How to Electrical Ground an Above-Ground Pool

Install all pool area wiring in rigid nonmetallic conduit, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. Connect all wiring to a pool to a circuit breaker or ground fault interruption (GFCI) plug. Provide a plug or disconnect switch within sight of any electric motor.

Connect bare copper ground wires on the source wiring to the green or copper grounding connection on any motor, pump, filtration system or other electrical device. Use wire nuts to make connections if the device does not have a strap or screw to hold the ground wire. Use only wire appropriate to the voltage of the circuit, typically 110 (115) or 220 (240) volts.

Run a number 8 copper wire, a grounding ring, around the outside of the pool, 4 to 6 inches below ground level and 18 to 24 inches from the edges of the pool. Connect this grounding ring to the pool pump motor, the pool water supply and any heating element. Bond the pool water with at least 9 square inches of metal, typically a pipe nipple in the water circulation system attached to a ground strap.

Connect any lights to a GFCI outlet or a separate circuit breaker, matching the bare grounding wire to the grounding connection on the fixture. Follow other wiring rules, such as placement of electrical outlets 6 to 10 feet from pool walls, limiting cord length for motors to 3 feet and keeping overhead wires at least 10 feet above the pool. Install underground wiring in approved conduit to prevent contact with the soil.