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What are the wiring requirements and code specs for an above ground swimming pool? The pool filter is a Heyward Perflex with a 1 horse 13.8 amp max, cord and plug motor.
I want to run a dedicated 20amp line from my panel in the front of my house to a switch box in my half basement in the rear of the house. From there, out through the wall, in plastic conduit 3/4″ about 80′ away to a GFCI in an outdoor box at the filter base about 6’away from the pool. The filter sits on patio blocks and is exposed to the weather, not in any enclosure.
1. If I also want to run some low voltage lighting around the perimeter of the pool, can I use this circuit?
2. Any thoughts on using outdoor underground romex instead of running my wire through conduit?
3. Is a GFI breaker needed at the panel to protect the the entire circuit from the switch to the receptacle at filter, or just a GFI at the filter?
Thanks, Jeff
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Can only give you one opinion. Run it in conduit and add another run. Might want speakers or a phone or other some such pool crappola. Don't used underground romex.
*Jeff, our code requires conduit, no UF, minimum 18 inches in the ground, GFCI and a weather cover over the plug(s). I don't remember if there was a specific height above ground for the box. Since this is a motor it should be on a dedicated circuit. You could also spring for the GFCI circuit breaker.Run another line to a weather tight junction box and from there you can run your low voltage lighting and additional outlets (GFCI, of course).FWIW, don't bother with the phone lines. I put one in 15 years ago and never used it. Got portable phone.And, since I'm typing and you didn't ask... while you're having fun trenching, run some water line out there too. Then you can build a fancy shower and also have water available to refill the pool after a big splash party without dragging the hose from the house.
*Thanks for the replys, I'll stick with the cordless phone.If I wanted to run only one circuit to wire the receptacle for the filter motor, and feed off that one for the lighting, would you recommend tapping off the load side of the GFI for the filter for an additional outlet or running a forth (red) wire in the conduit?What's the longest straight run that you pulled wire through?I have about a 60' straight run from the filter along the back of the property then a 90 degree right turn and another 50' straight run to the basement and I don't have much experience pulling wire so could you walk me through the procedure?Many thanks, Jeff
*All good advice. In addition, to paraphrase section 680-6 of the 1999 NEC, the receptacle for the pump has to be no closer than 5 feet and no more than 10 feet from the pool and is supposed to be a single locking type receptacle (oddly enough the pump motors always seem to have a standard plug end). It is to be GFCI protected. All other receptacles are to be located at least 10 feet from the pool and there has to be at least one other receptacle installed not closer than 10 feet or not further than 20 feet from the pool. All receptacles within 20 feet of the pool are to be GFCI protected.Revised for 1999 is 680-12 which says a disconnecting means shall be provided and be within sight of the pool and be at least 5 feet from the pool. I suppose it could be argued the plug is a disconnecting means.See section 680-22 for bonding requirements. Your local codes may vary from this.