Swimming Pools, Wading Pools and Similar Installations

Swimming and wading pools and similar installations can be installed both indoors and outdoors, permanent or storable and may or may not be supplied by electrical circuits.

Failure to install these units correctly can result in death, serious bodily injury and/or property damage.

Unique construction codes and ordinances have been created because of this earth-water-electricity-human body environment dangers.  Some of the electrical special requirements are outlined below:

  • All metal part(s) in proximity of pool are required to be bonded.

  • Underground conduit and wires have restriction on locations, depth and types of conduit and wire.

  • Overhead wires have restrictions on locations and clearance.

  • Equipment cord(s) have restrictions on lengths and types of receptacle and plug.

  • Depending on location, twist-lock plugs and receptacles may be required.

  • Grounding between service panelboard and pool equipment sub-panel is required.

  • Lighting fixture(s) have restrictions on locations and may require ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection.

  • Landscape lighting has restrictions on locations and may require ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection.

  • Underwater wet-niche lighting has requirements on locations, bonding, listing/labeling, potting of connections and segregation of conductors.

  • Underwater wet-niche lighting junction boxes have restrictions on locations, bonding, listing/labeling, and splicing.

  • Receptacle(s) have restrictions on locations, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection and in some locations, twist lock receptacle and plugs.

  • Equipment has restrictions on locations, and ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection.

  • Disconnects switch(s) have restrictions on locations, type and sizes.

  • Working clearance must be maintained for all equipment.

If you have any questions or doubts consult a qualified electrician that specializes in this type of work.

Not all electricians are familiar with the unique requirements of pool installations. We suggest having your installation be installed by a qualified electrician familiar with pool installations.

Download the Equipotential Common Bonding Grid

Questions and Answers about Pools