Chapter 42 Swimming Pools

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the construction and installation of electric wiring and equipment associated with all swimming pools, wading pools, decorative pools, hot tubs and spas, and hydromassage bathtubs, whether permanently installed or storable, and shall apply to metallic auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, filters and similar equipment. Sections E4202 through E4206 provide general rules for permanent pools, spas and hot tubs. Section E4207 provides specific rules for storable pools and storable/portable spas and hot tubs. Section E4208 provides specific rules for spas and hot tubs. Section E4209 provides specific rules for hydromassage bathtubs. (680.1)

WIRING LOCATION OR PURPOSE (Application allowed where marked with an "A")	IMCb, RMCb, RNCe	LFMC	LFNMC	MCg	FLEX CORD
Panelboard(s) that supply pool equipment: from service equipment to panelboard	Af	—	A	—	—
Wet-niche and no-niche luminaires: from branch circuit OCPD to deck or junction box	A	—	A	—	—
Wet-niche and no-niche luminaires: from deck or junction box to forming shell	Aj	—	A	—	Ad
Dry niche: from branch circuit OCPD to luminaires	A	—	A	—	—
Pool-associated motors: from branch circuit OCPD to motorh	A	Ac	Ac	A	Ad
Packaged or self-contained outdoor spas and hot tubs with underwater luminaire: from branch circuit OCPD to spa or hot tub	A	A	A	—	Ad
Packaged or self-contained outdoor spas and hot tubs without underwater luminaire: from branch circuit OCPD to spa or hot tub	A	A	A	—	Ad
Indoor spas and hot tubs, and other pool, spa or hot tub associated equipment: from branch circuit OCPD to equipment	A	A	A	—	Ad
Connection at pool lighting transformers or power supplies	A	Ai	A	—	—

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

1. For all wiring methods, see Section E4205 for equipment grounding conductor requirements.
2. See Section E4202.2 for use of metal conduits in corrosive environments.
3. Limited to where necessary to employ flexible connections at or adjacent to a pool motor.
4. Flexible cord shall be installed in accordance with Section E4202.3.
5. Nonmetallic conduit shall be rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit Type PVC or reinforced thermosetting resin conduit Type RTRC.
6. Aluminum conduits shall not be permitted in the pool area where subject to corrosion.
7. Where installed as direct burial cable or in wet locations, Type MC cable shall be listed and identified for the location.
8. See Section E4202.4 for listed, double-insulated pool pump motors.
9. Limited to use in individual lengths not to exceed 6 feet. The total length of all individual runs of LFMC shall not exceed 10 feet.
10. Metal conduit shall be constructed of brass or other approved corrosion-resistant metal.

Wiring methods in a corrosive environment shall be listed and identified for use in such areas. Rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit and reinforced thermosetting resin conduit shall be considered to be resistant to the corrosive environment.

A listed cord-and-plug-connected pool pump incorporating an approved system of double insulation that provides a means for grounding only the internal and nonaccessible, noncurrent-carrying metal parts of the pump shall be connected to any wiring method recognized in Chapter 38 that is suitable for the location. Where the equipment grounding conductor of the motor circuit is connected to the equipotential bonding means in accordance with Section E4204.2, Item 6.1, the branch circuit wiring shall comply with Sections E4202.1 and E4205.5. [680.21(B)]

Receptacles outlets shall be installed and located in accordance with Sections E4203.1.1 through E4203.1.7. In determining the dimensions in this section addressing receptacle spacings, the distance to be measured shall be the shortest path the supply cord of an appliance connected to the receptacle would follow without piercing a floor, wall, ceiling, doorway with hinged or sliding door, window opening, or other effective permanent barrier. [680.22(A)(6)]

Switching devices shall be located at least 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally from the inside walls of pools, spas and hot tubs unless separated from the pool, spa or hot tub by a solid fence, wall, or other permanent barrier that provides at least a 5-foot (1524 mm) reach distance. Alternatively, a switch that is listed as being acceptable for use within 5 feet (1524 mm) shall be permitted. Switching devices located in a room or area containing a hydromassage bathtub shall be located in accordance with the general requirements for installing equipment in bathrooms. [680.22(C); 680.43(C); and 680.72]

