This is something that we find missing on a lot of pools. There is supposed to be a bond wire attached to the pump motor. 95% of the time it is visible and attached to the outside of the moter. You can see in the picture that there is no wire at the bottom of the motor where the screw is. Without proper bonding the pool water can become electrified which can result in shock or death. Have you ever heard of someone touching the pool latter or railing on the steps and they get a tingling feeling. This is the result of improper bonding.
Posted by Bill Siegel Florida Home Inspection Team Inc.
If you have an older pool, we recommend that you check to see what type of drain cover you have. The older drain covers, shown in the lower pictures can trap a person, either their arms or hair, which in many cases has resulted in death. The newer anti vortex drain covers, shown in the first picture, have been proven to be much safer and are now required on all new pool installations. Commercial pools have been required to update their drains to the anti vortex covers. If you own a pool, you need to have your drain cover replaced if it is the older type.
Pool Intakes – Drain Covers
Drain Covers
The pool drain cover should be an anti-vortex type as shown in the first diagram. Notice that the plate on top of the drain is a solid flat plate. It is raised off of the drain and the water enters around the side of the cover.
The second drawing is of a standard drain cover. It is generally flush with the bottom of the pool and the water enters through the cover because it is more like a grate.
The danger in the standard type of cover (second diagram) is that someone could sit on top of it and be held in place by the suction. Be alert to any drain covers that are not anti-vortex and close the pool until they are brought into compliance.
This is a pool motor. There should be a bond wire attached to the motor where you see the screw. This wire creates a bond between the pool grid and motor. Without it, the water can become electrified, which can lead to shock, or in some cases, death. Have you ever heard of someone touching a railing of the pool steps and getting a small shock. This is the reason for it. As a home inspector, this is one of the first things I look for when inspecting a pool.
Posted by Bill Siegel Florida Home inspection Team Inc.
This is something that we find missing on a lot of pools. There is supposed to be a bond wire attached to the pump motor. 95% of the time it is visible and attached to the outside of the moter. You can see in the picture that there is no wire at the bottom of the motor where the screw is. Without proper bonding the pool water can become electrified which can result in shock or death. Have you ever heard of someone touching the pool latter or railing on the steps and they get a tingling feeling. This is the result of improper bonding.
This is a pool motor. There should be a bond wire attached to the motor where you see the screw. This wire creates a bond between the pool grid and motor. Without it, the water can become electrified, which can lead to shock, or in some cases, death. Have you ever heard of someone touching a railing of the pool steps and getting a small shock. This is the reason for it. As a home inspector, this is one of the first things I look for when inspecting a pool.