Your average swimmer probably doesn’t really think too much about the electrical components that make a swimming pool work. But the fact is that without the water pump, filtration system and heater, swimming wouldn’t be very pleasant at all. But with all these electrical components combined with the metal parts of the swimming pool itself comes the potential for great danger. Swimming pools must be properly grounded and bonded to prevent this danger. Why does an above ground pool need to be grounded and bonded? To prevent swimmers from suffering an electrical shock or being electrocuted. This article will go over these two processes and explain why they’re so important.
What Is Grounding?
Grounding is a way to direct the flow of electrical current towards the earth rather than through the pool users. This is accomplished through a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) breaker. If this breaker detects a fault in the electrical current it will shut down the electrical equipment exhibiting the fault and ensure no one receives a shock. A fault is defined as an abnormal electrical current. In the case of a swimming pool, a higher than normal electrical current can create a dangerous situation for swimmers. Grounding a swimming pool will protect swimmers from being shocked or electrocuted if a fault occurs in the electrical system.
What Is Bonding?
Bonding is another process which reduces the possibility of electrical shock by connecting all of the metal parts of a swimming pool with copper wire. These parts include the pool walls, posts and rails, the water pump, filtration system, and heater and any other metal parts such as ladders, slides or handrails. Connecting all these parts with copper wire creates what is known as a bonding grid. A bonding grid is necessary to prevent the flow of electricity due to different voltage potentials. When there is a differential in voltage, electrical current is allowed to flow which can potentially cause a shock. The copper wire equalizes any voltage differential and stops the flow of electrical current to reduce potential danger.
Grounding and Bonding
Grounding and bonding work together to prevent electrical shocks or electrocution. Grounding your swimming pool will shut down the electrical equipment if there’s a fault in the electrical system. Creating a bonding grid equalizes the voltage differential between the various metal components of the swimming pool and thereby prevents electrical shocks from occurring. Both of these are necessary to ensure your swimming pool is safe.
The Role of a Licensed Electrician
To make sure your swimming pool is properly grounded and bonded you shouldn’t allow this job to be done by anybody other than a licensed electrician. The safety of your family and friends depends on this job being done properly.
To save on above ground swimming pools, download our coupon here!