Poor design of pool fences and inadequate council inspections are placing thousands of Australians at risk of electric shock or electrocution.

Master Electricians Australia has revealed a growing trend for electrical contractors being called to fix faults with the earthing of pool fences after the pool is built.

Chief Executive Malcolm Richards said metal fences must be earthed by wiring the steel reinforcements inside concrete pools during the construction process, to eliminate the risk of potentially fatal shocks.

Modern glass pool fences were particularly problematic as they often had several metal fittings that all required individual earthing. 

 "Our members are continually being asked to complete the electrical work necessary to remove risks after the pools have been installed," he said. 

"The concern is that council inspectors aren't checking correctly during the construction process, and this is leading to many potentially dangerous pools being certified as safe."

Mr Richards said the combination of water and electricity was dangerous, and it was not uncommon for electrical current to leak into swimming pools.

"Faults in pool water are relatively common, but people don't get electrocuted because of the safety system in place.

"If that safety system hasn't been completed properly and you have an intermittent fault, people can die from that."

Electrical contractors are asking swimming pool owners to plan for the earthing process and think about how it will logistically be feasible before installing aesthetic elements to the site.     

"To bond the conductive elements to the bonding grid, electrical contractors need to access to the ground around the swimming pool and underneath structures such as pool fences," Mr Richards said.   

"Often the electrician is brought onto site to complete the electrical safety requirements after the tiles and cement have been laid.  This hampers the bonding process considerably."

"Pool owners who are unsure of the safety of their pools should have them inspected and tested by a Master Electrician."

October 2009

Media: David Melloy 1300 889 198.