Power Line Distance to Swimming Pool

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Mystic Pools

Mystic Pools

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Location
Park Ridge, NJ
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Swimming Pool Contractor
Is there a minimum distance above and away from power lines to a swimming pool?

My client has power lines running between the property lines at the back. I'm not sure of the proper pool placement. I certainly don't want the power lines over any portion of the pool.
 
Do you have a codebook? Take look at Table 680.8(A) Overhead Conductor Clearances or take a look here:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...P1Gtws655OlTlceYQ&sig2=UxCfrATHDAs5LwVn8C33JA

904ecmCBfig1.jpg


Welcome to the Forum. :)
 
That's an excellent illustration. But note that it references lines 750 volts and less. You don't mention the voltage of the "power lines" at the site, but if they are utility-owned and over 750 volts (4.16 kv, 13.2 kv, etc.), the NESC, not NEC is the reference you need. I don't have my copy handy, but "25 feet in all directions" is in my memory. That said, a call to the owner of the lines can hardly be wrong.
 
I'm familiar with that illustration and it usually relates to indoor pools for room lighting.

In this case the power lines belong to the power company mounted on utility poles providing service to the homes in the neighborhood.

Typical neighborhoods have service coming from the utility poles at the street. These however run through the adjoining neighborhood properties in the back yards.

I told the homeowner to call the power company for this.

Thanks for responses
 
Mystic Pools said:
I'm familiar with that illustration and it usually relates to indoor pools for room lighting.

In this case the power lines belong to the power company mounted on utility poles providing service to the homes in the neighborhood.

Typical neighborhoods have service coming from the utility poles at the street. These however run through the adjoining neighborhood properties in the back yards.

I told the homeowner to call the power company for this.

Thanks for responses
Click to expand...

The illustration posted above is not for indoor pools. Note the reference to the power lines above. There are rules for indoor pool clearances from lights/fans over pools but 680.8 (the illustration) is the outdoor requirements and why it's called:

680.8 Overhead Conductor Clearances.
Click to expand...
 
Mystic Pools said:
I'm familiar with that illustration and it usually relates to indoor pools for room lighting.

In this case the power lines belong to the power company mounted on utility poles providing service to the homes in the neighborhood.

Typical neighborhoods have service coming from the utility poles at the street. These however run through the adjoining neighborhood properties in the back yards.

I told the homeowner to call the power company for this.

Thanks for responses
Click to expand...

How could the illustration refer to indoor pools with power lines 750v and less referenced? There is no reference to indoor pools on the illustration and the article does not state indoor either
 
What I meant is it that it's something I have to consider on indoor pool installations when lighting above the pool is to be installed and the minimum clearances required. This seems to be the only time I have to refer to this section of the code.
I'm well aware the code is for indoor and outdoor as it's illustrated.

My issue is the power companies main power in proximity to the pool. 25' distance was mentioned and that may be right. This will really alter the plans and positioning and maybe kill the job.

I will have to call the power company directly for their requirements and I will post results.
 
Indoor pools would have a little more wiggle room since you would have a reduced 7.5' minimum height for lighting over the pool and any light below 12' requires GFCI protection.
 
Two possible solutions, and neither is cheap, are:
Relocate the service drop and build an electrical service elsewhere on the building if doing this will provide sufficient horizontal clearance from the pool to the service drop.
Change from aerial to underground and route the underground service conductors away from the pool.

What you're going through is not new. It's always been an issue.
 
infinity said:
Indoor pools would have a little more wiggle room since you would have a reduced 7.5' minimum height for lighting over the pool and any light below 12' requires GFCI protection.
Click to expand...

I don't see that explanation in 680. Where does it say 7.5'?
What about low voltage lighting over a pool?
 
UPDATE

Spoke directly with a PSE&G-New Jersey rep about minimum distance from power lines to a swimming pool.

25' to the water. Includes any dive platforms or lifeguard stands that protrude from the water's edge. Probably slides as well.

Power lines cannot go over the pool.

This is a separate requirement from the power company unrelated to NEC 680.

The rep initially told me 25', but verified and called me back.

Hope it doesn't put the kabash on my project. The pool initially was planned at 12' from the power lines. An extra 13' will tighten things up.
We'll see.
 
This issue seems to be coming full circle after speaking recently with NJ Board of Public Utilities. PSE&G, the power company provider, follows NJ BPU guidelines.

As I had stated in my previous post, 25' is the required distance from the primary wires on the utility poles. Not measured on a radius.
I'm told it's for safety and also for accessibility for the power company to make any repairs, i.e. , broken wire, new utility pole, etc..

This will force the relocation of the pool.

It may also encroach on the overhead drop down service to the residence. This may further foil our plan location.

We can bury the service to the house as I believe this allows the distance to be tightened up.

I looked at 680 and it allows wiring to be buried within 5' of the pool provided it's in a raceway and providing power to the pool equipment only.

What is the distance for underground service to a residence from a pool? I see nothing regarding max volts for underground only overhead (750v)
 
Barbqranch said:
How high are the lines above the ground?
Click to expand...

Are you speaking of the service drop to the house or the primary lines on the pole?

I'm not certain about the service drop height to the house since initially it was a non-issue regarding it's location to the pool plan.
I'm guessing it's under 20' presently. It's 200 amp service to the house.

The primary at the pole is well over 25' above ground. Of course communication cables are below.
 
curt swartz said:
If the service drop and conductors are owned by the utility why does 680 even apply? 90.2(B)(5)
Click to expand...

According to 90.2 (B) (5), a swimming pool can be installed under an existing service drop provided it's 22 1/2' above the water. Yes, owned by the utility company.
Conversely, it does not prohibit the utility company from installing a service drop over an existing pool. No mention of height above water it must be.
I'm guessing (hoping) the utility company would stick with the 22 1/2' in this case.

Here's a Mike Holt link covering section 90. Mentions what NEC does not cover under 90.2

http://www.mikeholt.com/instructor2/img/product/pdf/1284398344sample.pdf
 
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