NEC Code question - Stand Alone spa setback from an IG Pool

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W

wsteve

Gold Supporter
Dec 6, 2020
9
Brooksville, Fl
Greetings All

The electrical inspector in this area tells me that the setback is 10 feet from the waters edge. The location where I would like the spa is about 8 feet from the waters edge. This portion of the pool the spa would be closest too is the tanning ledge which is less than 1 foot deep just in case that matters. I have been searching various web sites for the NEC code and the 2020 version seems to allow connections within 5 feet. Unfortunately the web sites I can find only show a portion of chapter 680 so I am not 100% sure. I know that the county may require a setback that is more stringent than the current code....

My other question is how do they measure the setback? Is it to the spa shell or to where the high voltage and pumps are located inside the shell.

Any suggestions or experiences in rural Hernando County, Fl would be greatly appreciated:)

Cheers

Steve
 
Steve,

Sorry, I have no answer, but do have a couple of questions..

What does the inspector say has to be setback 10 feet? The circuit breakers for the Spa, or the electrical components inside the spa, or any edge of the spa, or ???

Most spas have all their electrical and electronics at one end.. So maybe just rotating the spa would solve the problem... :scratch:

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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Steve - Unfortunately I have no answers either. As Jim alluded to, these are really all questions for your local inspector. Unfortunately different inspectors can interpret the codes differently. I don't know what the actual code reads, but it is likely that my interpretation could be different from the local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction). And if you are unsure, then best to get the ruling straight from the horses mouth, so you don't wind up having to rework a bunch of stuff.

Waters edge is the waters edge, regardless of depth. It could be a 6" deep reflecting pond, and it's still classified as a pool. So the tanning ledge aspect doesn't really help you much.

Also important to verify which version of the code your inspector will follow. Not every place adopts the code as soon as it comes out. So your inspector may still be referencing the 2017 or 2014 versions.

--Jeff
 
Email your questions to the inspection office. They should be able to answer your questions with specific references to the applicable codes.

Any expert or professional should be ready, willing and able to justify their decisions, recommendations, advice or statements.
 
ajw22 said:
You can get free access to the NEC by registering at View the Table of Contents in the 2020 NFPA 70® (NEC®). Sign in or register now. | NFPA
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Thanks to everyone that replied - lot of great information. Will answer questions in one post if that's ok?

Inspector wasn't very clear on the setback. If it is to the equipment then I can place it in the general area I wanted too.

I will email the permitting office and if that doesn't provide good answers I will make an appointment and go in and talk with them.

Allen thanks for the link to the 2020 NFPA site. I will register and have a read there.

Just awesome to get so many replies so fast

Cheers

Steve
 
Greetings All

Finally got all of the details

Hernando County uses the 2014 NEC. Both the 2014 and 2017 required receptacles (including connections to Spa's) to be 10 feet from the pool wall edge. The 2020 NEC was changed to only require 5 feet. I am told that it will be 10 years before they adopt the 2020 NEC.

Cheers

Steve
 
Thanks for the update. The NEC is updated every 3 years and when a location adopts a new version is up to them.
 
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