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- Electric shock can occur in swimming pools and hot tubs when current enters the water. This can occur when there is faulty underwater wiring or lighting, malfunctioning ungrounded equipment such as pumps or filters, or when circuits are overloaded.
- Although technically possible, the chances of being electrocuted in a properly installed and maintained hot tub or swimming pool are low.
- To prevent electric shock, experts recommend knowing the locations of all electrical switches and circuit breakers, avoiding water during thunderstorms, and having a professional inspect any pools or hot tubs to make sure they are properly installed.
A couple was electrocuted to death in a hot tub at a resort in Mexico on June 11, tragically killing the husband, according to a statement posted to Facebook by the state of Sonora. The couple were identified as Jorge Guillen and Lizette Zambrano of El Paso.
In an interview with ABC News, Zambrano said the couple decided to get into the hot tub with their son and cousin. It wasn't long before the couple felt their first shock.
“The last thing I remember saying was, 'Oh my God.' That was the first time I felt an electric shock, and it happened over and over again, and I never heard from him again,” Zambrano said.
While the cause of hot tub electrocution accidents is still being investigated, experts offer some advice on what you should know about the possibility of being electrocuted in a pool or hot tub and how to stay safe this summer.
How likely is it that you will get electrocuted in a swimming pool or hot tub?
The chances of being electrocuted in a properly installed and maintained pool or hot tub are relatively low, Dr. Robert Schwanner, medical director of emergency medicine and chairman of toxicology at Stony Brook University Hospital, told Verywell.
“Fortunately, it's not that common,” Schwanner said. “Sometimes it's zero a year, sometimes it's five, but typically it's one or two a year. That's in the United States.”
According to a report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 47 injuries or deaths in hot tubs, pools, and spas over a 17-year period. These incidents resulted in 33 deaths and 33 injuries.
If you are traveling internationally, be aware that the risk of electric shock can vary depending on the location. According to Schwaner, different countries and cities may have different safety regulations and standards. And because these regulations can vary, it is unclear how safe electrical systems, including pools and hot tubs, are at your destination.
“In different countries, there are different codes for what you can and cannot do. [install]”It's about defining where you can and can't put a light bulb socket,” Schwaner said.
How do you know if you are being electrocuted?
According to Jeffrey Elder, MD, an emergency medicine physician at LCMC Health, an electric shock occurs when an electrical current enters and passes through the body. You may feel a sharp pain or a burning sensation, or experience muscle spasms, numbness, burning, or even a heart attack.
“Contact burns can occur at the points where the current enters and leaves the body, and deep muscle damage can occur as the electrical energy passes through the body,” Elder said.
Schwanner added that minor shocks from light or weak currents can cause a tingling sensation, “which is usually not painful, but you can feel a tingling sensation.”
According to Schwanner, stronger currents may cause no warning signs other than pain and stiffness (muscle stiffness that makes it difficult to move the body).
Elder said if you feel an electric shock, you should get out of the water immediately and move away from the source (if you know what it is). It is also important to avoid contact with any materials that can conduct electricity, including metal and aluminum ladders or railings.
After that, Elder said, “Dry yourself to prevent further harm, tell others to get out of the way, and if you know where the danger is, turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker.”
According to Schwanner, if someone is electrocuted, immediately turn off all power to or near the pool or hot tub, or call the appropriate authorities. Call 911 and use a non-conductive carbon fiber pole (such as a fiberglass shepherd's cane or rescue hook) to carefully wrap around the person's body and pull them to safety.
What is the treatment after electric shock?
According to Schwanner, anyone who has suffered an electric shock or electrical injury, no matter how minor, should see a health care provider.
Elder said if symptoms such as a burning sensation, pain, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness or chest pain lasting more than a few seconds after being electrocuted are present, it is important to call 911 and go to the emergency room as quickly as possible.
Treatment for electrocution will depend on the cause and severity of the injury, but may include nonsurgical treatments such as pain medication, intravenous (IV) fluids, nutrition, antibiotic ointment and bandages, and even surgical skin grafting in severe burns.
How electric shock occurs in a swimming pool or hot tub
The first step to preventing electric shock in water, such as in a pool or hot tub, is understanding why it happens.
