Swimming pools are a fantastic addition to any property, especially in a place like Bali where the weather is warm and sunny year-round. However, the infrastructure that keeps your pool clean and functioning, such as the pump room, is often overlooked, especially if it’s hidden from view. Many homeowners opt to build their pool pump rooms underground to save space and keep their gardens tidy. However, this seemingly practical choice can introduce a range of safety hazards and maintenance issues that need serious consideration.
The Risks of Underground Pump Rooms
One of the most significant dangers of an underground pump room is the risk of flooding. Heavy rains, common in tropical climates, can quickly inundate a below-ground space if it is not properly sealed and designed. This flooding can lead to:
- Electrical shorts: Water and electrical circuits are a deadly combination. When water comes into contact with the electrical components of your pool pump, it can cause short circuits, which can damage your equipment and, more seriously, pose a fatal risk of electrocution to anyone who comes into contact with the water.
- Pump damage: Submersion in water can severely damage your pool pump and filtration system, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
- Dangerous access: Underground pump rooms are often difficult to access, requiring homeowners or maintenance workers to navigate through narrow, wet, and poorly lit spaces. These conditions can make routine maintenance both challenging and dangerous.
- Corrosive environment: Underground pump rooms are often damp and poorly ventilated, creating a corrosive atmosphere that can degrade electrical installations, pipes, and other equipment. The combination of moisture and chlorine gas from the pool can accelerate corrosion, leading to premature failure of components.
Real-Life Examples of the Dangers
The dangers of poorly designed pump rooms aren’t just theoretical. There have been numerous instances where these setups have led to serious incidents. One example is the case of a gardener who was nearly electrocuted while trying to bail out a flooded underground pump room. The water had entered the pump room due to a manhole cover being at ground level and easily flooded, causing the circuit breaker to trip and potentially putting anyone in contact with the water in severe danger.
Why Do We End Up with Dangerous Pump Rooms?
Many older pump rooms were built with very little consideration for safety and practicality. Some have very poor access, which is often combined with bad lighting, water on the floor, and exposed electrical wires. The designs sometimes seem to prioritize aesthetics or space-saving over the safety of the people who need to maintain them. This situation may have resulted from an attitude that disregarded the well-being of maintenance personnel.
The Ideal Pump Room
Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way. A safe and efficient pump room should be:
- At ground level: Building your pump room at ground level eliminates the risk of flooding and makes access much easier.
- Well-ventilated: Proper ventilation is crucial to remove corrosive chlorine gasses and keep the space dry.
- Properly lit: A working light ensures that maintenance can be done safely and efficiently.
- Well-laid out: Equipment should be installed so that it is easily accessible, making maintenance and repairs less of a hassle.
- Safe electrical installations: Electrical cables should be well-insulated and installed according to safety standards.
Modern construction practices should always prioritize safety and practicality. When building a pool pump room, avoid underground spaces. Choose a design that allows for easy maintenance and ensures that no one is put at unnecessary risk.
