Home & Garden

Pool owners probably have given little thought to protecting their pool's electrical equipment from storms. Perhaps it's time they thought about it. When a lightning strike occurs, the electrical spike can be costly.

The flow of electricity is metered to be at a constant and even amount of current. Disruptions, such as surges, cause fluctuations to the electrical current that can instantly damage or destroy sensitive components, based on the amount of the extra voltage in the system. Surges cause highs and lows in the amount of current by entering the electrical highway in your home — electrical wiring, television cable and/or telephone lines.

"The momentary spike of electrical voltage can harm both high- and low-voltage pool equipment, says Ken Vierk
of Sunsational Pool Systems in Orlando, Fla.

High-voltage equipment includes the pool-pump motor, the spa air blower, heat pumps, pool and spa lights, and fiber-optic illuminators. Low-voltage power runs automation-control panels, displays and actuator valves.

The cost of replacing equipment can be expensive. For a fraction, homeowners can buy surge-protection devices.

The voltage surge-protector box is wired into the power line feeding the pool equipment. The protector unit senses the surge and disrupts the extra electricity, sending the spikes offline, and to neutral or ground wire to be safely absorbed by the ground.

Warning: This is not a do-it-yourself job since high-voltage electricity is involved. Most systems protecting pool equipment could be priced at less than $750, depending on the amount and type of equipment, and your local service rates.