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Electricity And Pool Don't Mix

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By PAUL ROTH The Orlando Sentinel

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 28, 2008

I am building a pool, and we have an electrical receptacle on the back wall of our house. The swimming pool contractor says we have to cover up that outlet and set up another one farther from the pool. Is this necessary?

Yes or no, depending upon your circumstances. The National Electrical Code requires at least one outdoor ground-fault circuit interrupter receptacle to be placed between 10 and 20 feet from the water's edge.

Another separate NEC code requires that all outdoor receptacles be at least 10 feet from the pool water's edge, unless that measurement is made through any door or window.

There is another little-used electrical code that comes into play in rare circumstances. If the pool is going to occupy all of the available space within the legal boundaries of your property, taking into account all setbacks, and there is nowhere for a receptacle to be placed more than 10 feet from the water's edge, then the minimum distance to the pool is reduced to 5 feet. Check with your local municipality before proceeding for this little-known code (NEC 680-22-A,4) to be used.

"All new and most existing outdoor receptacles are required to be protected by a GFCI device," says Larry Brown, master electrician at Mid-Florida Pools in Orlando

The required use of this specific type of receptacle greatly reduces the potential for a shocking hazard in the pool area.

If you are considering a pool, make sure electrical issues are resolved before construction begins, Brown advises. Be sure a licensed, insured and trained electrician does the work.

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