Are Swimming Pool Lights Safe?
Pool lights increase safety in and around a pool as they illuminate the edges of the pool, stairs, ladders, walkways and patio furniture. They can be embedded in or attached to pool walls and floors, or placed on the water surface. But, just how safe is it to put electricity in a pool? If you do it correctly, it's quite safe.
Safety Regulations
The National Electrical Code (NEC) added swimming pools to their standards and regulations (article 680) in 1968. Pools built before then likely have sub-standard electrical components. The only known danger of electrocution stems from pools that were installed before 1965. If your pool is from that era, encapsulate lights with an epoxy putty made to be used underwater. Spread the putty around the light unit, sealing any gaps or cracks. Older pools should also be retrofitted with ground fault circuit interrupters. The devices will turn off power if there is an alteration in the current flow. If your pool is older and you're worried about electrical safety, you should consider bringing in an electrician to update it.
- The National Electrical Code (NEC) added swimming pools to their standards and regulations (article 680) in 1968.
- If your pool is older and you're worried about electrical safety, you should consider bringing in an electrician to update it.
Safety Precautions
Pool lights are sealed inside a protective waterproof casing which prevents water from reaching the light bulb. Water surrounds the unit, keeping it from overheating. For this reason, the light should not be operated outside of water. A niche behind the light stores several feet of electrical cord. This cord can be unraveled if the fixture needs to be taken out for repair. Wiring conduit connects the pool light to the junction box, placed at least 3 feet away and 18 inches above water level. The junction box should be water and child proof.
- Pool lights are sealed inside a protective waterproof casing which prevents water from reaching the light bulb.
- For this reason, the light should not be operated outside of water.
Warning
If you choose to install lights in the pool wall, you should hire a professional. In fact, the code departments in most cities require that you hire a licensed electrician to do the electrical work in your pool. Each light should be connected to a separate extension cord leading to the breaker box. Even if your older lights are still working, examine them for signs of corrosion. If water has compromised the fixture, replace with new fixtures. They can run close to $200 and take one hour of labor to install.
Safest Option
Among the safest and easiest lights to install are floating lights. They are individual units with no cords or plugs. Many are powered by AA batteries. All you have to do is set the light in the water. Options include models that contain a rechargeable battery, which you manually turn off and on, or models with a light sensor that turns on once the sun starts to go down. Other floating lights on the market turn on as soon as they sense being placed in water.
- If you choose to install lights in the pool wall, you should hire a professional.
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Writer Bio
Based in New York State, Kelly Shetsky started writing in 1999. She is a broadcast journalist-turned Director of Marketing and Public Relations and has experience researching, writing, producing and reporting. She writes for several websites, specializing in gardening, medical, health and fitness, entertainment and travel. Shetsky has a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Marist College.
