“We had our pool installed 2 years ago. The pool company that installed the pool also provides pool maintenance,” said Joni.
“From Day 1 we had problems, mostly electrical. The main breaker keeps tripping. The pool pump requires GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter), which I think we have. What should we do, because the pool breaker trips over and over?”
If Your Pool Breaker Trips, You Don’t Need a Pool Company
Pool company maintenance professionals know a lot. What your pool maintenance team does is important. Clean pools prevent bacterial infections and other problems. Your pool equipment will operate more efficiently and last longer with proper pool maintenance.
Swimming pool electrical issues, especially if your pool breaker trips repeatedly, require a licensed Arizona electrician. The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) documents swimming pool-related incidences that involve shocks and electrocution. Swimming pool fatalities can be caused by faulty wiring.
If you suspect you are experiencing electrical shock, exit the swimming pool immediately and try not to use the metal ladder.
Symptoms of electrical shock in the pool are:
- A tingling sensation
- Complaints when swimmers exit the pool of tingling or “odd” sensations
- Flickering underwater lights
- Motionless swimmers
- Muscle cramps
- Paralysis (feel as if something is “holding you down” and you can’t move)
- Several upset swimmers moving away from an area at the same time
- Swimmers acting panicked or unsettled
Electricity Around Pools and Common Electrical Problems
Your swimming pool has numerous electrical components. It’s important to know where electricity is located in and around your pool area. Your pool, hot tub, or spa has electricity in or near:
- Electrical outlets/switches
- Electrical products (TVs, radios, sound systems, etc.)
- Overhead power lines
- Pool equipment (Auto-chlorination system, pump/filtration unit, vacuum)
- Power/extension cords
- Underwater lights
Pool breaker trips indicate there’s a serious problem. Conscientious parents should keep kids out of the pool until your local electrician in The Valley has checked your breaker box, equipment, and GFCI.
Other electrical problems with swimming pools include:
- Burnt-out bulbs in underwater light fixtures
- Non-wireless automation systems to monitor pH levels, etc.
- Pool pump
- Blown fuse in the motor’s power board
- Motor disconnect switch
- Timer clock
- Voltage fluctuations
- Wiring
Why You Need TIO Electric for Electrical Pool Problems, Repairs
If you want to keep everything pool-related with your pool company, that’s no problem. Just ask them to call Turn It On Electric for licensed electrical contracting in the Phoenix and Tucson areas.
You’ll not find many recommendations for electrical DIY involving a swimming pool. Do you know which electrical wiring jobs for your swimming pool are DIY (do-it-yourself)? We don’t know either, but “none” sounds like the right answer.
TIO Electric professionals have experience with swimming pools…
- Bonding – Bonding connects, controls, and prevents dangerous electrical voltage transmission. There is an electrical connection (grid) between the pool pump, heater, and other components. Without bonding, electrical currents are free to “electrify” equipment and/or you.
- Grounding – This takes bonding to the next level. Your bonded electrical components are connected to earth. This is a way to redirect and terminate excess/wayward electrical currents to the ground.
Without grounding, your swimmers might become the electrical “conductors.” When there is too much current, your pool breaker trips. Once, during a thunderstorm; maybe. If it happens more than once, call us. - GFCI installation – A ground fault circuit interrupter is inexpensive but absolutely critical for a swimming pool. The GFCI monitors your electricity and shuts it down if it detects a discrepancy. Arizona has code standards for GFCI installation.
Your safety is important to us. Please contact TIO Electric with any questions involving swimming pool wiring or electricity.
