[sofakng]

I'm having an above-ground pool installed and I was hoping to run the electrical myself. I've received permission from code enforcement and also had my building permit approved.

1) Pool Bonding

I know I need to run a solid copper (#8) around the entire length of the pool and attach it to at least 4 points (posts) of the pool. That same copper will then connect to the pump and to the pool skimmer (drilling a hole and buying a stainless steel insert)

How far down/away do I need to bury this copper wire?

2) Electrical Outlets

Code requires the electrical to be 6' from the pool. I'm placing the pool 10' from the house so I was thinking about putting outlets right on the siding of the house. I mentioned that in my permit application and I didn't receive any feedback?

Is this allowed or even a good idea? It would prevent me from having to dig/bury conduit and electrical wire, etc.

I just need a shutoff switch which I guess I can just place above the outlet?

I'm not sure on the specific code requirements or even how to find out. The building inspector seems nice but doesn't want to answer any questions until he comes to inspect everything...

 

[seharper]

Electric shock drowning is the thing to worry about. And it's a really big deal, you do NOT want to be on the wrong end of that situation.

And it's very easy to avoid with GFCI protection. GFCI devices can protect a downline circuit, which means the GFCI can be well back of the action.

The best thing you can do for yourself is put the GFCIs back at the circuit breaker in the panel. That removes it entirely from the pool area, so even if they somehow get the receptacle soaking wet, they still can't get shocked. As an added bonus, it's indoors and doesn't fail in 5 years lol.

Also, check out any existing outdoor outlets to the house. Last thing you need is someone getting drowned because a radio fell into the pool that someone put off an extension cord from a non-GFCI outlet. So make sure all the outdoor outlets are also GFCI protected, preferably with a GFCI indoors feeding the outlets off its LOAD line. That is not a Code requirement - old receps are grandfathered - but it beats the guilt if something goes wrong.

 

[sofakng]

Thanks seharper!

Yes, I am installing a sub-panel myself and I will be using GFCI breakers to protect the pool circuits. I was told to install one circuit for the pump and a different for the pool heater (even though it's natural gas).

I'm wondering more about the bonding and outlet location, etc?

 

[avspinball]

If you don't know about it already, this is a great site with lots of help. Also articles in pool school about bonding.
https://www.troublefreepool.com/forums/