lights less than 5 feet from pool

[Chamuit]

Leaving it as it is, the EC was in doubt so he came to a forum of peers, asked for guidance, was told it is a gray area by peers who likewise were in doubt, and was advised to ask the AHJ. The Authority over his work made a ruling and he went with it.

Seems like the AHJ, by allowing "repair" and "new work" permits, muddies the water on a job like this. With any job, at some point in a repair, someone has to draw a line. The AHJ representative is the SME and draws the line. If they say it's okay, it's okay.

So new fixtures, new conduit, new conductors.
To me that is a new installation, not an existing one.
The inspector in this case agrees with you, I do not.

I completely agree with iWire.

...I wonder what the lawyers would say if a lawsuit was filed against you?

Anyone can sue anybody at anytime for anything for any reason.