Hi,
With the blisteringly hot weather we've been having over the last few weeks (in the UK) we decided that when the pool hit 21 deg C (a gnat's elbow under 70 F) we would brave a dip, and set a new early-start record. We have a cover so the pool is effectively solar heated. Yesterday evening we opened the pool and gingerly crawled in. Yes, it was rather nippy but OK for a few quick lengths. We hadn't been in for more than a minute when the heavens opened with a terrific storm. The rain fell in huge pounding drops and the noise was tremendous: we could hear thunder a few miles away. Now it is quite exhilarating to swim when it's raining, and the noise just adds to the excitement. But then I thought 'What would happen if lightning struck the pool or the cover?'.
The cover is made of an aluminium arched framework with polycarbonate sheets. I guess the polyc wouldn't offer much resistance. I've read that many indoor pools are closed in thunderstorms (as the The National Lightning Safety Institute recommends), and also that this is tosh, as recorded injuries from lightning strike on indoor pools are zero. I can't find much comment on swimming in an outdoor pool during a thunderstorm.
Anyway, prudence, cowardice and lack of knowledge took over and we left the pool (only to return later when the thunder drifted away). We we're probably in more danger getting out of the pool, standing there drenched like, well, use your imagination.
Does anyone have any info or advice on swimming during a thunderstorm, in an open pool, and in our Faraday Cage?
Regards.
With the blisteringly hot weather we've been having over the last few weeks (in the UK) we decided that when the pool hit 21 deg C (a gnat's elbow under 70 F) we would brave a dip, and set a new early-start record. We have a cover so the pool is effectively solar heated. Yesterday evening we opened the pool and gingerly crawled in. Yes, it was rather nippy but OK for a few quick lengths. We hadn't been in for more than a minute when the heavens opened with a terrific storm. The rain fell in huge pounding drops and the noise was tremendous: we could hear thunder a few miles away. Now it is quite exhilarating to swim when it's raining, and the noise just adds to the excitement. But then I thought 'What would happen if lightning struck the pool or the cover?'.
The cover is made of an aluminium arched framework with polycarbonate sheets. I guess the polyc wouldn't offer much resistance. I've read that many indoor pools are closed in thunderstorms (as the The National Lightning Safety Institute recommends), and also that this is tosh, as recorded injuries from lightning strike on indoor pools are zero. I can't find much comment on swimming in an outdoor pool during a thunderstorm.
Anyway, prudence, cowardice and lack of knowledge took over and we left the pool (only to return later when the thunder drifted away). We we're probably in more danger getting out of the pool, standing there drenched like, well, use your imagination.
Does anyone have any info or advice on swimming during a thunderstorm, in an open pool, and in our Faraday Cage?
Regards.