When it comes to making the most of summer, nothing compares to a pool or spa. You bring out the speaker, settle on the patio with your laptop to get some work done while keeping an eye on the kids and hang up lights to stretch the day a little longer. Everything’s just right. But behind these simple pleasures lurks a danger that’s often underestimated: water and electricity don’t mix.
Shortcuts can lead to serious consequences
The biggest projects aren’t always the riskiest. It’s often the small and seemingly harmless behaviours, makeshift setups or minor problems we ignore that can put us in more danger than we think, like:
- Plugging in a pump with an extension cord through a patio door
- Reusing an old, cracked outlet or rusty box
- Putting off protecting an outlet that gets splashed
Starting the season off right
When opening your pool or spa, take the time to check all its components and the equipment around your home:
- Clean outdoor electrical boxes and devices
- Inspect cords, extension cables and outlets for cracks, rust or signs of overheating
- Check ground-fault circuit interrupters by pressing the test button
- Replace any equipment that seems unsafe
In summer, make upkeep and caution your priorities
When the pool or spa is up and running, safety is essential:
- Never use regular extension cords to plug in a pump, a filter or lighting, since they’re meant for indoor use and can become a hazard when exposed to moisture.
- When it comes to maintenance, use a pole made of fibreglass, which doesn’t conduct electricity. And always stay at least 3 metres away from power lines.
- Never leave a power cord lying in a puddle, on wet ground or in a high-traffic area.
- Don’t install electrical devices or lighting in the pool unless they’re made to work in water.
Keep a safe distance
In the summer, the backyard often becomes a space for all kinds of activities, like outdoor cooking, DIY projects, music and work from home. But it’s never safe to use devices too close to water or plug them in without the right protection.
Always remember:
- Never use an electrical device within 1.5 metres of the pool or spa.
- Devices used within 1.5 to 3 metres of the pool or spa must be plugged into an outlet protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
- Cords must be short and never cross a play area or run along the pool or spa’s edge.
- Speakers, TVs, computers and other electronic equipment must be kept away from splashing water.
If there’s a problem, act quickly
If a device falls into the pool or spa, if you notice a strange smell or a breaker cuts the power for no apparent reason, act fast:
- Immediately shut off the power from the main electrical panel.
- Keep everyone away from the water.
If you think your electrical system may be faulty, don’t wait. Get in touch with a master electrician. Some offer 24/7 emergency service.
