Australian Electrical Standards are designed to ensure your safety is not compromised when it comes to pool safety.
A pool and/or spa can provide years of entertainment and pleasure for the whole family but when it comes to safety, what you can't see can harm you. Electrical safety cannot be compromised and the use of a qualified electrician is critical, and mandatory.
Before you decide on your dream pool/spa it is critical to consider what electrical requirements may be relevant for you installation. A licensed electrician can assist you from the planning stage right through to installation and SPASA has licensed electrical contractors in our membership that you can contract for advice and to perform any work that you require.
Some key things to consider:
Discuss he pool/spa you have chosen and the associated equipment with a licensed electrician before commencing the build. An electrical plan can save you thousands when prepares prior to work commencing.
Your electrician will discuss with you:
The power requirements of your pool or spa
How many and what type of sockets outlets you will need
What type of system you intent to run and if it is automated
This will allow your electrician to determine the power requirements to ensure safe operation of your pool or spa to protect you and your family. Understanding the location options for your pool/spa is also a valuable thing to discuss with an electrician. Some slight alterations may prevent costly mistakes and minimise your expenditure.
An outdoor 'renovation' often accompanies a pool/spa installation and planning for this means that you can identify any other electrical requirements you have associated with lighting and other appliances.
It is law that, for pools and spas where the structure is conductive, all extraneous conductive parts, including the reinforcing metal of the pool/spa shell or deck, shall be connected to a bonding connection point. This bonding point shall be installed when the pool/spa is installed.
Any conductive fittings within ir attached to the pool/spa, such as ladders and diving boards, and any fixed conductive material within arm's reach (1.25m) of the pool edge, such as conductive fences, lamp standards and pipework etc. must be connected to this bonding point. This work must be carried out by a licensed electrician. Remember that electricity and water do not mix and this is important to ensure your pool is safe! Failure to install the bonding at the start could not only be dangerous should a fault occur, but also be very costly later, as you may then need to pull up pavers or cut concrete to install the bond.
Your electrical work must be done by a qualified electrician and meet Australian standards. Ask to see the electrician's license and by law your electrician must supply you with a Certificate of Compliance within 30 days of completion of your electrical works.