Electric shock can be caused by a number of factors, but most are related to electrical system failures, improper use of electrical appliances, or a lack of safety precautions, Dr. David Cutler, a board-certified family medicine physician with Providence St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California, tells Verywell.
According to Elder, common causes of electric shock in pools and hot tubs include poor underwater lighting, ungrounded sump pumps, filter problems, defective wiring, and exposed wiring.
Cutler said other factors can increase the risk of electric shock.
- Humid conditions: Using electrical appliances or touching electrical outlets with wet hands or in wet places such as bathrooms, kitchens, swimming pools, or spas increases the risk of electric shock.
- Overloaded circuit: Plugging too many devices into one outlet or circuit can cause the device to overheat, which can lead to electrical fires or electric shocks.
- Defective Appliances: If an electrical appliance does not work properly, especially if the cord or plug is damaged.
- Lack of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): GFCIs are designed to shut off electricity when a ground fault occurs. If you don't have a GFCI in an area like a bathroom, kitchen, or outdoor space, you increase the risk of electric shock.
- Improper use of extension cords: Misuse of extension cords, such as under carpeting or continuous use, can damage the cord and increase the risk of electric shock.
- Electrical System Operation: Attempting to repair or modify an electrical system without the proper knowledge or tools. Attempting to do any electrical DIY in your home or property can be very dangerous.
- Damaged outlets and switches: Cracked or broken outlets or switches expose electrical wires, increasing the risk of electric shock.
- Lack of child protection devices: Children can accidentally get an electric shock if they touch electrical outlets or electrical appliances. Always cover outlets properly to keep them out of reach of children.
- Using old or damaged electrical appliances: If you use old or damaged electrical items, such as tools, appliances, or wiring that have not been inspected for several years.
- Lightning strikes: Without proper surge protection, electrical surges caused by lightning can cause electric shock.
How to stay safe in a hot tub or pool
According to Elder, for safety reasons, all electrical equipment inside or outside a pool or hot tub should be properly grounded, professionally installed, and regularly maintained. Never enter a pool or hot tub if there are loose or frayed wires in or near the water.
“Precautions such as performing regular electrical inspections, using proper applications, installing GFCIs, and keeping electrical appliances away from water can greatly reduce the risk of electric shock,” Cutler said.
According to Cutler, here are some other things you can do to prevent electric shock and stay safe:
- Professional Installation: All electrical work in a pool or spa must be done by a licensed electrician who complies with local codes and standards. Install GFCIs on all electrical outlets and circuits near the pool or spa. GFCIs can quickly shut off power if a ground fault is detected.
- Regular maintenance: Inspect electrical equipment, including pumps, heaters, and lighting, regularly for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Hire a qualified professional to promptly replace or repair damaged wiring, outlets, and equipment, and ensure all electrical connections are properly insulated and protected from exposure to water.
- Proper bonding and grounding: Make sure the pool or spa and all associated electrical equipment are properly bonded and grounded. This will ensure that all metal components are electrically connected and safely grounded, reducing the risk of electric shock.
- Safe use of electrical appliances: Keep all electrical devices, such as radios, speakers, and chargers, a safe distance away from the pool or spa. Consider using battery-operated devices around the pool to minimize the risk of electric shock. Do not touch electrical appliances with wet hands or while standing in the water.
- Child safety precautions: Children should always be supervised around pools and spas. Teach them about the dangers of electricity near water. Use safety covers on electrical outlets near pools and spas.
- Emergency Preparedness: Make a plan for electrical emergencies, including how to quickly turn off power to the pool or spa. Keep a non-conductive, extendable pool safety hook handy so you can help someone in trouble without risk of electric shock.
- Install safety equipment: Consider installing a pool alarm that detects current in the water and alerts you to potential hazards. You can also install low-voltage pool lights that are specifically designed for underwater use.
- Periodic inspection: Have your pool or spa inspected by a professional electrician at least once a year to make sure all electrical components are functioning properly and safely.
“Following these guidelines will greatly reduce the generally low risk of electric shock and help ensure a safe environment around your home pool or spa,” Cutler said.
What this means to you
The chances of getting electrocuted in a properly maintained and installed hot tub or pool are low. Experts say that if you feel an electric shock, you should get out of the water immediately, move away from the source, and seek medical attention.