Las Vegas summers are the perfect time to hang around your pool or spa – but the fun could be cut short if you need any pool electrical service.
Underwater electrical fixtures can be potentially dangerous to anyone in or near the water, making it vital to get them fixed at the first sign of trouble. From faulty lighting and pump problems to strange smells or noises, it’s important to know the warning signs that your pool is having electrical issues. Once you know what to look for, you’ll be able to get your pool fixed and ready for the summer.
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Can In-ground Pools Have Electrical Problems?
In-ground pools have a range of electrical components, including lights, pumps, heaters, and more. These are exposed to forces that can damage them, such as people, the weather, debris, or the water itself. If a pool or spa isn’t properly maintained, it’s very easy for it to develop electrical system problems. However, even a well-kept pool can develop problems over time, making it important for those who have them to remain vigilant.
Any submerged electrical component in an in-ground pool can pose a potential hazard to people in or near them. While the CDC doesn’t currently track fatal pool electrocutions, which are exceedingly rare, a faulty electrical component can impair or injure swimmers, and may still prove fatal. The CDC reports that about 10 people in the U.S. die from non-boating related drownings every day.
Reasons Why You’d Need Spa or Pool Electrical Service
Like any piece of working machinery, your pool can run into trouble over the course of its normal operations. If you notice any of the following problems, you may be in need of pool electrical services.
Heater Failure
If the water in your pool or spa is colder than normal, it could be because the heater has failed. Some potential causes of a heater failure include a clogged filter, a problem with the thermostat, or a corroded heater element. You’ll want to get this fixed, because it may indicate a larger problem with your pool, such as a pH imbalance in the water or a filtration issue. The damage can worsen if it’s not fixed, which can lead to more expensive repairs later on.
Pump Issues
The pump is the heart of every pool and spa; circulating water through it to be cleaned by the filter. Some of the warning signs that you have a pump problem are that it doesn’t turn on, it runs with low pressure, it’s leaking, or it won’t stay primed and is intaking air. A malfunctioning pool or spa pump won’t circulate your water enough to clean it, posing a potential health risk.
Strange Noises
If you’re hearing loud noises such as grinding or whining from your pool or spa, the most likely culprit is the ball bearings in the pump’s motor. The pump constantly circulates water, and if there is air in your pipes, it can cause the pump to overheat the seal, pipes, or the bearings themselves. Eventually your motor can damage its bearings or seal and destroy itself, as well as potentially destroying the pipes of your pool if it’s not fixed.
Tripped Breakers
If your pool seems to lose power, one or more of the devices in it could be tripping the electrical breaker. Try turning each one on individually to see if one trips the breaker. Until you find out what’s causing the problem, your pool or spa won’t function normally, and you may even be susceptible to shock. The breaker might need to be replaced if it’s older or unable to handle the amount of energy your devices are trying to draw through it.
Underwater Bulb Is Out
Burned-out underwater light bulbs is a common problem with many potential causes. The light may be old, the fixture might be loose, or water could be leaking into the fixture through a worn-out lens gasket. More seriously, there could be a problem with the outlet’s wiring or your circuit breaker could be bad. Swimming without adequate lighting can be dangerous, and problems with your circuit or a leak can lead to more damage, making it important to diagnose and fix this problem when you find it.
Spa Control System Problems
A spa control system problem impairs its ability to control your spa’s lighting, jets, heating, and more. You might notice our control panel fails to light, has emergency lights on, is displaying dashes, or has water trapped inside it. The panel may be simply worn out, it may have been damaged by water or there may be underlying issues with your electrical system. Unless you fix the problem or replace your panel, you won’t be able to control your spa and you may be at risk of electrical hazards.
Spa Jets Failure
When your bubbly spa goes still, it’s easy to see that you have a problem with the jets. A jet failure could indicate problems with the pump, a buildup in the jet nozzles, a clogged filter, or air that is trapped inside your pump. Depending on the source of the problem, your spa might only lose the pressured jets that set it apart from a normal pool or you could face water quality issues.
Strange Odors
Pool odors can indicate underlying problems that can damage your pool or place your health at risk. Contrary to popular belief, the “pool smell” isn’t normal, nor is it the smell of chlorine, but is actually the smell of chloramines. Chloramines can form in pools once the chlorine begins to combine with urine, sweat, sunscreen, or other fluids, leaving less to kill harmful bacteria. You can remedy this problem by super-chlorinating your pool for several hours, during which the chlorine content will be 10 ppm or more.
If you notice a burning smell in or near your pool or spa, this can indicate that a motor is drawing in air and running without moving water, which can overheat it. Check the water level and the pump to see if it’s drawing in air. If the air isn’t removed, your pump motor can burn itself out and may damage other parts of the pool.
With triple-digit days just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to make sure your pool area is ready for the summer. Bell Solar & Electrical Systems can help with repairs, maintenance, and new part installations. We’ve been serving clients across the Las Vegas Valley since 2007 and are ranked among the top 10% of contractors in the State of Nevada. If you’d like more information about our particular spa and pool electrical services, check out our website or give us a call.