Swimming pools and spas are great family fun, but associated electrical works need special care. Gary Busbridge outlines the safety essentials.

It’s not often that I get to talk about such cool things as swimming pools and spas, so a reminder of the do’s and dont’s for that backyard summer ‘getaway’ seems like a good idea.

There is much to consider in making your pool safe for family, friends and the neighbours that just happen to drop in. But what a godsend it can be if you enjoy having people around for the odd barbie and a bevvie.

That leads us to the first steps for safety. My mum used to advise waiting for half an hour after eating before getting back in the water, or stomach cramps could lead to a drowning. Old myth or not, I still give my grown-up kids the same safety tip (to no avail), and get a few laughs for my efforts.

Water and alcohol are also a bad mix (unless it’s a fine Scotch). It’s important to keep yourself tidy when using the pool. With a few beers under their belts, people do dumb things that can lead to disastrous consequences.

It is crucial to supervise children in or near the pool at all times. Kids have an adventurous spirit and will climb, get under or do things they haven’t yet learnt not to. It makes sense that kids should also be able to swim, but adult supervision is always the safest bet.

I’m more of a spa devotee – sit back, relax with friends and a bit of therapy. Anyway all of the above still applies, but get a rigid spa pool ‘lid’ so that no one can slip under the covers.

Ensure that adequate pool safety fences and self-closing gates are in place to keep vulnerable people out when there is no supervision. Kids are good at overcoming obstacles, so approved pool safety fences and gates are essential.

And now, the central reason for writing about pools – electrical safety in the pool area is of paramount importance.

Switches and sockets should be of a design that restricts entry of water in the event of splashing, inadvertent hosing or flooding. There are three types, and their location must be planned for optimum protection from water.

The relevant Australian Standard is titled Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP rating). A conventional switch or socket is rated IP30, the first numeral meaning prevention of entry of a 2.5mm diameter probe and the second indicating no protection against water entry.

A weatherproof switch or socket is usually rated IP53, the first numeral meaning protection against limited ingress of dust and the second indicating protection against sprays of water at 60° from the vertical.

Some weatherproof socket outlets are marketed at IP55. They have a spring latched cover over the plugging area that allows the second numeral 5, meaning protection against jets of water (typically a garden hose) from any direction.

The last option is the use of an industrial product rating IP66. The first numeral means total protection against dust ingress and the second denotes protection against strong jets of water (typically a fire hose) from all directions.

These sockets have a spring latched cover and a threaded portion on the socket face that allows the plug to be screwed onto the socket face to prevent inadvertent unplugging.

An IP67 rating is advertised for some of these plugs, but bear in mind that the second numeral applies to temporary immersion in water to a depth between 15cm and 1m. An IP68 rating allows for continuous immersion under significant pressure.

Such ratings don’t necessarily mean these units are better at resisting strong jets of water than IP66 protected plugs and sockets.

The Wiring Rules define certain zones in relation to switch and socket installation:

• Zone 0 is the inside volume of the pool or spa. Switches and sockets are not permitted.
• Zone 1 is the volume outside the first zone, extending to 2m from the pool edge and 2.5m in height. Switches and sockets are not allowed for general use and are for pool equipment only. The IP rating is not defined with a first numeral, but the second one must be at least 5 in regard to ingress of water (garden hose from all directions). There are other restrictions on installation height and the type of electrical protection if a socket is installed.
• Zone 2 is next, extending 1.5m from the edge of Zone 1 and 2.5m in height. Switches and sockets are allowed for general use. The IP rating is not defined with a first numeral but the second one must be at least 4 in regard to ingress of water splashing from all directions. There are other restrictions on the type of electrical protection necessary if a socket is installed.

Electrical contractors should study Section 6 of the Wiring Rules as it has a lot more essential information for all types of electrical equipment in pool areas – and the requirements for installation in various zones.

The latest Building Code of Australia or National Construction Code energy efficiency requirements stipulate a mandatory timer for pump and filter systems in pools and spas.

This makes sense, and most reputable installers include timers. However, some people still think an on/off switch is enough, and the home owner should remember to turn the thing off. But it doesn’t always happen, and the pump runs all day. Not very energy efficient.

Of great importance is equipotential bonding. At present it is necessary to equipotentially bond all exposed conductive parts of any electrical equipment in the defined zones. This extends to the fixed extraneous parts of the pool structure and any conductive fittings in, or attached to, the pool structure (diving boards, ladders, etc).

Most important – any conductive structures within arm’s reach of the pool should also be bonded (fences, lamp standards, pipework, etc). The equipotential bonding conductor must be connected to the earthing conductor associated with each circuit supplying the pool or spa.

The latest amendment to the Wiring Rules has expanded wording in this regard. The second amendment now requires that the equipotential bond point be:

• provided with adequate space and always accessible;
• protected against mechanical damage;
• protected against corrosion; and,
• made using a suitable device in accordance with the manufacturer’s specification that provides adequate electrical conductivity.

The issue here is that bits and pieces are added to the pool environment over time. Inevitably these are conductive structures that may be significant in electrical terms – lamps, improved pool fencing or storage sheds.

An accessible equipotential bond point is a great step forward, as it allows later items to be connected to the same bond point as pool reinforcing mesh and other early structures. There is no difference in potential, making the environment much safer.

And safety is the rallying cry for us all.

Gary Busbridge has been with Clipsal for more than 32 years. Since 1997 he has been involved with Standards Australia and held memberships in several committees.