One or more means to simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded conductors for all utilization equipment other than lighting shall be provided. Each of such means shall be readily accessible and within sight from the equipment it serves and shall be located at least 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally from the inside walls of a pool, spa, or hot tub unless separated from the open water by a permanently installed barrier that provides a 5-foot (1524 mm) or greater reach path. This horizontal distance shall be measured from the water's edge along the shortest path required to reach the disconnect. (680.13)

Lighting outlets, luminaires, equipment and ceiling-suspended paddle fans shall be installed and located in accordance with Sections E4203.4.1 through E4203.4.7. [680.22(B)]

Other outlets such as for remote control, signaling, fire alarm and communications shall be not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from the inside walls of the pool. Measurements shall be determined in accordance with Section E4203.1. [680.22(D)]

Other equipment with ratings exceeding the low-voltage contact limit shall be located at least 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally from the inside walls of a pool unless separated from the pool by a solid fence, wall or other permanent barrier. [680.22(E)]

	INSULATED SUPPLY OR SERVICE DROP CABLES, 0-750 VOLTS TO GROUND, SUPPORTED ON AND CABLED TOGETHER WITH AN EFFECTIVELY GROUNDED BARE MESSENGER OR EFFECTIVELY GROUNDED NEUTRAL CONDUCTOR (feet)	ALL OTHER SUPPLY OR SERVICE DROP CONDUCTORS (feet)
		Voltage to ground
		0 to 15 kV	Greater than 15 to 50 kV
A. Clearance in any direction to the water level, edge of water surface, base of diving platform, or permanently anchored raft	22.5	25	27
B. Clearance in any direction to the diving platform	14.5	17	18

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

Underground wiring within 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally from the inside wall of the pool shall be permitted. Underground wiring shall not be installed under the pool except where this wiring is necessary to supply pool equipment permitted by this chapter. Underground wiring shall be installed in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit, reinforced thermosetting resin conduit or Type MC cable, suitable for the conditions subject to that location. The minimum cover depth shall be in accordance with Table E3803.1. (680.11)

The equipotential bonding required by this section shall be installed to reduce voltage gradients in the prescribed areas of permanently installed swimming pools and spas and hot tubs other than the storable/portable type.

1. Conductive pool shells. Bonding to conductive pool shells shall be provided as specified in Item 1.1 or 1.2. Cast-in-place concrete, pneumatically applied or sprayed concrete, and concrete block with painted or plastered coatings shall be considered to be conductive materials because of their water permeability and porosity. Vinyl liners and fiberglass composite shells shall be considered to be nonconductive materials. Reconstructed pool shells shall also meet the requirements of this section.
   1. Structural reinforcing steel. Unencapsulated structural reinforcing steel shall be bonded together by steel tie wires or the equivalent. Where structural reinforcing steel is encapsulated in a nonconductive compound, a copper conductor grid shall be installed in accordance with Item 1.2.
   2. Copper conductor grid. A copper conductor grid shall be provided and shall comply with Items 1.2.1 through 1.2.4.
      1. It shall be constructed of minimum 8 AWG bare solid copper conductors bonded to each other at all points of crossing.
      2. It shall conform to the contour of the pool.
      3. It shall be arranged in a 12-inch (305 mm) by 12-inch (305 mm) network of conductors in a uniformly spaced perpendicular grid pattern with a tolerance of 4 inches (102 mm).
      4. It shall be secured within or under the pool not more than 6 inches (152 mm) from the outer contour of the pool shell. [680.26(B)(1)]
2. Perimeter surfaces. The perimeter surface to be bonded shall be considered to extend for 3 feet (914 mm) horizontally beyond the inside walls of the pool and shall include unpaved surfaces, poured concrete surfaces and other types of paving. Perimeter surfaces that are separated from the pool by a permanent wall or building 5 feet (1524 mm) or more in height shall require equipotential bonding only on the pool side of the permanent wall or building. Bonding to perimeter surfaces shall be provided as specified in Item 2.1 or 2.2 and shall be attached to the pool, spa, or hot tub reinforcing steel or copper conductor grid at a minimum of four points uniformly spaced around the perimeter of the pool, spa, or hot tub. For nonconductive pool shells, bonding at four points shall not be required.
   Exceptions:

