5 Above Ground Pool Electrical Requirements You Need to Know

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There is nothing better than having a cool and refreshing above-ground pool to jump into during unbearably hot summer months. If you’re considering installing an above-ground pool in your yard, there are some above-ground pool electrical requirements you should be aware of. 

Now, you may be scratching your head, thinking that pools and electricity don’t mix. Oh but they do! 

Electricity plays a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of your above-ground pool, ensuring you can enjoy it to the fullest. 

When planning to install your above-ground pool, make sure to call your pool electrician to verify that your yard meets these electrical requirements. 

Above-Ground Pool Electrical Requirements

When installing an above-ground pool, you’ll want to ensure you’re meeting the electrical requirements dedicated by the National Electric Code (NEC) to ensure you can safely enjoy your new backyard oasis. 

Pool Pump Voltage Requirements

Your pool pump is the beating heart of your pool. It circulates the water, ensuring it passes through the filter to remove debris, and also helps in evenly distributing pool chemicals, maintaining the water’s cleanliness and balance. 

Pool pumps require a 120-volt variety and must have access to a three-prong outlet. If you only have a two-prong outdoor outlet, you may need to install a new one or use an extension cord. 

No Underground Wiring Beneath the Pool

Unlike in-ground pools that dig into your yard, above-ground pools sit on top of the yard’s surface. This means that there could be pipes or wires underground in the area where you wish to install the above-ground pool. 

There may be no electrical wires under the pool. If there are any in the surrounding area, they must be at least five feet away from the pool’s perimeter. 

Required Distance for Overhead Wires

Just as there must be a safe distance for underground wires, overhead wires have a required distance from above-ground pools too. This avoids the potential of the wire breaking or falling into the pool. 

For communication wires, they must be at least ten feet above the pool. Electrical wires must be at least 22.5 feet above the pool. 

If possible, it is best to avoid placing the above-ground pool under overhead wires. 

Install GFCI Outdoor Outlets

You’ll likely have outdoor outlets to plug your pool pump into, along with outdoor speakers, lights, and tools. Make sure that these are ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets to prevent shock and electrocution. 

If the GFCI outlet comes in contact with water, it will automatically shut off the power supply for safety. This is absolutely necessary, especially if kids are splashing around in the pool with an outlet nearby. 

Have a Dedicated Circuit for the Pool Pump

It’s always a good idea to put the pool pump on a dedicated circuit. As it will run constantly and use a good amount of electricity, running it on a separate circuit will avoid instances of blowing the circuit breaker due to an overload of usage. 

This is especially important for older homes. In these cases, the main circuit likely cannot handle the amount of electricity required to run the pool pump and other household appliances. 

Meet All Above-Ground Pool Electrical Requirements with Oak Electric

Electric requirements and regulations are enforced for above-ground pools to keep homeowners and pool enthusiasts safe from dangerous situations.

If you fail to comply with these regulations, you could face fines or worse. 

To ensure your above-ground pool meets all of the electrical requirements, call the electricians at Oak Electric

Our team of certified and professional electricians is ready to assess your above-ground pool electrical setup and do what it takes to verify it meets the necessary requirements. 

Request a free quote for your above-ground pool electrical system today!