As the temperatures finally start to rise, we can all look forward to pool, hot tub, and spa season! If you have a pool, spa, or hot tub–or are planning on having one installed soon–you’re likely looking at plenty of electrical work, such as getting it connected properly or perhaps lighting in and around your favorite relaxation spot. Plus, let’s not forget other things, like outlets and receptacles for pumps, heaters, and more.
Though you might have some experience working on electrical projects around the house, doing any type of wiring for a hot tub, pool, or spa is best left to the experts.
All About Electrical Codes
Where you live matters, because not all regions abide by the same electrical code requirements. The electrical wiring of pools has specialized requirements as listed in the National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 680. This specification also covers spas and hot tubs (and fountains)–essentially just about any residential installation where water and electricity meet. Remember, this is a potentially deadly combination, which is why it’s so important to hire professional, licensed electricians to handle this type of work.
Here are a couple of the most important Article 680 requirements:
- Pool bonding – This is a form of grounding, but it’s not the same as a standard grounding process. Since there is a lot of area for potential contact between electricity and water, as well as the presence of equipment such as pumps and heaters, it’s of utmost importance to ensure that all safety standards are satisfied. Requirements for pool bonding include #8 solid copper wire for bonding the pool walls; pumps, heaters, and other similar equipment (as well as the pool deck in some instances) potentially in contact with water must be bonded similarly.
- Sub-panel placement – Pools require a sub-panel, which is generally branched off of your main breaker box. There are also requirements surrounding the placement of the sub-panel and pool equipment–they must be within certain distances of the pool.
Additionally, the NEC requires that any overhanging electrical cords must be kept at a safe height from the ground and people’s heads. Utility power lines that hang over a pool or spa must have a clearance of 22.5 feet over the water level, deck, or diving platform; communications cables must be at least 10 feet above.
To get an idea of just how many rules and codes must be followed for safe outdoor electrical wiring, take a quick look at Ashtabula County’s NEC Article 680 requirements as a local example.
Important Components of Pool, Hot Tub & Spa Electrical Wiring
While all electrical wiring is important–especially if it involves close contact with water–there are a few key components that must be addressed if you’re going to enjoy a soak in your pool, hot tub, or spa safely.
- Bonding: We already covered a little bit of this, but we’ll give you a more simple explanation. Bonding is when all parts of the pool (heater, pump, and ladder) are electrically connected to build a grid. If bonding does not exist, a fault in the electrical system could result in one of these parts being energized. What does that mean? Well, it means that the electrical current will then look for a less-energized component to pass itself onto. That obviously includes humans, which is something we want to avoid at all costs.
- Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI): You’re probably familiar with GFCI outlets around your home. A GFCI monitors the level of flowing electrical current and shuts off instantly if it detects an improper balance. GFCIs are a must in any areas where there may be contact with water, which is why you’ll find them in your kitchen and in bathrooms. If you own a pool, a GFCI is a requirement and should be installed to code standards by a licensed electrician. If it’s not properly installed, the GFCI will not do its job–and that means it will not protect you.
- Grounding: This process involves attaching powered equipment to the ground. If a fault occurs in the system, which causes extra current to pass through the panel, it will be absorbed by the ground at the same time the circuit breaker trips–this will immediately shut off power.
In-Ground and Above-Ground Pool Electrical Wiring Requirements
For in-ground pools, there are certain electrical requirements and rules that must be followed. One example is that underground wires running under the pool are prohibited. Additionally, electrical lines can run no less than 5 feet from the sides of the pool or spa–the only exceptions being for wires and appliances connected to the pool for operation.
As previously mentioned, a GFCI circuit breaker is required for the electrical equipment near and around your pool or spa. This includes:
- Underwater pool lights with 15V or higher
- Outlet receptacles within 20 feet of the pool
- Electric pool covers
- Pool pump motor receptacles
- Lights within 10 feet of the pool’s edge (unless the lights are more than 5 feet above the water level)
Receptacles for pumps and motors must be GFCI-protected and are required to be located within 6 to 10 feet of the pool walls; no other outlet receptacles should be closer than 6 feet if protected by GFCI or closer than 20 feet if not protected. All in-ground pools require a minimum of one GFCI-protected electrical outlet between 6 and 20 feet from the pool’s edge.
Many of these requirements apply to above-ground pools as well, though with some modifications. Most above-ground pool pumps are 120V and use a three-prong plug for connection; ideally, this should be plugged into a dedicated circuit. If it’s sharing a circuit with other appliances in your home, it’s going to draw too much power and cause your breaker to trip. Similar to in-ground pools, any electrical outlets near your pool should be GFCI-protected.
Rules for Hot Tubs and Spas
Yes, spas and hot tubs that are not built into your swimming pool have their own sets of rules.
- Outlet receptacles must be at least 6 feet away from your hot tub or spa, and they must be GFCI-protected if closer than 10 feet.
- Wall switches must be a minimum of 5 feet from the water in the spa or hot tub.
- Outlets or direct-wired circuits powering the motor or heater in a spa or hot tub must be GFCI-protected, regardless of distance from the unit.
- Lights or ceiling fans must be at least 12 feet above the hot tub or spa if not GFCI-protected, at least 7.5 feet away if they are protected.
Also, for permanently installed pools or spas, a maintenance disconnect is required for all equipment with the exception of lighting in the pool or spa. This essentially provides a method of shutting down all conductors simultaneously, and the disconnecting device should be installed quite visibly near the pool or spa, but not within 5 feet of the water unless it’s separated by a barrier.
How Connected Electrical Can Help With Hot Tubs, Spas & Pools
We’ve given you a lot of information to digest–but that was intentional. Because, unless you’re a licensed electrician with experience wiring pools, spas, and hot tubs, we highly recommend leaving a complex job like this to the professionals. There are so many things to consider as far as electrical codes and regulations (including specific to your area)–Connected Electrical knows them all well and will ensure that your wiring job meets all safety codes and standards.
Electricity and water, as you know, are not a friendly mix–that’s why it’s so important for pool, spa, and hot tub electrical wiring to be done correctly and safely, so you, your friends, and family can enjoy your outdoor oasis without any worry.
Connected Electrical is here for all of your electrical needs, and our licensed electricians are ready to provide you with a Five-Star experience in all aspects of our service. Call us today at (216) 238-5314 if you live in the Greater Cleveland area, or (330) 574-4285 if you’re in the Akron/Youngstown area and let us help you get your backyard summer-ready.
