Cafe lights are popular. Also referred to as bistro lighting. Or just string lights. They add a night time atmosphere and cool cafe/entertaining vibe to any space they are in. We love and enjoy cafe lights just as much as the next person…however NOT when they are anywhere near your swimming pool.
Here are just a few of the top reasons you should NEVER string lights above your pool:
- Death. If the string lights come down, and are live, or even if they come down and are not live – they can really and truly kill someone. If a mishap happens, hopefully your GFCI is in place, and works properly, and trips the high voltage circuit before it can hurt someone. But what if it doesn’t trip? What if it isn’t working? What if the outlet you plugged into doesn’t even have a GFCI? Do the math. Don’t do it.
- Electrocution. If you are vacuuming the pool, or skimming it with your wonderful long telescoping pole that either goes from 6′ to 12′ or from 8′ to 16′, or if you are a true pool pole wielder and have one even longer, what happens when you hit the lights and get a zap? Don’t do it.
- Electrical Code. True, we all love reading code books and finding out what the rules are. In the case of electricity though, it’s worth finding out! The 2014 NEC (National Electric Code) states you must have at least a 10′ clearance above water level. (Pool building codes also states nothing can be built withing 10′ of a house, just FYI). So that is a no to power lines, extension cords, Christmas lights, string lights or cafe lights strung above the water! This is one rule book you should follow. So, Don’t do it.
- Toys. Fun. Playing. What happens if you are playing volleyball, okay, night volleyball and the ball hits the string of lights, and it comes down, or a bulb, and they SHATTER glass all over your pool, and your people in the pool, around the pool, and watching the fun and games in the pool. Don’t do it!
- Pinterest. (link included full of BAD ideas for lights around your pool). Ideas are awesome. However, not when there are ambient cafe/string lights strung above a swimming pool. Sure it looks pretty. But it’s pretty dangerous. JUST DON’T DO IT. EVER!!
String your lights on your back porch, around your yard, under your pergola, and make sure they are no where near your pool. Then enjoy your ambient and amazing space.
If you need more light around your pool, consider some low voltage lighting that can be installed around your pool and patio area, to give you more useable time with the pool, also create an amazing space, and best of all, will not be dangerous/hazardous/or kill someone!
To Recap. Cafe Lights. String Lights. and anything that has a cord you plug into a regular outlet. Don’t do it around the pool. After all, you wouldn’t plug in your hair dryer and allow it to fall into a pool, would you? Don’t do it!