   1. Equipotential bonding of perimeter surfaces shall not be required for spas and hot tubs where all of the following conditions apply:
      1. The spa or hot tub is listed as a self-contained spa for above-ground use.
      2. The spa or hot tub is not identified as suitable only for indoor use.
      3. The installation is in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and is located on or above grade.
      4. The top rim of the spa or hot tub is not less than 28 inches (711 mm) above all perimeter surfaces that are within 30 inches (762 mm), measured horizontally from the spa or hot tub. The height of nonconductive external steps for entry to or exit from the self-contained spa is not used to reduce or increase this rim height measurement.
   2. The equipotential bonding requirements for perimeter surfaces shall not apply to a listed self-contained spa or hot tub located indoors and installed above a finished floor.
      1. Structural reinforcing steel. Structural reinforcing steel shall be bonded in accordance with Item 1.1.
      2. Copper ring. Where structural reinforcing steel is not available or is encapsulated in a nonconductive compound, a copper conductor(s) shall be used in accordance with Items 2.2.1 through 2.2.5:
         1. At least one minimum 8 AWG bare solid copper conductor shall be provided.
         2. The conductors shall follow the contour of the perimeter surface.
         3. Only listed splicing devices or exothermic welding shall be permitted.
         4. The required conductor shall be 18 to 24 inches (457 to 610 mm) from the inside walls of the pool.
         5. The required conductor shall be secured within or under the perimeter surface 4 to 6 inches (102 mm to 152 mm) below the subgrade. [680.26(B)(2)]
      3. The copper grid shall follow the contour of the perimeter surface extending 3 feet (914 mm) horizontally beyond the inside walls of the pool.
         1. Only listed splicing devices or exothermic welding shall be permitted.
         2. The required conductor shall be secured within or under the perimeter surface 4 to 6 inches (102 to 152 mm) below the subgrade. [680.26(B)(2)(c)]
3. Metallic components. All metallic parts of the pool structure, including reinforcing metal not addressed in Item 1.1, shall be bonded. Where reinforcing steel is encapsulated with a nonconductive compound, the reinforcing steel shall not be required to be bonded. [680.26(B)(3)]
4. Underwater lighting. All metal forming shells and mounting brackets of no-niche luminaires shall be bonded. [680.26(B)(4)]
   Exception: Listed low-voltage lighting systems with nonmetallic forming shells shall not require bonding. [680.26(B)(4) Exception]
5. Metal fittings. All metal fittings within or attached to the pool structure shall be bonded. Isolated parts that are not over 4 inches (102 mm) in any dimension and do not penetrate into the pool structure more than 1 inch (25.4 mm) shall not require bonding. Metallic pool cover anchors intended for insertion in a concrete or masonry deck surface, 1 inch (25 mm) or less in any dimension and 2 inches (51 mm) or less in length, and metallic pool cover anchors intended for insertion in a wood or composite deck surface, 2 inches (51 mm) or less in any flange dimension and 2 inches (51 mm) or less in length, shall not require bonding. [680.26(B)(5)]
6. Electrical equipment. Metal parts of electrical equipment associated with the pool water circulating system, including pump motors and metal parts of equipment associated with pool covers, including electric motors, shall be bonded. [680.26(B)(6)]
   Exception: Metal parts of listed equipment incorporating an approved system of double insulation shall not be bonded. [680.26(B)(6) Exception]
   1. Double-insulated water pump motors. Where a double-insulated water pump motor is installed under the provisions of this item, a solid 8 AWG copper conductor of sufficient length to make a bonding connection to a replacement motor shall be extended from the swimming pool equipotential bonding means to an accessible point in the vicinity of the pool pump motor. Where there is no connection between the swimming pool equipotential bonding means and the equipment grounding system for the premises, this bonding conductor shall be connected to the equipment grounding conductor of the motor circuit. [680.26(B)(6)(a)]
   2. Pool water heaters. For pool water heaters rated at more than 50 amperes and having specific instructions regarding bonding and grounding, only those parts designated to be bonded shall be bonded and only those parts designated to be grounded shall be grounded. [680.26(B)(6)(b)]
7. All fixed metal parts including, but not limited to, metal-sheathed cables and raceways, metal piping, metal awnings, metal fences and metal door and window frames. [680.26(B)(7)]
   Exceptions:

