Expert: Lynn bellay Date: 7/14/2008 Subject: mild electrical shock in pool
Question Hi, last year we noticed that we would get a mild tingle when touching the sides or rails to our inground 16x32 pool. We called in a pool guy who couldn't find a problem with our pump, etc. He thought maybe it was static electricity. As a precaution, I made my kids turn off the pump before swimming and they and my nephew said it was fine (I think they lied). This summer, when my neighbor came to swim she said it shocked her a little when she touched the sides of the pool at the deep end. Several others have noticed it when others in the pool at the same time don't feel it. I don't know what to do. We live in a small, rural area in GA. My kids want to swim and my husband thinks its okay since nobody's ever been hurt yet. However, I'm afraid to swim in it myself and therefore don't want to let my kids swim either. Would you let your kids swim in a pool that often produces a mild tingle? Also, who should I call about trying to resolve the problem? We don't use pool lights and the guy who installed our liner a few years ago said the current was dead to it. Thanks for any advice.
Answer Hi,the frame of the pool should be grounded[ground rod,ground from supply].The circuit should be GFI protected.You could use a volt meter to see if any voltage is present.I would turn power off at the HOUSE to be safe until a electrician is called.It should take 1 minute to check if voltage is present.Your husband could drive a 4-5 foot ground rod to ground the frame and any metal parts of the pool.Lynn
