Inducing a worldwide interest
Many electrical devices for pools are used underwater—from lighting to robotic cleaners, alarms, and submerged pumps. To power these devices, it is necessary to pass a cable over the edge or into the pool to ensure a perfect connection. In Europe, safety legislation requires no plug to be placed within 2.5 m (8.2 ft) from the edge of the pool. This law originally prompted the creation and production of induction lighting for local pools and spas. Needless to say, the technology’s safety benefits, simplicity of installation, and ease of replacement has induced worldwide interest. Several industry professionals are already using this technology, which makes it faster and easier to winterize pools, replace underwater lights, and market safer lighting fixtures to consumers. Some manufacturers are even promoting induction sockets or pool plugs for devices such as underwater vacuums and floating speakers. According to the author, more than 5000 induction lights have been installed in Quebec since 2015.
Benefits of induction
There are multiple benefits of induction lighting, especially in the pool and spa industry:
Eliminates electrocution risk
Most industry professionals are familiar with the number of accidents (including fatalities) that can occur as a result of electricity flowing from a pool light into the water. Also, many service techs can suffer severe injuries or shocks when fixing light fixtures with faulty wiring. Induction lights and accessories eliminate these risks as there are no exposed wires anywhere around the water. Moreover, service techs can work in and around an underwater light fixture without even turning the power off.
Thermal dissipation heat sensors
Some manufacturers have integrated additional safety features within these induction devices to prevent them from failing. For example, some underwater pool lights are equipped with heat sensors that turn the power off when the temperature within the device reaches a certain point.
Easier removal and replacement
One the greatest benefits of using this technology is the underwater attachments are easy to remove and replace, thus saving time and effort. In addition, the pool lights are manufactured in such a way that service techs do not need to worry about leaking.
Bill Simpkins, owner of Seaside Marine and Pool in Delaware, has been installing induction lights and finds them really helpful to his business.
“I can’t stress enough how much, as a builder, we love the fact that this light won’t leak,” says Simpkins, who is primarily a builder and has a retail store, but does not do much service. “We were sold on the product and the technology because of this feature alone. It is a huge benefit to our business and clients.
“Selling this product helps us distinguish our company from our competitors,” says Simpkins.
In the busy season, Simpkins caters to his customers, but does not have a lot of available staff.
“The beauty of the product is that anyone on our staff can quickly change the light for a client. This allows us to keep our customers happy,” says Simpkins.
