Utility company warns pool owners of electrical dangers
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) – Southern California Edison is warning pool owners of electrical hazards.
The utility company urges people to employ a licensed electrician or pool contractor to conduct an annual inspection to uncover threats from faulty or unbonded lighting and equipment.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says these are the potential sources of electrical danger around pools and hot tubs:
- underwater lights
- electric pool equipment -- pumps, filters, vacuum, etc.
- extension and power cords
- electrical outlets or switches
- radios, stereos, TVs and other electrical products
- overhead power lines
“Annual inspections by licensed electricians or pool contractors are paramount when it comes to electrical safety in swimming pools,” Paul Jeske, Southern California Edison’s director of corporate health and safety, said in a posting on its website. “Electrical inspections should never be done by pool owners or cleaning crews.”
Stephen Little, a state-licensed pool contractor in the Coachella Valley, gave his advice to Southern California Edison. Among his tips: Reduce underwater pool lights to 12 volts, only use battery-operated devices around the pool, electronics should be kept 20-30 feet away from the water’s edge, and keep decorative string lights away from the water.
“Potential pool, spa and hot tub electrical accidents are 100 percent preventable with annual inspections by a licensed electrician or pool contractor,” said Jeske. “We strongly urge our customers to have them done.”
