Some of you may have heard about an “electrical shock” experienced by some people at the pool around June 22nd. Two of the underwater light fixtures produced a slight “tingle” when touched by a swimmer in the water – regardless of whether the light was on or off. The “tingle” stopped when the ground wires to both of the fixtures were disconnected. All of the underwater lights have since been disconnected (power and ground wires) and the problem has not recurred. At no time was anyone exposed to the 110 volt service that operates the lights themselves, and all of our pool lighting and outlet circuits have ground fault interrupters to protect patrons and staff.
Most of our pool lights are powered from a breaker panel in the pump room, but these two fixtures are powered from a panel in the clubhouse kitchen. The “tingling” sensation was apparently being produced by a very small (4 volt) potential between the grounding connections for those two panels. Several association members with appropriate training and experience are conducting a thorough review of our electrical systems and we anticipate more work once the pool is closed for the season. In the meantime, none of the underwater lights will be connected.
posted 07.28.24