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Pool Subpanel

2K views 19 replies 4 participants last post by  Glennsparky 
#1 ·
Hello. I'm going to install an above ground spa sometime in the next month or so. I got to thinking. What if I decide to put in a pool as well in the next couple of years. Should I go ahead and install a 100 amp subpanel in the backyard instead of a spa disconnect? This should be plenty for the pool and spa. Can I use the subpanel as the spa disconnect?

The other thing is the wiring run will be about 140ft. Can someone tell me what size wire to use?
 
#5 ·
Will the new panel be on your house or like, on a post in the backyard? (same structure vs seperate structure.)

Will your electric run miss the pool by at least 5 feet? If not, remeasure staying at least 5 feet from the water's edge.

Will you be pouring concrete with rebar for the spa slab?

Some, one pump, one light pools chug along at five amps. If that's your future pool 100A is waay too much.

Some pools have five pumps, two heat pumps, computer controls, slides and waterfalls. 100A is too small.

What else will be run from the new panel? Summer kitchen, shed/work shop, kiln, electric car, stadium lighting.
 
#7 ·
I was going to mount it on the side of the house. The city setback is only 3ft from the property line and the house. I don't have anywhere I could run this that would be more than 5ft away. It has to be that far even buried?

I would go through the attic but there is 1 section where the 1st and 2nd floor attics aren't connected so there is no way to run wire between them.

The house is on a slab so no crawlspace.

The slab is existing with rebar in it. I'm not pouring a new one.

I haven't bought the spa yet but the ones I've looked at require either a 50 or 60 amp circuit for them. The pool will have 1 main pump, a booster pump for the cleaner, maybe a gas heater and 1 or 2 led lights.

I'll only put the spa and pool equipment on this panel.
 
#9 · (Edited)
The 2011 National Electrial Code does not allow PVC schedule 80 for pools. So running pipe on the side of the house may only be allowed in rigid (RMC) or intermediate (IMC). Only your AHJ (inspector) can answer what is allowed for your situation.

Do you have sectional soffits? Some can be popped in and out. And are they continuous around the house? Pop out one end and the other end and you can slide pipe across the whole wall of the house.

Sorry, I wasn't clear about the 5'. It's only for underground runs.
 
#10 ·
The 2011 National Electrial Code does not allow PVC schedule 80 for pools. So running pipe on the side of the house may only be allowed in rigid (RMC) or intermediate (IMC). Only your AHJ (inspector) can answer what is allowed for your situation.
This is not true at all. And also a VERY broad statement. PVC is widely used for pool feeders and equipment circuits.

As long as the conduit is not subject to physical damage PVC is FINE. Along the side of the house is a judgement call. Unless it is along a driveway typically this is not an area subject to damage, just like SE cable.
The inspector is not a design reference. He can tell you what code cycle you are under, but is not meant to be used as a consultant. Of course, some are OK with it.
 
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#11 ·
I'm starting to think I might just skip the whole prefab spa and do a built in. The cement ones =aren't comfortable but it looks like I don't have much choice.

If I don't need the monster 50 amp circuit for the spa the wire size decreases dramatically and they might be able to run it in the attic.

The soffits are all 1 long piece and trimmed in so taking them out doesn't look easy.

If I don't do the spa and just have it built into the pool I'll let the pool builder do all of the electrical. I was just looking at getting the spa this year and the pool in the next year or so.

Thanks for your help. I appreciate it.

I'll go ahead and call the AHJ and see what they say as well.

I'll go ahead and attach a drawing of my backyard just in case you see something I'm missing.

The electrical will have to come up the right side. The red area is an extended patio they poured when the house was built. I was going to set the spa in that area. and mount the sub panel and pool equipment somewhere to the left of where is says 537.8. that is a covered patio with a wall.

 
#16 ·
I'm starting to think I might just skip the whole prefab spa and do a built in. The cement ones =aren't comfortable but it looks like I don't have much choice.[/IMG]
I've seen a cement pool with a molded fiberglass spa. The spa was inset in the deck and had an overflow/waterfall into the pool. Same as a cement/cement pool/spa combo.

Tone100, the soffits are easy once you get the hang of it.
 
#17 ·
So it looks like I'm OK on the run. Does 100 amps look sufficient?
100A is huge. But it's your money. The largest, spa/2 pool pumps/lights scenario is about 75A.
Also are there any rules on distances for a above ground hot tub from a pool?
No. There is a bond wire, that is seperate from power wiring, that goes from pool equipment to spa equip. And an Equipotential Bonding Grid. But the pool contractor will sort those out. No biggie.
 
#20 · (Edited)
Based on 75*C or better rated terminations and wire, 240V for all pumps and heaters, 3% or less Voltage Drop.

#8 copper insulated green for the ground. Unless the spa instructions specify larger.

Neutral - White. If Cu, same size as the ground or #6 AL. Again, larger, if spa specs require.

90A double pole breaker. 75A load. Two hots:
#2 aluminum
#4 copper

100A DP brkr. 100A load. Two hots:
#1 AL
#3 Cu
 
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