Water and electricity simply don’t mix, as they can lead to dangerous situations like electrocution. This may cause you to worry if you’re planning on adding a hot tub to your home. Fortunately, you can do so safely if you pay attention to the electrical safety tips we’ll discuss below.
Use a GFCI Outlet
When plugging in your hot tub, you should never use an extension cord. Rather, the cord for your hot tub should plug directly into your exterior outlet. It’s common practice to only use GFCI outlets outside your home. These outlets are specifically designed to prevent electrical shock by cutting off the flow of electricity to the outlet if it gets too wet. GFCI outlets are easily distinguishable thanks to their rectangular shape alongside their test and reset buttons.
Know the Tub’s Necessary Operating Voltage
Whenever you’re going to be plugging in an appliance like a hot tub, it’s vitally important that you know what the necessary operating voltage is. You want to ensure that whatever outlet you’re using is designed to handle a voltage of that caliber or more. It’s important to note that some larger hot tubs can require a much higher voltage than is put in standard outlets. Additionally, some older homes may not have outdoor outlets with a high enough voltage for this type of appliance. You may need to hire an electrician to upgrade the voltage to ensure you can run your hot tub safely.
Inspect Underwater Lighting Regularly
It’s important to make it a habit to check any underwater lighting that your hot tub may have to ensure it’s in good working condition. There are a couple of different red flags that you want to keep an eye out for that will indicate there’s an issue. These include an ozone-like smell, a buzzing noise, and lights that are flickering, dull, or not functioning. If you have one of these issues, you should turn off the power to your hot tub and have an electrician repair the problem.
Keep a Clear 5-Foot Radius
When you start spending time in your hot tub, you may want to bring some of the electronic conveniences you’re used to closer to the area where you are. It’s important to always keep electronics at least five feet away from your hot tub. This means everything from stereos and refrigerators to light strands and smartphones. This distance helps to ensure that these items are far enough away from the water that they won’t be able to fall in.
Cover Outdoor Receptacles
It’s very important that you take the time to cover your outdoor GFCI outlets to protect them from adverse weather conditions. Ideally, you’ll want to purchase covers that can continue providing coverage even though your hot tub is plugged into them. This will help to protect the integrity of the connection and prevent water from being introduced into the GFCI outlet.
Unplug When Not in Use
Another good rule of thumb is to unplug your hot tub when it’s not in use. By doing this consistently, you can rest assured that your hot tub won’t be plugged in during any nasty thunderstorm events. Furthermore, it’s a good habit to drain your hot tub during times of the year when you aren’t using it. This will help to deter children and animals from trying to enter your hot tub.
Get Annual Inspections
It’s always good practice to have your electrical system inspected on an annual basis. At this inspection time, have your electrician inspect your hot tub outlet and ensure that it’s still in good working condition. Additionally, you want to ensure that the circuit breaker for your hot tub is well-labeled and everyone in your house knows where it is. This can go a long way in allowing you to respond quickly when anything unexpected happens.
Reliable Electrician Service
Stott Brothers Electric offers reliable electrician service for homeowners throughout the entire Treasure Coast, FL area. We can assist with all your panel upgrade, fan, fixture, generator, landscaping lighting, interior lighting, surge protection, EV charging, outlet, and electrical repair needs. Call us today to book an appointment with one of our electricians.
