ELECTRICAL - POOLS

Initial Inspection: Before Concrete or Burial

• Review definitions and determine applicability of Article 680.
• Check overhead conductor clearances for conformance with requirements.
• Check underground wiring for suitability, clearances from pool, and minimum cover requirements.
• Check underwater light fixtures for locations, wiring methods, and connections to wiring methods.
• Check pool-related equipment for appropriate wiring methods.
• Check junction boxes and enclosures connecting to underwater light fixtures for listing and labeling, appropriate size and location, and proper materials.
• Check forming shells and wiring methods for underwater audio equipment.
• Verify that metal parts of pools and other nearby electrical equipment and metal parts are bonded to an appropriate common bonding grid, using appropriate methods.

Intermediate and Final Inspections

• Check pool equipment for suitability for approval.
• Check transformers and GFCI’s for identification and suitability for the purpose.
• Verify that conductors on the load side of the GFCI’s are separated from conductors not protected by GFCI’s.
• Verify that general-use receptacles are not located within 10 ft. (3.05 m) of pool walls and that all receptacles within 20 ft. (6.08 m) of pool walls are GFCI protected.
• Verify that any receptacles between 5 ft. and 10 ft. (1.52 m and 3.05 m) of pool walls that are used for pool equipment, are single, locking types, and are GFCI protected.
• Verify that at least one GFCI receptacle on a general-purpose branch circuit is installed between 10 ft. and 20 ft. (1.52 m and 3.05 m) of pool walls at dwelling units.
• Verify that lighting fixtures and ceiling fans are located so that required clearances are maintained.
• Verify that lighting fixtures and ceiling fans are GFCI protected where GFCI protection is required.
• Verify that switches are located at least 5 ft. (1.52 m) from pool walls or separated from the pool by a permanent barrier.
• Verify that pool motors rated up to 20 amperes at 125 or 240 volts are protected by GFCI’s in other than dwelling units.
• Check flexible cords (where used) for compliance with equipment grounding conductor requirements and length limitations.
• Check underwater light fixtures for locations, wiring methods, and connections to wiring methods.
• Check junction boxes and enclosures connecting to underwater light fixtures for lighting and labeling, appropriate size and location, and proper materials.
• Check forming shells and wiring methods for underwater audio equipment.
• Verify that metal parts of pools and nearby equipment and metal parts are bonded to an appropriate common bonding grid, using appropriate methods.
• Verify that all equipment required to be gounded is grounded by insulated copper equipment grounding conductors of the proper size.
• Verify that a disconnecting means is provided accessible, located within sight of pool equipment, and not located within 5 ft. (1.52 m) of pool walls.
• Check electric pool heaters for subdivision of heating elements and sizing of branch-circuit conductors.
• Check equipment rooms or pits or adequate drainage.
• Check electrically operated pool covers for proper motor location, motor enclosure, and GFCI protection.
• Check deck-area heaters for suitability and proper clearances from pool.

Storable Swimming Pool Inspections

• Review definitions and determine applicability of Part C of Article 680.
• Verify that cord-connected pool pumps are double insulated, and the internal metal parts are grounded through a grounding-type attachment plug.
• Verify that all electrical equipment associated with the storable pool is provided with GFCI protection.
• Check fixtures for compliance with requirements based on the voltage of the fixtures.

Spas and Hot Tubs: All Installation Inspections

• Review definitions and determine applicability of Part D of Article 680.
• Check spa and hot tub equipment for suitability for approval.
• Review checklist for permanent pools for compliance with the applicable provisions of Parts A and B of Article 680 modified for indoor installations.
• Check outlets supplying a self-contained spa or hot tub or a packaged spa or hot tub assembly for integral or separately provided GFCI protection.
• Verify compliance with requirements for disconnecting means.
• Verify that spas or hot tubs in other than single-family dwellings are provided with an emergency shutoff or control switch, as required.

Spas and Hot Tubs:
Indoor Installation Only Inspections

Verify that a suitable wiring method of Chapter 3 of the NEC is used to supply and connect spas and hot tubs, unless cord and plug connections are permitted.

Verify that at least one GFCI-protected receptacle on a general-purpose branch circuit is located between 5 ft and 20 ft. (1.42 m and 3.05 m) of the walls of the spa or hot tub.

Verify that any receptacles used to supply power to a spa or hot tub are GFCI protected.

Verify that lighting fixtures are spaced as required from spa or hot tub walls and above maximum water level, and that GFCI protection is provided, as required.

Verify that wall switches are located at least 5 ft. (1.52 m) from the inside walls of the spa or hot tub.

Verify that all parts required to be grounded or bonded are grounded or bonded using appropriate methods.

Check electric pool heaters for listing, subdivision of heating elements, and sizing of branch-circuit conductors.

Check underwater audio equipment for compliance with Parts B or C of Article 680.

Fountain Inspections

• Review definitions and determine applicability Part E of Article 680.
• Check fountain equipment for suitability for approval.
• Verify that fountain equipment has GFCI protection unless supplied through a suitable transformer at 15 volts or less.
• Check fixtures and equipment for compliance with voltage limitations.
• Verify that the top of fixture lenses is below water level, unless otherwise permitted.
• Verify that equipment that depends on submersion for safe operation is protected by a low-water cutoff or other suitable means.
• Verify that equipment is equipped with threaded conduit entries, that cords are limited to 10 ft. (3.05 m), and the equipment in contact with water is corrosion resistant.
• Verify that equipment can be serviced without draining water from the fountain.
• Check junction boxes and other enclosures for compliance with the requirements for swimming pools as well as requirements for underwater boxes.
• Verify that all parts required to be grounded or bonded are grounded or bonded using appropriate methods.
• Check power-supply cords for proper type, sealing, and terminations.
• Verify that signs installed in fountains are GFCI protected, located more than 5 ft. (1.52) m) from fountain walls, and otherwise comply with Articles 600 and 250.

Therapeutic Pools and Tubs in Health Care Facility Inspections

Review definitions and determine applicability of Part F of Article 680.

Check therapeutic pools and tubs for suitability for approval.

Verify that permanently installed therapeutic pools comply with the applicable requirements for permanently installed pools, Parts A and B of Article 680.

Verify that outlets for therapeutic tubs are GFCI protected (separate or integral) unless supplying field assembled tubs rated 3-phase or over 250 volts.

Verify that all therapeutic equipment is GFCI protected.

Verify that all parts of therapeutic tubs required to be grounded or bonded are grounded or bonded using appropriate methods.

Verify that all receptacles within 5 ft. (1.52 m) of a therapeutic tub are GFCI protected.

Verify that all lighting fixtures used in areas of therapeutic tubs are of the totally enclosed type.

Hydro Massage Bathtub Inspections

Review definitions and determine applicability of Part G of Article 680.

Check hydro massage bathtub equipment for suitability for approval.

Check hydro massage bathtub equipment for GFCI protection.

Check other electrical equipment in the same room as a hydro massage bathtub for compliance with the ordinary rules of NEC Chapters 1 through 4.

Verify that hydro massage bathtub equipment is accessible without damaging the building structure or finish.

Verify that metal parts required to be bonded are connected together with a minimum No. 8 solid copper bonding jumper.

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