Is sand supposed to be in the pool light wiring box?

[monkeysocks]

Hello,

First time pool owner here. I recently moved into a house with a pool, and fixing the pool up.

My pool light triggers the GFCI breaker. While investigating, I found a box in the cement where the light connects to the power cable. It's full of sand. Is this normal? Can I clean it out? Picture --> https://i.imgur.com/Qu4cNnd.jpg

Thank you,
monkeysocks

 

[Jimrahbe]

ms,

Welcome to TFP.. a great place to find the answers to all your Sandy pool questions...

The Junction box for a pool light is supposed to be 18" or so above the level of the pool water and not buried in the deck..

It should be dry and empty....

I suggestion you clean it out and redo each connection..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[monkeysocks]

I vacuumed, cleaned and redid the wire nuts, but the light still triggers the breaker. The light does turn on for a moment before the breaker is triggered.

I suppose I need to remove the light and check it for water leaks. My question is, my light is quite old, with multiple screwed, rather than the newer way with just one. Do I need to remove all the screws to get the light up onto the deck?

 

[monkeysocks]

Following up on this - I replaced the breaker today and it fixed the problem.

 

[Jimrahbe]

ms,

Thanks for the feedback as it might help others with the same issue..

Glad you got it working.

Jim R.