Above ground pool project

[Inspector507]

David,
Also keep in mind there are restrictions as to where you can place the pool in relationship to any overhead lines and even inderground electric supply lines.

 

[dlabrie]

Well I have been digging and moving stones for a week now. Still have a long way to go but it is starting to shape up.David

 

[Inspector507]

David,
Those stones..........is that what you have to dig through to get power to the pool???? If it is, I hope you have a backhoe/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

 

[dlabrie]

Yeah, the stones make for interesting digging. I've had more than one lift my back wheels off the ground. I ordered a sub-soiler
( another new implement for this project ). I am sure It will be tough going.
David

 

[djradz]

Inspector Jerry, can't a second panel be set up at the pool, (possibly in it's own little shack that might even house some pool equipment) such that a second service, but not quite a "separately derived system" be created? That way, the protection for the pool, and it's users is at the pool not back at the main panel. Protection for the 180' feeder cable would still be at the main panel but everything else would be local. Tripping of circuit breakers for all devices at the pool local would be much more reliable with such a setup. I believe the NEC and IAEI especially address such a setup.
... Duane

 

[Inspector507]

djradz,
Thats true he could do that. But you still can't run 10/2 w/ground to that subpanel either.

 

[djradz]

OK, so then can he run #10, 3-conductor or 3 individually insulated conductors to a subpanel? I believe the cost to run 3 individually insulated conductors is much less, and physically more manageable, than underground-rated 3-c with ground. This third insulated conductor is termed a "grounding conductor". At the pool area, ground the subpanel with it's own rod and grounding electrode conductor, and tie all the pool metal parts to the same. The IAEI says in this case "the electrical system at the additional building or structure is treated like a service for grounding purposes" even though "the building or structure is supplied from a service in another building or structure by a feeder or circuit.

Also, isn't the pump motor "equipment grounding conductor" minimum #12? Lastly, although 2-c w/gnd is not acceptable, doesn't the cable still have to be suitable for underground, weather it's in conduit or direct buried. ....looking for your thoughts!
... Duane

 

[Inspector507]

Duane,
You're correct you could run 3 conductors to a separate building according to NEC 250.32. But the third wire is a "grounded conductor" not a "grounding conductor". NEC 680.25 still does not allow you to use cable but rather conduit instead. 250.32 allows the 3 conductors to come to the separate building if you install a grounding electrode and bond the "grounded conductor" to the electrode.
On the second item.........#12awg is the minimum size for grounding a pool motor. And the conductors installed in the conduit must be acceptable for a wet location. The only place I'm aware of the cable is okay........is 680.25(A)exception that allows the feeder to a remote panel board to be in cable including a "grounding conductor" within it's outer sheath.

"Arguing with an Inspector is like wrestling in the mud with a pig. After awhile you figure out.......the pig loves it." /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif Just kidding you Duane

 

[dlabrie]

The site is ready and the pool is going up. Started the day by marking out the layout and finished with the buttresses and bottom rail up. If anyone has ever put up an oval pool I have a question. The parts list say to buy 12 patio blocks and 24 cap blocks. However, the instructions say only to use blocks under the buttress ends and the uprights of the round ends, That leaves 20 blocks unaccounted for. Am missing something? Here is a pict. of the setup.David

 

[MossRoad]

Looks great. I have a round pool. I put a block under each post. I also used 1/2 inch pipe in 2 foot sections that I pounded into the ground on the outside of the ring. Made them flush with the top of the ring near each post. This kept the ring from moving around and going egg shaped on me when I set the wall in the ring. Did it all myself and it was very hard /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif. Get as much help as possible. Then have a big pool party to reward everyone for the help /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif