Pool Light GFCI breaker issues

HermanTX · Nov 29, 2022

I just started working with our HOA committee to monitor and manage the community pool. Recently the lights stopped working. They are Pentair (trying to figure out which model). They are on 1 system that allows color changing and connect to 1 transformer. The GFCI is thrown and will not reset. I just want to ensure what are the troubleshooting steps. It appears to be the GFCI breaker which is about 5 years old. All the wiring looks good from what I can see thus far. There is no plug outlet attached to the electrical - there are only 3 CBs - 1 for pump, 1 for lights and 1 for system shut down. The lights and pump are on separate mechanical timers. No automation. FWIW - we have a Pentair WhisperFlo single speed pump and a Pentair Cartridge filter and tab chlorinator. Nothing fancy. We have weekly pool service but he did not know much about the electrical part. Appreciate any guidance on troubleshooting the light situation.

Jimrahbe · Nov 29, 2022

Herman,

The simplest thing to do would be to replace the GFCI breaker.

Since you have a transformer, that means the lights are low voltage and not really protected by the GFCI.

You could open the transformer box and make sure everything is dry.

In my opinion, there are only two likely reasons that the breaker would pop. The breaker is bad, or the transformer is bad.

Thanks,

Jim R.

JamesW · Nov 29, 2022

You can disconnect the pool lights and connect something like a lamp to see if the breaker holds or trips.

If it trips, the breaker is probably bad.

If it holds, the transformer is probably the issue.

You can measure each wire to ground to look for continuity.

Note: Do not do anything that you are not 100% sure you can do safely.

Also, I recommend having an electrician review everything to make sure that it is safe and fully code compliant.

1poolman1 · Nov 29, 2022

HermanTX said:
I just started working with our HOA committee to monitor and manage the community pool. Recently the lights stopped working. They are Pentair (trying to figure out which model). They are on 1 system that allows color changing and connect to 1 transformer. The GFCI is thrown and will not reset. I just want to ensure what are the troubleshooting steps. It appears to be the GFCI breaker which is about 5 years old. All the wiring looks good from what I can see thus far. There is no plug outlet attached to the electrical - there are only 3 CBs - 1 for pump, 1 for lights and 1 for system shut down. The lights and pump are on separate mechanical timers. No automation. FWIW - we have a Pentair WhisperFlo single speed pump and a Pentair Cartridge filter and tab chlorinator. Nothing fancy. We have weekly pool service but he did not know much about the electrical part. Appreciate any guidance on troubleshooting the light situation.

Just a recommendation, if your service tech can't diagnose an electrical problem, he can't make you aware of any safety issues he would miss, and could be a danger to himself. Especially on a commercial pool it should be a large part the service person's service to maintain safe operation in all aspects of the pool. At the very least he should be able to get you a referral to someone that can help you. In Texas I believe they require what is referred to as a RAIL license to service pools and that is supposed to include some proficiency in electrical work. Please, be careful.

Pool Light GFCI breaker issues

HermanTX

Jimrahbe

JamesW

1poolman1