Electrical mods

[i_hate_pools]

Got a permanant above ground pool and wanted to move the pump/filter combo and set on a concrete pad i poured. Discovered that electrical was "masked" to look like it was in conduit and was just uf cable buried under the grass after a few inches of conduit.

The whole wiring is a mess. Would like to adhere to 2014 nec code if i can. The house to shed wiring that pool power comes from, is also a mess. I just want to focus on wiring from shed then address house to shed later. So i am working backwards.

I dug a 18" deep trench for 25' from shed to pool and dug a hole to install a post to mount a single twist lock receptacle that is 6' from water's edge. I will lay sch40 1/2" pvc and run 3 12ga insulated conductors to shed. I'll also bond the motor to pool wall with #8 wire.

In the shed i would like to install smallest subpanel i can buy. I will install ground bar in box and tie ground to ground wire coming from house breaker and leave neutrals and ground isolated at panel. Install a 20A gfci breaker and run to a timer, then out to motor receptacle. I'll install one more breaker for shed light and couple outlets.

Then later i will correct uf cable from house to shed and install insulated wires in conduit.

Missing anything? Tia

 

[jblizzle]

Sounds reasonable. Only thing I can think of is that since the subpanel in is a detached shed, you may need to drop a ground rod at the shed.

 

[CJadamec]

As for the UF cable from the house to the shed there's really nothing "wrong" with it unless it wasn't buried deep enough. It sounds like the UF cable isn't buried near the pool which would be the only code reason to change it out.

There are a number of subpanels you can get for the shed you are looking for a "main lug" type panel probably with 4 or 6 breaker locations.

Bonding the pump to the pool wall is not the same thing as installing a bonding loop. Is there currently a bonding loop around the pool?

 

[i_hate_pools]

Thanks for comments.

It was my understanding that a ground rod isn't needed if the grounds are common between main panel and detached with neutrals isolated? Sounds like one can go either way with nec if i am reading correctly?

As for bonding, there was not anything before. I only see a place to bolt a lug to the skimmer panel that is clearly metal and accessible with bolts. The others may be metal but are coated and dont see how to attach more bonding lugs? It appears those panels are sandwiched in between support posts, Not sure how to do a loop....

The main panel wiring is also buried right under grass as well which makes me nervous. Also, not having insulated ground wire seems to be a huge sin?

 

[CJadamec]

The wiring to the shed falls under different code and does not require insulated ground wire unless it is within 10ft of the pool I believe. The wire from the shed to the pool needs to have an insulated ground.

If its not buried deep enough that is a hazard but as far as I know you don't have to change the wire but if it makes you more comfortable to do so go for it.

A bonding loop is a little more difficult after the pool has been put up depending on the area surrounding the pool. It is important that all the parts of the bonding loop are done leaving parts out can actually make things worse.

You need a loop of #8 solid copper wire buried 6 inches down 2-3 feet from the pool wall. This loop goes around the entire pool.
From that loop you attach to the pool frame in 4 spots spread equally around the pool. Typically done at the bottom of the uprights.
You will need a water bonding fitting and it needs to be connected to the bonding loop.
The loop also connects to the bonding fitting on the pump.

All items are connected with the same #8 solid bare copper wire.
Any place you need to join wires together you need to use split bolt connectors rated for burial
To connect to the pool frame you will need bonding lugs and a screw or bolt to connect the lug to the pool, typically a stainless self-tapping screw.