Swimming Pool Regulations and Electrical Safety

Summer is here, and that means people are hitting the pools. Most people understand basic pool safety as it relates to swimming, fencing, and keeping unsupervised kids away from the water.

But did you know that there are electrical code requirements and swimming pool regulations that can impact your safety in other ways?

Most pools come with their own sets of electrical parts and equipment. Your pool generally has a pump and a filter, for example. You might also have a heater and electric lighting in your pool.

That means if you’re installing a pool this summer here in Durham, you’re probably going to need the help of a licensed electrician. And if you already have a pool that’s not up to code you’ll need an electrician to come out and rectify the situation right away.

How can you tell if your pool is up to code?

First, look at overhead phones and power lines. The power lines have to be at least 22.5 feet above water level. Phone lines must be at least 10 feet from water level.

Next, make sure your pool is connected to a GFCI outlet. Remember, GFCI outlets are a necessity any time an electrical outlet is going to be near water for any reason.

Next, your pump and filter should be properly configured. Usually this means an 120-volt pump on a 20-amp circuit.

There are underground wiring requirements as well, which of course you can’t see. Those underground wires should be at least 5 feet from the edge of the pool.

In general, if everything else looks to be in order you can probably assume the underground wiring is in order.

These regulations apply to spas as well as pools.

Be safe this summer! If you suspect that your pool or spa is not up to code or you need help installing your pool’s electrical equipment, call us. We’re your home town electricians serving Chapel Hill, Cary, and the rest of the Triangle area.

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