Another leak from a J-box but what to do?

[moore887]

You will never guess why this light J box is leaking! The owner tried putting silicone (and anything else he could find) into the box to stop the leak but it's still happening. As a result of which, he has to fill the pool a couple of times a week. I've done some calculations regarding the chemicals that I am putting into it and it doesn't look good. Any ideas how to fix this?

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Is the raised spa water level above the J-box and is there a light in the spa? If so, water is always going to work itself over the the junction box and leak. Pool code states the exact height requirements that the lighting J-box needs to be ABOVE the water level. From the picture, it looks way too low to the ground level. It likely needs to be raised.

 

[moore887]

Correct answer. That's exactly what's happening. So when it comes to raising it, do you think it's just a matter of digging it up and re planting it with a more shallow foundation? The owner was under the impression that all the lights would have to be run again with a new and higher j box.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

You'd only need to rerun the lights if the cord was cut too short. The lights in their niches will often have a few feet of extra cord wrapped around the light housing so you can pull the lights from the pool. Perhaps there's enough cord so that you can simply cut the PVC conduit and add some more to raise the J-box up above water level. If the person that installed the lights cut the cord too short, then the only way to fix it is to get new lights. Whoever did that installation did not do it correctly. It's definitely a DIY project if you're comfortable working with electrical wiring but, if you're not, then have a professional do it right. Whatever happens with the lights, that J-box is way too low to the ground and needs to be raised probably by a good foot or two to be code compliant.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

From our resident pool construction expert @bdavis466 -

pool light wiring

• ajw22
• Aug 20, 2019

Honestly, a proper pool build will have the PVC conduit from the niche rise vertically to ground level as soon as it is practical and then run horizontally to the equipment pad. That way, only a short segment of the PVC is flooded.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Also, is that an old gas line stub sticking up out of the ground next to the J-box??? It looks really rusted out...it's not holding gas is it?? If so, gas near a source of sparks is never a good idea unless you're into flame throwers.....

 

[Arizonarob]

Good catch Matt.
From the looks of that J-Box, you most likely will be pulling new wire from the sub panel. As Matt mentioned, if they left coiled up wire at the light niches, that will save you from having to install new lights. (Assuming you’re ok with having to drain the pool/spa when you need to change the light bulbs.) If they didn’t, or you’re not ok with draining the pool, then new fixtures will need to be installed.