What Equipotential ground ring trench method are you using for Above Ground Pool?

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tesla six

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Buffalo, NY
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Licensed Electrician
I am not sure the excavation area, on the first contract of the season, will have the space to just through it in before inspection and then cover it so, what is the best method to place it in the ground?

Spade shovel and push the conductor in with a stick?
I thought I heard someone was using an electric lawn edger and rigged up a spooling method. I would love to see that one!

Looking for faster and efficient.
I would like to do more pools, and have to contacts to get into the mix,and a local pool and spa friend said I should.

Thanks in advance.
 
You need to find out if they are adding to the grade. Are they adding dirt, mulch, pavers, concrete, etc.?
The ring needs to be 4"-6" below subgrade and 18"-24" from the inside walls of the pool.
If they are just adding dirt, and enough to get the 4-6", I just lay the ring around and secure it with wire bent over the bond wire. If they are adding pavers, you need to dig a small trench to get your depth. If concrete and pouring gravel first, I do the same as just dirt. If they aren't adding anything, you will have to make a trench to the required depth.
 
Thanks Little Bill. Yep understand the distance and depth, even though in my experience depth is not usually enforced but I'd feel guilty if I did not. Your ideas help me think about it. BUT no one has come up with a high speed low drag method of getting that 8AWG conductor in the ground when there's a lawn in the way. Crud!
 
I try my best to get the customer to either trench himself or hire it done. I tell them it will save them money. I tell them they would rather pay a day laborer than to pay my hourly rate just to dig a trench. You could probably dig one with a mattock in a couple of hours on an above ground pool if the soil conditions were good.
Now deeper trenches for feeders and services, I have a guy that I contract with for those. But for a shallow ring around an above ground pool, I try to let the customer deal with that.
 
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