Is a spray fountain a "fountain" or a "po

[steve66]

Would a spray fountain for kids to play in be considered a pool or a fountain? This would basically be spray nozzles connected to domestic water (electric valves, no pumps). The nozzles would be in poured concrete arranged to drain (so there is no real pool of water).

A coworker says its a fountain since it doesn't hold water. His argument is its no different than a sidewalk when it rains.

I think its a pool because its intended use is for people to walk in and through the water.

Steve

 

[charlie b]

Re: Is a spray fountain a "fountain" or a "po

The definition of pool in Article 680 requires that the equipment be designed to ?contain water on a permanent or semi-permanent basis.? It sounds to me like your item will not contain water. So I would not call it a pool. But for that matter, I would not call a sidewalk a ?pool? either.

The article 680 definition of ?Fountain? is vague enough that it could apply. It defines ?Fountain? as ?Fountains, (and other stuff).? Very helpful!

 

[tom baker]

Re: Is a spray fountain a "fountain" or a "po

A pool or fountain in the NEC has a pump and motor. Without the pump and motor it wouldn't fall under the NEC.

 

[charlie b]

Re: Is a spray fountain a "fountain" or a "po

Not even with electrically controlled valves?

 

[jimwalker]

Re: Is a spray fountain a "fountain" or a "po

Sounds more like an outdoor shower to me.

 

[steve66]

Re: Is a spray fountain a "fountain" or a "po

Posted by Tom:

A pool or fountain in the NEC has a pump and motor. Without the pump and motor it wouldn't fall under the NEC.

I think you may be mistaken. Set the definition of Permanetly Installed Pools for example:

Those that are constructed in the ground.....whether or not served by electrical circuits of any nature.

Steve

 

[steve66]

Re: Is a spray fountain a "fountain" or a "po

Ok, I'm leaning toward it being a fountain also. Fountains must comply with part I and part IV of 680 (per 680.50)

Do I have to comply with 680.10:

Underground wiring shall not be permitted under the pool or within the area extending 5' horizontally from the inside wall unless it is necessary to supply pool equipment

I would say yes, since it is in part I, but it uses the word "pool", and I don't have a pool of water.

Steve

 

[macmikeman]

Re: Is a spray fountain a "fountain" or a "po

Outside of my house there are several water faucet spigots with garden hoses attached. I have been known to spray at my kids once in awhile. So is this a swimming pool also? Or maybe a fountain? I don't think so. Maybe you just have a big spigot .

 

[charlie b]

Re: Is a spray fountain a "fountain" or a "po

Is there a permanently installed, electrically operated valve that turns the water on and off, while your kids are romping around the yard?

Steve66 is looking into the applicable rules for the wires he has to install. IMHO, 680.10 does not apply.

 

[steve66]

Re: Is a spray fountain a "fountain" or a "po

Thanks Charlie B. I did take Jimwalker and macmikeman's comments into consideration (they are similar to my coworkers argument). But per 680.2, the definition of a fountain includes "fountains"!!.

So I looked up "fountain" in the dictionary. If you go by that definition, Macmikeman's garden hose may actually be a temporary fountain!!

Steve

 

[eprice]

Re: Is a spray fountain a "fountain" or a "po

By the way, according to the definition of a pool, a fish tank or a water heater are both pools, since they're designed to hold water, maybe not for swimming or wading, but for "other purposes"