Grounded vs Ungrounded pools

I got my PM about 6 weeks ago and my cardiologist said it is no problem for me to resume swimming with no restrictions. He did say that it would be probably be best to swim in grounded pools. I have spoken to a couple people who have been swimming at our local YMCA that is ungrounded and never had a problem. Is this a concern as most older pools are ungrounded. thanks TFR

5 Comments

Fear and Ignorance

by oldearthworm - 2015-11-02 05:11:49

This is one of these F & I things , in my opinion . If a lightening bolt were to strike a swimming pool, grounded or not , I think that some trouble would ensue ....Or if some dropped their plugged into 240 volt air compressor into the occupied pool, bad things could happen ..
otherwise, lets stay out of swimming pools during an electrical storm ...

I don't think a problem

by Theknotguy - 2015-11-02 05:11:49

I feel you're more in danger of picking up some water borne bug than having a problem with electricity and the pool not being grounded.

We have several members (including myself) who get around higher voltages without any problems to the pacemaker.

The only time you'd have to worry was if there was a dead short in the pool and you'd be in danger of electrocution. That would be a serious threat to anyone.

After you've had the pacemaker for a while you find out that most of the warnings are just that - warnings. Put there to prevent a lawsuit in case of a bizarre accident. It's really hard for the newbies to try to figure out what is a real warning and what is fake. Most are fake.

One person said their pacemaker was affected by a big box store security system. As proof they pulled up a report on the internet that said pacemakers could be affected by store security systems. When you went to the store security manufacturer, they had put a warning on their system because one person said they had been affected and because there was a newspaper article that said another person had been affected. No scientific testing, just someone saying they had been affected. So two people out of approximately three million pacemaker owners who might have been affected. You shouldn't be surprised if you see me being skeptical.

Same for the doctors. if you put your big toe in the water and drop over dead from the shock of the cold water he can say he warned you.

Don't push it too hard the first few times you're back in the water. Water exercise can really pull on the scar tissue. So you may feel what feels like tearing of the scar tissue until it gets stretched out.

Hope your swimming exercise goes well.

thanks

by TFRDDS - 2015-11-05 04:11:20

yes your both right. As a newbie It seems like the docs and manufacturers warn against everything in case there is a ever a problem to protect them selves.TR

Pool Safety & Electrical Grounding

by donr - 2015-11-05 05:11:17

Is a very serious subject - not one to be taken lightly. it is also NOT just something warned about by lawyers trying to protect the wallets of their employers.

It became serious enough back in the early 60's to motivate the NFPA (National Fire protection Association) to get it added to their NEC (National Electric Code) in 1968.
Subjects are not added to the NEC capriciously and without reason. Just about every item in there is written in the blood of someone, somewhere. Granted, some are pretty low probability of occurrence. but the potential for disaster is in every paragraph.

The problem protected against is NOT necessarily the water. That is usually pretty well grounded. The protection is aimed at surrounding metallic components of the "Pool," whether it be a huge swimming pool, hot tub, kiddie pool, Jacuzzi in your bathroom or a plain vanilla bath tub. Every one of therm has the potential to fry you.

There are two parts to the NEC standards - BONDING & GROUNDING.

Bonding is the electrical connection of any conducting material associated with or w/i 5 feet of the body of water. This includes ladders, signs, Rebar in the concrete of the container, fencing, pumps, light fixtures - ANYTHING conducting at all w/i 5 ft of the water. Bonding ensures that every stray (Or not-so-stray) conductor is thus guaranteed to be at the same electrical voltage & it cannot give you a shock - or electrocute you.

Grounding is the second part of the equation, & it connects that BOND discussed in the last paragraph to old Mother Earth (THE GROUND), thus keeping you from becoming an item on the menu of a local fast food joint - "Fried Swimmer."

The real problem is that while you (or a non-PM/ICD hosting human) is in the water, you are pretty safe, since the water is probably grounded through contact w/metal plumbing system components. But if you or your non-hosting compatriot reach out & touch an unbonded, ungrounded fence (for instance), YOU become the bonding agent & join the menu of the aforementioned fast food joint.

Unfortunately, the complementary situation - grounded fence, insulated body of water (all plastic supply system) can also become a killer if a short circuit to the water exists from an electrical component of the system. You are blissfully doggy paddling around, grab the fence & become the menu item - hot dog!

So, guys, let's be a little less cavalier about this issue.

Donr

Y Pool

by BillH - 2015-11-08 03:11:50

First DonR has it exactly right.

But how do you know that the Y pool is not bonded? If there has been any kind of upgrades or repairs in the last 30-50 years it's most likely bonded.

And if you ask someone at the Y about this no matter what they say then ask them if they know what bonding is?

You know you're wired when...

Muggers want your ICD, not your wallet.

Member Quotes

I am just thankful that I am alive and that even though I have this pacemaker it is not the end of the world.