   1. Those separated from the pool by a permanent barrier that prevents contact by a person shall not be required to be bonded. [680.26(B)(7) Exception No. 1]
   2. Those greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally from the inside walls of the pool shall not be required to be bonded. [680.26(B)(7) Exception No. 2]
   3. Those greater than 12 feet (3658 mm) measured vertically above the maximum water level of the pool, or as measured vertically above any observation stands, towers, or platforms, or any diving structures, shall not be required to be bonded. [680.26(B)(7) Exception No. 3]

Where none of the bonded parts are in direct connection with the pool water, the pool water shall be in direct contact with an approved corrosion-resistant conductive surface that exposes not less than 9 square inches (5800 mm²) of surface area to the pool water at all times. The conductive surface shall be located where it is not exposed to physical damage or dislodgement during usual pool activities, and it shall be bonded in accordance with Section E4204.2.

Outdoor hot tubs and spas shall comply with the bonding requirements of Sections E4204.1 through E4204.3. Bonding by metal-to-metal mounting on a common frame or base shall be permitted. The metal bands or hoops used to secure wooden staves shall not be required to be bonded as required in Section E4204.2. [680.42 and 680.42(B)]

1. All metal fittings within or attached to the hot tub or spa structure. [680.43(D)(1)]
2. Metal parts of electrical equipment associated with the hot tub or spa water circulating system, including pump motors unless part of a listed self-contained spa or hot tub. [680.43(D)(2)]
3. Metal raceway and metal piping that are within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the inside walls of the hot tub or spa and that are not separated from the spa or hot tub by a permanent barrier. [680.43(D)(3)]
4. All metal surfaces that are within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the inside walls of the hot tub or spa and that are not separated from the hot tub or spa area by a permanent barrier. [680.43(D)(4)]
   Exception: Small conductive surfaces not likely to become energized, such as air and water jets and drain fittings, where not connected to metallic piping, towel bars, mirror frames, and similar nonelectrical equipment, shall not be required to be bonded. [680.43(D)(4) Exception]
5. Noncurrent-carrying metal parts of electrical devices and controls that are not associated with the hot tubs or spas and that are located less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from such units. [680.43(D)(5)]

Where a nonmetallic conduit is installed between a forming shell and a junction box, transformer enclosure, or other enclosure, an 8 AWG insulated copper bonding jumper shall be installed in this conduit except where a listed low-voltage lighting system not requiring grounding is used. The bonding jumper shall be terminated in the forming shell, junction box or transformer enclosure, or ground-fault circuit-interrupter enclosure. The termination of the 8 AWG bonding jumper in the forming shell shall be covered with, or encapsulated in, a listed potting compound to protect such connection from the possible deteriorating effect of pool water. [680.23(B)(2)(b)]

Other than listed low-voltage lighting systems not requiring grounding, wet-niche luminaires that are supplied by a flexible cord or cable shall have all exposed noncurrent-carrying metal parts connected to an insulated copper equipment grounding conductor that is an integral part of the cord or cable. This equipment grounding conductor shall be connected to a grounding terminal in the supply junction box, transformer enclosure, or other enclosure. The equipment grounding conductor shall not be smaller than the supply conductors and not smaller than 16 AWG. [680.23(B)(3)]

Where fixed or stationary equipment is connected with a flexible cord to facilitate removal or disconnection for maintenance, repair, or storage, as provided in Section E4202.3, the equipment grounding conductors shall be connected to a fixed metal part of the assembly. The removable part shall be mounted on or bonded to the fixed metal part. (680.8)

Other electrical equipment shall be grounded in accordance with Section E3908. (Article 250, Parts V, VI, and VII; and 680.6)

