Understanding Indoor Pool Lightning and Your Safety

Indoor pool lightning can be a serious concern for pool owners and users. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) recommends that indoor pool lighting be installed at a height of at least 8 feet above the water's surface.

To ensure safety, it's essential to follow the recommended guidelines for indoor pool lighting. The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) requires that pool lighting be shielded to prevent glare and reflections on the water's surface.

The type of lighting used can also impact safety. For example, LED lights are a popular choice due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan.

If this caught your attention, see: Indoor Pool Lighting

Pool safety is crucial for a fun and worry-free experience.

Supervise children at all times when they're in or around the pool.

Drowning is the leading cause of death in children aged 1-14, with most incidents occurring in residential pools.

Install a fence around the pool area to prevent unauthorized access.

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A pool fence should be at least 4 feet tall and have no gaps or openings that can be climbed or squeezed through.

Regularly inspect the fence for damage or wear and tear, and make repairs as needed.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that pool owners have a first aid kit and a phone nearby in case of an emergency.

Keep a phone nearby in case of an emergency, and know the location of the nearest hospital.

Never leave a child unattended in or around the pool, not even for a minute.

A moment of distraction can be all it takes for a child to slip into the pool unnoticed.

Consider investing in a pool alarm that sounds when someone enters the pool area.

Pool alarms can provide an added layer of safety and peace of mind.

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Lightning can strike an indoor pool, and it's not just a myth. The YMCA of the USA, FEMA, the American Red Cross, NOAA, and the National Lightning Safety Institute all advise against using plumbing during thunderstorms and staying clear of windows.

Indoor pools are not inherently safe from lightning. The Director of Aquatics at a university athletic department thinks closing indoor pools for lightning is an "urban myth", but his university keeps its pools open during storms with approval from experts.

Electrical systems that are grounded can limit the voltage imposed by lightning, but not all pools are built with this in mind. The Redwoods Group notes that some pool buildings were built before grounding regulations were in effect, and some have metal bleachers or lifeguard chairs that aren't connected to ground.

Lightning has been observed in indoor pools, causing injuries and electrical damage. Nobody has ever been killed by lightning while swimming indoors, but this factoid is based on an absence of evidence, not evidence of absence.

The Lightning Protection Institute has released a Build & Protect Tech Bulletin to answer frequently asked questions about lightning and aquatics safety for indoor pools.

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Lightning protection systems are designed to limit the voltage imposed by lightning, line surges, or unintentional contact with higher-voltage lines.

The Redwoods Group notes that some pool buildings were built before the regulation requiring grounding was in effect, and that the bonding in a well-built system can still deteriorate over time.

Not all indoor pools are created equal when it comes to lightning protection, and some may be safer than others.

Additional reading: Voltage Arcing

Many indoor pools close during thunderstorms, but is this a necessary precaution? The Director of Aquatics at Penn State University thinks not, calling it "THE urban myth." At Penn State, they keep their four indoor pools open during electrical storms with approval from their Environmental Health and Safety Department, the Risk Management Department, and their High Voltage Experts.

The reason for this myth is likely due to the fact that some pools are not properly grounded, which can increase the risk of electrical damage. The Redwoods Group notes that some pool buildings were built before the regulation requiring proper grounding was in effect, and some have metal bleachers or lifeguard chairs that aren't connected to ground.

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However, not all pools are created equal. A well-built system with proper bonding and grounding can limit the voltage imposed by lightning, line surges, or unintentional contact with higher-voltage lines. The National Lightning Safety Institute advises to not use plumbing of any kind during thunder and lightning and to stay clear of windows, but this doesn't necessarily mean closing the pool.

Interestingly, nobody has ever been killed by lightning while swimming indoors, but this factoid is based on an absence of evidence, not evidence of absence. NOAA's data on lightning fatalities don't distinguish between indoor and outdoor swimming.

As a Lightning Protection Specialist, one of the most pressing concerns for indoor pools is lightning safety precautions. This is an issue that poses concerns for recreational facilities in terms of risk management and mitigation protocol.

The Lightning Protection Institute (LPI) has released a Build & Protect Tech Bulletin to answer frequently asked questions about indoor pool lightning safety. National Preparedness Month is a good time to examine the issue of lightning and aquatics safety for indoor pools.

Indoor pools can be considered safe for use during a thunderstorm, but only if proper precautions are taken.

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