Minimum distance heat pump to above ground pool?

[amagalski]

Hi, I am preparing to install/place a heat pump for an above ground (saltwater) pool. When I research distance, multiple sites say there is a minimum 5 ft distance b/ heat pump and pool wall, but I can't tell if that's only for an inground pool. I see multiple pics online of heat pumps being installed right next to an AGP. My other concern would be if the saltwater splashing on the heat pump would cause damage and if so, should I locate it farther away rather than closer? Does it matter?

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

Depends if you need or want your pool to meet current NEC.

If you pool has a water depth greater than 42 inched the NEC considers it a Permanently Installed Pool.

Permanently Installed Swimming, Wading, Immersion, and Thera- peutic Pools. Those constructed in the ground or partially in the ground, and all others capable of holding water in a depth greater than 42 in., and pools installed inside of a building, regardless of water depth, whether or not served by electrical circuits of any nature.

680.29(C) Switching Devices. Circuit breakers, time clocks, pool light switches, and other switching devices must be located not less than 5 ft horizontally from the inside walls of a permanently installed pool unless separated by a solid fence, wall, or other permanent barrier, unless the switching device is listed as being acceptable for use within 5 ft.

The Heat Pump has switches on it.

Many pictures you see have installations that do not satisfy the NEC.

 

[JamesW]

I would keep it more than 5 feet away.

 

[amagalski]

Thank you all very much. I knew there had to be a reason for the discrepancy. I'll set it up farther away then. I assume the pump and filter should be the same distance away then? And one last question (forgive me), but are concrete tiles ok to place the heat pump on, or do I really need to pour a concrete pad and screw it down? I can't imagine a 300 pound heat pump will really walk much. Thanks again.

 

[ajw22]

Concrete tiles will be ok. You can put a HP on a base you would put an AC unit on.

 

[amagalski]

Thanks so much. So to meet code, the pump and filter would have to be 5 feet away as well?

 

[ajw22]

Thanks so much. So to meet code, the pump and filter would have to be 5 feet away as well?

Pump has to be. Filter has no electrical but it makes sense to put it next the pump.

 

[amagalski]

 

[Newdude]

To help you understand the *whys*, any electric needs to be far enough away that you simply cannot touch it and the pool/hot tub at the same time. It’s also why you have to get out of the shower when you realize you didn’t turn your bathroom fan on. If you reached out to turn it on while in the shower, bad things could happen. So it’s always just far enough away that you have to soak the floor.

AG pool pumps also have a cord length limit (5 ft usually) so they would unplug themselves if they somehow fell or got thrown towards the pool. So make a 6 ft radius from the pool and keep anything electric outside the no-zone.

 

[ajw22]

AG pool pumps also have a cord length limit (5 ft usually)

3 feet per NEC if it has a plug.

5 feet limitation is greater then anyones reach. So you cannot reach any electrical switch while in contact with the water.

 

[Homebrewale]

Thank you all very much. I knew there had to be a reason for the discrepancy. I'll set it up farther away then. I assume the pump and filter should be the same distance away then? And one last question (forgive me), but are concrete tiles ok to place the heat pump on, or do I really need to pour a concrete pad and screw it down? I can't imagine a 300 pound heat pump will really walk much. Thanks again.

There is a chance that one of the tiles could vibrate from the vibration of the heat pump fan and make a noise. You could try using a plastic pool equipment pad.
Pool Supply Unlimited | Equipment Pads