Installing a pool in your yard is an exciting time. During those hot summer days, you’ll be able to relax and cool off in the privacy of your own backyard. Before you can do that, though, proper safety precautions, such as pool grounding, must be taken during your pool’s installation process.
Now, let’s talk about the pool grounding process. It’s not just a technicality but a crucial step that keeps your family and pets safe from the risk of electrocution while they’re having a blast in the pool.
If you’re new to the pool installation and building process, you have likely come across numerous new terms. In this article, you’ll learn exactly what pool grounding is and how it works to keep you and your family safe.
What is Pool Grounding?
Electrical currents and water simply don’t mix. However, above and in-ground pools require both water and electricity to function properly. Electricity is needed to run the water pumps and filters that keep the pool clean and safe to use.
Grounding is a method that directs the electrical currents the pool’s generators use to function and leads them into the ground, away from water and metal.
Why is it Important?
This crucial part of pool anatomy separates electrical currents from causing electrocutions or shocks while enjoying the pool.
Pool grounding is proven to protect those swimming in pools, too! According to the latest data, there have been 33 fatal electrocutions between 2002 and 2018, with zero taking place in the last year of the study.
How Does Pool Grounding Work?
Pool grounding is paired with pool bonding, which eliminates electric currents from reaching conductive objects, such as metal ladders, by using copper wires, bonding lugs, and more.
The pool grounding operates by connecting the pool equipment to an electrical panel, which is then connected to a ground-fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, which is installed in the ground.
If you think this jargon is confusing, just wait until you start looking at the electrical plans when designing your pool installation!
No matter how complicated or confusing pool bonding and grounding may be, both of these safety precaution processes are critical in your pool building.
What Pools Require Grounding?
You may be wondering what types of pools require pool grounding and if you may be able to skip this step.
The truth is that all pools with electric currents and systems, such as filters, require grounding. This includes above-ground and in-ground pools.
Without this vital safety precaution, you could be subject to some serious harm and damage.
Believe us when we say you do not want to risk it when combining electricity, metal, and water!
Should You Hire a Pool Grounding Professional?
There are many times you or your partner may look at a project and say, “We can do that ourselves!” to save some money. But when it comes to playing with serious electrical equipment and planning, such as pool grounding, it’s best left to the professionals.
That’s where Oak Electric comes to the rescue!
We specialize in pool and hot tub electrical systems, creating a safe and secure environment for you to enjoy your new water features without worrying about electrical issues or accidents. Our team of highly trained and licensed electricians has been safely installing and servicing our community since 2018.
Don’t risk an accident trying to ground your pool yourself; call the professionals instead.
Request a quote for your pool’s electrical system from Oak Electric today!