Leak from light pipe

[thelorib]

Our pool is leaking from the pipe that comes from the pool light. I was thinking I will plug it with a cord plug where it is leaking (above the ground by the pump). Is there a reason to not do it there and actually plug it down inside the water behind the light? Thanks for your help.

 

[Arizonarob]

I know with my pool light, there is always water in the pipe. The thing that catches my attention is the pipe being so short coming out of the ground. Mine is about 2 feet high coming out of the ground to keep the water from coming out.

 

[proavia]

Can you post a pic from another angle and also one showing more of the general area? This may help us give a better answer to your issue.

 

[thelorib]

Thank you, Yes I will take a wider picture this afternoon.

 

[thelorib]

- - - Updated - - -

If you zoom in it is the short gray pipe in the middle on the grass. It won't let me post another picture closer up

 

[Owner/Builder]

You should have a sealed junction box at least 6 inches above the waterline.

 

[proavia]

I take it the conduit runs to the tan box on the wall to the left of the trash can.... what exactly does the label on that tan box say?

Not sure about code in OK - but many places require a pool light junction box that is mounted a certain number of inches above water level. The one I have has rigid conduit running from the actual pool light to the junction box. The tan box on the wall is probably not a code legal pool junction box. You may wish to check with your code authority to get their requirements.

If your light is low voltage (12-24 volts??) versus 120 volt, the requirements may be different......

I'm sure others will pop in with suggestions as well - and hopefully a reference to the NEC on it's requirements for pool light installs.

EDIT - what Jay said in post above... I was slow to post.....

 

[Owner/Builder]

I think that tan box is his SWG

 

[thelorib]

Yes there it's a sealed junction box above. I'm just wondering if there's any reason not to use a plug or sealant in the pvc coming out of the ground instead of behind the light in the pool.

 

[proavia]

I think that tan box is his SWG

I don't think he has a SWG. But there is an in-line tab feeder.

 

[Owner/Builder]

You could definitely seal it there since its easy to get to, but it won't be fun if you ever have to change the light.

 

[proavia]

Yes there it's a sealed junction box above. I'm just wondering if there's any reason not to use a plug or sealant in the pvc coming out of the ground instead of behind the light in the pool.

Not sure what you mean... "...sealed juction box above". Above what? That gray LB isn't what we mean by a code legal pool light junction box.

Is the tan box to left of trash can for the light?
Is there a light junction box closer to the pool that we can't see?

It appears that the pipe coming out of the ground isn't long enough to glue the LB to it. You could extend the pipe up a little so you can glue everything together - but that will require pulling the light cable back thru the horizontal conduit and LB in order to add a coupling and short length of pipe. Again, not sure if that setup is code legal without knowing for sure if an approved pool light junction box is somewhere in the piping run prior to the connection to the tan box.

Using a sealant inside the pipe isn't such a great idea as it will make it difficult to remove the light cord in the future. Doing the project in a code legal way will also please your insurance carrier...cause if the light causes any type of accident, they probably won't pay if it isn't code legal.

 

[Owner/Builder]

Actually it probably just popped loose and doesn't need any extra conduit. Probably can just glue it and step in it until it dries.

 

[thelorib]

yes there is a cap on there that came off.. I didnt know if it was ok to seal it shut since there is water in there. will the water continue up the line? The junction box is up to the left (tan) and there is a breaker box for everything to the right - you cant see it in the picture.

 

[PoolGate]

yes there is a cap on there that came off.. I didnt know if it was ok to seal it shut since there is water in there. will the water continue up the line? The junction box is up to the left (tan) and there is a breaker box for everything to the right - you cant see it in the picture.

That is not a pressure port. The water will seek its own level based on the pool level. You can and should seal the cap back on. Perhaps the electrician just forgot? Doesn't look like it was ever sealed.

 

[thelorib]

That is not a pressure port. The water will seek its own level based on the pool level. You can and should seal the cap back on. Perhaps the electrician just forgot? Doesn't look like it was ever sealed.

Thank you so much! I didnt think it was ok for there to be water in there - but i guess it is ok. Thanks you!!