For no apparent reason the pool lights are on the fritz? Or perhaps the spa has just quit heating. Then there is the concern over whether the wiring in such close proximity to all that water is up to snuff.

Homeowners in the High Desert put those very questions to us on a regular basis. We of JD Ensz Electric, Inc. have been doing residential and commercial electrical work since 2000; we know from experience that with pool and spa wiring a minor issue can become a major one in short order. Should you have any misgivings about your system, our team can be reached at (760) 374-8730.

There is a reason for the stringent standards when it comes to pool or spa wiring. Put water and electricity together and it is a serious matter. We have put together some of the more common problems we come across and their causes.

Why Pool and Spa Wiring Is Different

You will find standard household wiring behind the dry walls and in the ceilings of a home. The wiring for a pool or spa is out of doors, subject to temperature changes, chemicals and a good deal of moisture. It requires protections not found in an ordinary circuit.

In that kind of environment components will wear and fail in ways they would not indoors where they might go decades without trouble. Around a pool deck they can degrade in a hurry, so it is well to understand the distinction and spot any trouble early on.

The Most Common Problems We See

Our team has seen the same few things crop up time and again. These are the ones to be on the lookout for:

• GFCI outlets or breakers tripping, usually because of a fault in the circuit or moisture in the wiring
• Chlorine, salt and humidity taking their toll on connections and terminals
• A pool or spa light giving out from water getting into the fixture or low-voltage wiring breaking down
• Bonding and grounding issues, i.e. metal around the pool not being connected as it should be to stave off electric shock
• A heater, pump and lights all running and the undersized wiring cannot make the load
• Conduit or cable that is buried and has been cracked or shifted by landscaping

If you have a number of these it is a good indication the entire setup needs an inspection.

The Danger of Improper Bonding and Grounding

When the subject of safety with pool electrics is raised, bonding and grounding are what people talk about, and also what is most frequently done incorrectly. Proper bonding makes sure all the metal near the water is of like charge. Grounding is to direct any stray current to where it can do no harm.

But if either is in disrepair or absent, the water and the metal about it can become energized and shocks are the result. One does not have to be told this is not something visible to the eye; it must be tested to be certain the pool is safe.

Why DIY Repairs Are Risky Here

Many a homeowner has no trouble with an indoor outlet or switch and is confident in his ability to do it. That is fine in the right circumstances. But the code requirements for pool and spa wiring are of a different order.

What may appear to be a job well done could in fact be a latent danger, one not discovered until an injury occurs. An electrician who is licensed and insured is trained to do the job properly and avoid that.

Signs You Should Call a Professional

To tell if a problem is of consequence or not can be hard. If you see any of the following then it is best to have an electrician come out:

• The equipment is running and the GFCI or breaker will not stay on
• Underwater lights are dimming or flickering
• A tingle from contact with the water or a metal part of the ladder
• Exposed wiring, scorch marks or corrosion in the vicinity of the equipment
• Equipment of some vintage that has never been put under inspection
• A new home with a pool or spa and little history to go on

We would advise a phone call rather than waiting to see what happens.

Get a Professional Opinion

Based in Hesperia, JD Ensz Electric, Inc. is family run. Our staff has in excess of 40 years between them in the field. From Victorville and Apple Valley to Rancho Cucamonga, Barstow and Piñon Hills, we cover San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange and portions of LA County. For emergency matters like panel repairs we are here for you, as we are Monday to Friday from 7:00am till 5:00pm.

Give us a ring at (760) 374-8730 for a free estimate on any work in our area or if you have queries regarding your spa or pool wiring. We will be happy to put your mind at ease and make sure your pool is in safe hands.