible force.
Another sign you may see is strange electrical activity such as underwater lights flickering or turning off. Stay away from the water as best as you can should you see this happening.
Steps to Take if You or Someone Else is Getting Shocked
If you think you are being shocked, move away from the source if possible or call for help. If others are in the pool or hot tub, notify them if you are able. Immediately get out of the water without using a metal ladder, as metal can act as a conductor and worsen the effect.
Once out of the pool or hot tub, immediately turn off all power at your junction box. If you think someone in the water is being electrocuted, do not attempt to be a hero and save them without cutting the power. You may end up becoming a victim yourself.
Use a fiberglass Shepherd’s crook or rescue hook for the victim in the water to grab onto. If they are unable to hold on, try to hook the loop around the victim’s body and pull them to the edge of the water. Carefully pull them out and call 911.
If the person is not breathing normally or responding, place the person on their back on a flat surface. Perform CPR if you are trained or hands-only CPR if you are untrained. Continue CPR until:
The individual wakes up
An AED is ready to use
You’ve performed CPR for about 2 minutes and another trained individual can takeover
The scene becomes unsafe
EMS show up to the scene
Stay Safe with Axiom Power
Any electrical devices around pools and hot tubs create a risk of injury, but there are safety tips you can follow to minimize the chance of danger. Follow our guide for how to avoid electrical danger and actions to take in a scary situation such as electrocution.
Axiom Power’s five-star electrician team serves Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Orange counties in Florida. Call us at (813) 308-9328 today to ensure your backyard is safely wired for swimming!