Rules and Regulations on Inground Pool Lighting

Electric Code

• You should only install pool lighting if you are an electrician. The installation must adhere to the National Electric Code 680.25. Submerged light fixtures must be sealed in a gasket to prevent water from touching the bulb. They should be connected to a grounding conductor composed of insulated copper and installed with circuit conductors within a rigid conduit. The junction or transformer box must be grounded to the grounding terminal at the panel board and should also be water-proof. Any nearby electrical equipment must also be grounded according to regulations set in the Code.

Public Pool Regulations

• For many public pools used at night, city codes have lighting regulations that require lights that illuminate the entire pool The lights must brighten all depths of the pool so that lifeguards can determine whether a bather is lying on the bottom or needs assistance. For any public pool, the Electric Code requires that light fixtures be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter and be in encapsulated terminals. Any public pools that don't meet those requirements had to be retrofitted in 1998. Any older residential pools that did not get retrofitted may not adhere to the Code.

Maintenance

• Pool lights require special care to keep them working as intended. Since they are always submerged in water, they are designed so that submersion keeps them cool. Avoid operating the lights outside of water, or they may overheat. To service a light, remove the lens, pull it out of the niche and put it onto the pool deck. The cord should be long enough to make this possible. You might need to service the light by replacing the bulb when it burns out, which usually occurs after at least 1,000 hours of burning.

Electric Repair

• Regardless of regulations, you should not perform swimming pool electrical work unless you are a licensed electrician. Anything that appears hazardous or that you are not sure about should be checked by a professional. Never take chances when dealing with electrical devices in water. If you do decide to install your own lighting, consult the National Electric Code and your local building codes to ensure you are adhering to safety regulations.