Electric shock in swimming pools is more common than you think. Poor wiring, faulty GFCI receptacles, and bad design can all lead to injury and fatality for those in the water. For this reason, Royal Pool & Spa offers routine electrical inspections for residential and commercial pools. 

Our inspections are thorough, accurate, and quick, and if you have an inside unit, we recommend scheduling in the winter months so you have peace of mind knowing your pool is safe to use. 

What Are the Causes of Electrocution in Swimming Pools?

Many causes of electrocution in swimming pools go unnoticed until it happens. After all, in most swimming pools, the lines and cables are all buried or hidden behind a box. 

Some of the causes of electrocution are as follows:

• Ground wires that come loose (usually attached to a transformer)

• Corroded lights with loose wiring

• Electrical wiring/outlets too close to the water

• Old outlets not replaced by GFCI receptacles

• Failure to bond seemingly unrelated metallic elements around the pool.              

Inspections Reduce the Risk of Electrocution

Regular reviews by a licensed electrician can help reduce the risk of electrocutions at pools due to faulty or deteriorated electrical system components. We recommend that you evaluate the safety of the pool's electrical systems on a regular basis. 

Although most electrical systems are comprehensively inspected at least once during the initial construction, we should assess your pool's electrical system at least once a year. We begin by ensuring the wiring meets Minneapolis building codes and OSHA standards. Keep in mind that only a licensed electrician can perform this work. 

All Royal Pool & Spa technicians are certified and trained in electrical wiring for residential and commercial pool facilities. 

What Does a Swimming Pool Inspection Involve?

A swimming pool inspection has two parts: a visual inspection and an equipment inspection. Assessing the quality and integrity of the pool hardware and the structure provides a comprehensive picture of the pool's overall health, so you'll know which repairs and upgrades are necessary, if applicable. 

Visual Inspection

During the visual portion of the assessment, we examine the pool and the pool deck to check for deterioration, damage, and potential issues, such as surface cracks and shock hazards. We also assess the quality and integrity of the ladders, railings, diving board, pump motor, and any other fixtures attached to the pool. Finally, we'll test the pH of the water to ensure it's properly balanced.

Equipment Inspection

To ensure each pool component is fully operational and in proper working condition, we also run the pool systems to check for potential hazards, such as leaks, cracks, breaks in the hardware, and more. As part of this process, we conduct a pressure test on the plumbing system to ensure no leaks exist.

Have You Added Electrical Components to Your Pool?

A gap can occur in electrical inspections when installers add components to the facility. For instance, if you just installed new lights in the pool, the technicians may have completed the job without performing a full inspection to ensure it is safe. 

This is where we come in. We can inspect the lights and other components to make sure they are safe and up to code. 

Should Prospective Home Buyers Get a Pool Inspection?

Getting ready to purchase a home with a pool? Before you sign that contract, make sure you have a professional swimming pool inspection so you know what you’re getting yourself into! 

At Royal Pool & Spa, we know there are a number of things that can go wrong with any residential pool. And unfortunately, unless you’re a pool expert yourself, those things may not be easy to detect. Worst case scenario? The pool is in poor condition and requires significant updates and repairs to function optimally.

Would you buy a home that didn’t have an inspection report? Of course not! So why would you purchase a pool without an inspection report? Best case scenario: The pool is fully operational, the equipment is up to date, and all the components are in top condition. 

An inspection alerts you to potential problems with the structure or hardware of the pool so you know what to expect after you purchase the home. No homebuyer wants to discover their pool requires expensive repairs after they sign the contract, right?

Is a Pool Inspection Included in the Home Inspection?

Not necessarily; It’s rare that home inspectors examine residential pools as part of their evaluation process. Though it’s easy to assume a home inspection also includes the pool area, most home inspectors do not have the expertise to perform a comprehensive pool inspection.

The average in-ground pool has dozens of working parts and an intricate plumbing system. Without extensive knowledge of these systems – which is acquired through industry training and pool construction experience – evaluating the equipment and detecting potential problems is virtually impossible. 

In fact, most home inspection reports have a disclaimer that covers the pool.

Royal Pool & Spa: Your Twin Cities Pool Experts

If it's been a while since we've assessed your pool for safety, or you plan to purchase a Twin Cities home with a pool, now is the time for a pool electrical inspection. Scheduling an evaluation helps us determine if it's a safe and secure area for adults and children to swim in all year. 

Our team has been in the business since 1988 and provides a wide range of services from installation to repair and maintenance for Minneapolis and St. Paul pool owners. If you would like to schedule a pool inspection, contact Royal Pool & Spa today at 651-779-7606, or you can contact us online, and we will get back to you shortly.