Terminals used for equipment grounding and bonding shall be identified for use in wet and corrosive environments. Field-installed terminals in a damp, wet or corrosive environment shall be composed of copper, copper alloy or stainless steel and shall be listed for direct burial use. (680.7)

Transformers and power supplies used for the supply of underwater luminaires, together with the transformer or power supply enclosure, shall be listed, labeled and identified for swimming pool and spa use. The transformer or power supply shall incorporate either a transformer of the isolated-winding type with an ungrounded secondary that has a grounded metal barrier between the primary and secondary windings, or a transformer that incorporates an approved system of double insulation between the primary and secondary windings. [680.23(A)(2)]

Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) shall be self-contained units, circuit-breaker types, receptacle types or other listed types. The GFCI requirements in this chapter, unless otherwise noted, are in addition to the requirements in Section E3902. (680.5)

For other than grounding conductors, conductors installed on the load side of a ground-fault circuit interrupter or transformer used to comply with the provisions of Section E4206.4, shall not occupy raceways, boxes, or enclosures containing other conductors except where the other conductors are protected by ground-fault circuit-interrupters or are grounding conductors. Supply conductors to a feed-through type ground-fault circuit interrupter shall be permitted in the same enclosure. Ground-fault circuit interrupters shall be permitted in a panelboard that contains circuits protected by other than ground-fault circuit interrupters. [680.23(F)(3)]

The design of an underwater luminaire supplied from a branch circuit, either directly or by way of a transformer or power supply meeting the requirements of Section E4206.1, shall be such that, where the fixture is properly installed without a ground-fault circuit interrupter, there is no shock hazard with any likely combination of fault conditions during normal use (not relamping). In addition, ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel shall be installed in the branch circuit supplying luminaires operating at voltages greater than the low-voltage contact limit to protect personnel performing lamping, relamping or servicing. The installation of the ground-fault circuit interrupter shall be such that there is no shock hazard with any likely fault-condition combination that involves a person in a conductive path from any ungrounded part of the branch circuit or the luminaire to ground. Compliance with this requirement shall be obtained by the use of a listed underwater luminaire and by installation of a listed ground-fault circuit-interrupter in the branch circuit or a listed transformer or power supply for luminaires operating at more than the low-voltage contact limit. Luminaires that depend on submersion for safe operation shall be inherently protected against the hazards of overheating when not submerged. [680.23(A)(1), (A)(3), (A)(7) and (A)(8)]

Dry-niche luminaires shall have provisions for drainage of water. Other than listed low-voltage luminaires not requiring grounding, a dry-niche luminaire shall have means for accommodating one equipment grounding conductor for each conduit entry. Junction boxes shall not be required but, if used, shall not be required to be elevated or located as specified in Section E4206.9 if the luminaire is specifically identified for the purpose. [680.23(C)(1) and (C)(2)]

No-niche luminaires shall be listed for the purpose and shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of Section E4206.5. Where connection to a forming shell is specified, the connection shall be to the mounting bracket. [680.23(D)]

A through-wall lighting assembly shall be equipped with a threaded entry or hub, or a nonmetallic hub, for the purpose of accommodating the termination of the supply conduit. A through-wall lighting assembly shall meet the construction requirements of Section E4205.4 and be installed in accordance with the requirements of Section E4206.5 Where connection to a forming shell is specified, the connection shall be to the conduit termination point. [680.23(E)]

Junction boxes for underwater luminaires and enclosures for transformers and ground-fault circuit interrupters that supply underwater luminaires shall comply with Sections E4206.9.1 through E4206.9.5. [680.24(A)]

Underwater audio equipment shall be identified as underwater audio equipment. [680.27(A)]

Electric pool water heaters shall have the heating elements subdivided into loads not exceeding 48 amperes and protected at not more than 60 amperes. The ampacity of the branch-circuit conductors and the rating or setting of overcurrent protective devices shall be not less than 125 percent of the total nameplate load rating. (680.10)

The provisions of Sections E4206.13.1 through E4206.13.3 shall apply to all pool deck areas, including a covered pool, where electrically operated comfort heating units are installed within 20 feet (6096 mm) of the inside wall of the pool. [680.27(C)]

