Dying to go into the Spa
The following question was asked during Ray’s seminar “Avoiding Claims and Court” at the Western Pool & Spa Show
Question:
I was recently called to a job to bid a residential swimming pool heater repair. When I arrived I noticed that the venturi pipe for the spa jets was installed very close to the heater and I’m concerned that carbon monoxide fumes could mix with the air and travel to the spa. How should I handle this? I have yet to provide the bid.
Answer:
This is a very serious situation. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and I’m concerned the spa users inhaling the fumes could suffer serious harm. I would have disabled the jet motor and tagged the equipment to indicate the dangerous condition. Next I would contact the pool owner to explain the situation and follow up with a certified letter documenting the hazard and the risk involved to spa users. In some municipalities it may be possible to get the involvement of the gas company or in the case of a commercial pool, the health department.
Kudos for recognizing the importance of this situation. A pool tech’s primary job is to maintain pool safety and in many states you have a legal duty, even though you were called for an issue unrelated to the venturi pipe.
1 Comment
Ben
One could also add about $10 of PVC to the venturi pipe to move it away from the heater. Don’t know how far, use your smart phone, goggle the heaters manufacturer’s manual and get the info.