An above-ground pool is a great place to cool off in the heat of the summer. It offers many of the benefits of an in-ground pool at a reduced price. To prevent issues on your property, there are some electrical requirements to consider when you decide to install an above-ground pool.
These requirements determine where the pool can go, what changes must be made before installation, and whether your home can even accommodate the new pool. Answer these questions before making any decisions. Let’s walk through some key considerations.
Electrical Requirements
The most significant electrical requirement an above-ground pool has involves the pump. Pool pumps have significant power requirements that must be accounted for beforehand. A pool pump outlet often requires a 120-volt outlet with three prongs. If you only have a two-prong outlet, it won’t support the pool’s electrical demand.
Pool filters and equipment should be plugged into a dedicated circuit due to their intense power demands. Doing so prevents the filter from causing issues that will cascade throughout your electrical system. Having the right kind of outlet will make it easier to run your pool pump.
In some scenarios, you can run an extension cord to the pool until something more permanent can be installed. While this solution can work in the short term, keep in mind not every extension cord is built for the job. The cord must be either a #12 or #10 gauge cord. If a smaller cord is used, it will quickly burn out and stop working.
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Factors to Consider for Your Electrical Panel
When setting up an above-ground pool, there are also other requirements you need to be aware of regarding your electrical panel. You need to make sure the panel can handle the power demands of the pool. This is especially true for older homes not designed to cater to the amount of electrical devices and appliances we have today.
The best way to determine whether your electrical panel can handle this additional demand is by talking to a licensed electrician. The next time you schedule electrical services for your home, ask the electrician to look at your electrical panel. They will tell you if it can handle an above-ground pool on top of your current electrical devices and appliances.
Overhead Electrical Lines
One of the most important things to consider when installing an above-ground pool is if any electrical lines run above where the pool will go. In the best-case scenario, there will be no electrical lines running over the pool. This scenario would prevent the lines from snapping and falling into the pool, causing electrocution for those inside.
However, there are general requirements you can follow when it comes to overhead electrical lines. Utility lines running over a pool should be at least 22.5 feet above the water level or the base of the diving platform. Communication cables should be at least 10 feet above the water level of the diving platform’s base.
Underground Wiring
Electrical lines below the pool are just as important as those running above its surface. Underground wiring follows even more strict rules. No wires can run beneath the pool itself, and no underground wires can run within five feet of the perimeter of the pool.
The only exception is in rare cases where there is no room for wires to run except within five feet of the pool’s perimeter. In this case, the wire can be placed there as long as it’s installed in a protected area.
Outlet Receptacles
Electrical outlets can be dangerous when they are near water. If water splashes on an outlet, it can create a flow of electricity in the water nearby. If someone comes in contact with the water, they could suffer an electrical shock. Invest in an electrical outlet that prioritizes safety for your above-ground pool.
Make sure any outlets near the pool are GFCI only. This type of outlet shuts off automatically if it comes into contact with water, keeping people nearby safe. You can have these outlets installed when you receive professional electrical installation services for your pool and property.
Electrical Installation and Repair Services for Pools
Several factors impact the installation of an above-ground pool. You should be prepared to make electrical changes to meet these above-ground pool electrical requirements. The professionals at WM Henderson are here to help simplify the process. Our expert electricians in Conshohocken, PA, are ready to take on any electrical job you have.
We can upgrade any electrical systems you need to make an above-ground pool an option for your home. Our team of expert electricians also offer other types of electrical services such as lighting installation, power outlet replacement, whole-house generator maintenance, and light switch installation. Give our professionals a call at (484) 206-8594 to book an appointment.