Electrical equipment, including power-supply cords, used with storable pools shall be protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters. 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles located within 20 feet (6096 mm) of the inside walls of a storable pool, storable spa, or storable hot tub shall be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter. In determining these dimensions, the distance to be measured shall be the shortest path that the supply cord of an appliance connected to the receptacle would follow without passing through a floor, wall, ceiling, doorway with hinged or sliding door, window opening, or other effective permanent barrier. (680.32)

Luminaires for storable pools, storable spas, and storable hot tubs shall not have exposed metal parts and shall be listed for the purpose as an assembly. In addition, luminaires for storable pools shall comply with the requirements of Section E4207.3.1 or E4207.3.2. (680.33)

Receptacles shall be located not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) from the inside walls of a storable pool, storable spa or storable hot tub. In determining these dimensions, the distance to be measured shall be the shortest path that the supply cord of an appliance connected to the receptacle would follow without passing through a floor, wall, ceiling, doorway with hinged or sliding door, window opening, or other effective permanent barrier. (680.34)

Overhead conductor installations shall comply with Section E4203.7 and underground conductor installations shall comply with Section E4203.8. [680.30]

Disconnecting means for storable pools and storable/portable spas and hot tubs shall comply with Section E4203.3. [680.30]

Ground-fault circuit interrupters shall comply with Section E4206.2. [680.30]

Equipment shall be bonded and grounded as required by Section E4205.1. [680.30]

Electric pool water heaters shall comply with Section E4206.12.

Electric spa and hot tub water heaters shall be listed and shall have the heating elements subdivided into loads not exceeding 48 amperes and protected at not more than 60 amperes. The ampacity of the branch-circuit conductors, and the rating or setting of overcurrent protective devices, shall be not less than 125 percent of the total nameplate load rating. (680.10)

Underwater audio equipment used with spas and hot tubs shall comply with the provisions of Section E4206.10. [680.43(G)]

A clearly labeled emergency shutoff or control switch for the purpose of stopping the motor(s) that provides power to the recirculation system and jet system shall be installed at a point that is readily accessible to the users, adjacent to and within sight of the spa or hot tub and not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) away from the spa or hot tub. This requirement shall not apply to one-family dwellings. (680.41)

Installations of hydromassage bathtubs shall be required to comply only with Section E4209. The branch circuit wiring method(s) supplying a hydromassage bathtub shall comply with Chapter 38.

Hydromassage bathtubs and their associated electrical components shall be supplied by an individual branch circuit(s) and protected by a readily accessible ground-fault circuit interrupter. All 125-volt, single-phase receptacles not exceeding 30 amperes and located within 6 feet (1829 mm) measured horizontally of the inside walls of a hydromassage tub shall be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter(s). (680.71)

Luminaires, switches, receptacles and other electrical equipment located in the same room, and not directly associated with a hydromassage bathtub, shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of this code relative to the installation of electrical equipment in bathrooms. (680.72)

1. Metal fittings within or attached to the tub structure that are in contact with the circulating water.
2. Metal parts of electrical equipment associated with the tub water circulating system, including the pump and blower motors.
3. Metal-sheathed cables, metal raceways and metal piping that are within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the inside walls of the tub and that are not separated from the tub area by a permanent barrier.
4. Exposed metal surfaces that are within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the inside walls of the tub and not separated from the tub area by a permanent barrier.
5. Noncurrent-carrying metal parts of electrical devices and controls that are not associated with the hydromassage tubs and that are located within 5 feet (1524 mm) from such units. [680.74(A)]

Metal parts required to be bonded by this section shall be bonded together using a solid copper bonding jumper, insulated, covered or bare, not smaller than 8 AWG. The bonding jumper(s) shall be required for equipotential bonding in the area of the hydromassage bathtub and shall not be required to be extended or attached to any remote panelboard, service equipment, or electrode. In all installations, a bonding jumper long enough to terminate on a replacement nondouble-insulated pump or blower motor shall be provided and shall be terminated to the equipment grounding conductor of the branch circuit of the motor where a double-insulated circulating pump or blower motor is used. [680.74(B)]