How to Wire a Wet Border Swimming Pool

Whether the wet border around your swimming pool consists of concrete, pavers, stone, gardens or sod, electrical wiring should include ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for safety. If there is ever a leak or fault in the circuit, the GFCI will automatically shut down the electrical connection. All outlets and circuit breakers must be GFCIs. In most locations, a 5-foot setback from the edge of the pool needs to be adhered to for underground electrical wiring, except for wiring that leads directly to pool lighting or other pool equipment. Strict guidelines for the installation of outdoor electrical wiring are enforced by local building departments.

Underground feeder (UF) cable
PVC conduit, connectors, couplings and straps
Rigid weatherproof elbow and extension
Shovel
GFCI outlets
GFCI circuit breakers

Instructions

- 1
  Contact your local building department to obtain a permit. Many places will require that a licensed electrician submit drawings and do the installation.
- 2
  Shut off the electricity at the main switch box. If the GFCI circuit breaker is installed inside the house, cut a small hole in the exterior cladding and install a weatherproof elbow.
- 3
  Dig an 18-inch deep (minimum) trench with a shovel, extending from the house to the pool equipment.
- 4
  Install conduit from the GFCI circuit breaker box attached to the house through the rigid weatherproof elbow and extension and down into the trench. The rigid conduit must be installed everywhere the wiring is exposed above the ground. In some locations, conduit does not have to be used underground as long as UF electrical cable is used. Check your local building department for details. Install all conduit connectors and circuit breakers as detailed in the plan that was prepared for the electrical permit.
- 5
  String the electrical cable through the conduit and into the trench, extending from the house to the pool equipment. Connect electrical cable to the circuit breaker and the pool equipment.
- 6
  Contact your local building department for a site inspection before filling in the trench, if required. Fill in the trench when complete.

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