Inground Pool Electrical Sub Panel

Guys I'm new to your site, I'm Chris in South Carolina.

I'm in the process of building a 28x14 inground pool rectangle shape.

The weather has been so wet, i have had a clay pond for 4 months.

So im stuck, so I decided lets start electrical, put box up and we can plug in and go when needed.

I know my limitations jack of all master of zero. . I have done a lot with electrical over my 1/2 century life, but never had guts to stick hand in panel. I have pulled breakers and replaced is my extent.

So this is my plan. I will have 1 halogen light, only power at pool. The pump is going to be approx 10 feet from pool. On equipment pad. The pump, i believe is 1 hp (sitting in garage with all parts for 6 months). Additionally a Salt Generator which I have not purchased and eventually gas heater.

I may put a couple taps from this box IF Allowed, for area lights or outlets down the road.

I know long story, but its my family's life and I want you pros to know all.

MY GOAL - Install box on house, power from main box, is in garage. Wire will go through craw space direct to SUB panel. Then have electrician wire up.

1. Supplies - What kind of wire size type etc, Box that is weather proof, and gfci or whatever you call it breakers for pools.

2. Lowest place to purchase

3. BEST way to install.

I know I'm asking for alot, but as all, money is tight. Why we are all DYI people. That's a whole other topic, why making pool, money etc.

If you can help, please direct me..

Thanks all,

Chris

 

Welcome to the forums Chris!

Installing a sub panel is not an overly difficult task as long as it is done safely. A pool however has it's own section in the NEC (Article 680) which covers all the special rules that need to be followed. Pretty much everything that is metal and within 10' of a pool needs to be bonded and grounded. This includes any metal rebar that is in the ground and also the water itself.

All equipment (electrical and pool equipment) also needs to be at least 10' away from the pool, so plan on that when choosing a place to install the sub panel. If the panel is on the same building as the main panel you do not need a main disconnect (breaker). You have use one if you choose, as it might be handy, buy it is not required for a panel on the same building. That main will likely be 100 amps but that doesn't mean to need to feed it with 100 amps, it only acts as a disconnect.

The size of the panel will depend on how much you will be powering. You can add up all the watts (amps x volts = watts) of your equipment and then divide by 240 to equal amps. Or you can just spitball it and run a 60 amp feed and hope it will be big enough.

The home stores (Home Depot, Lowe's, Etc) will typically carry what you need at the best prices. You might be able to do better online if you can get free shipping, but if something is wrong, returning it can be a hassle.

Post back your specs and we can size the feeder/panel.

 

This is very important. Make sure your electrician is onboard from the start. Some pool installers handle that but most rely on your electrician

 

Remember what you said here. Keep this as the number one priority of your project of setting up the electrical for your pool. My opinion, this is not a DIY project. Or I would if I were you think more about if you should be doing this. As mentioned an in ground pool has an entire set of NEC rules and regulations in wiring and being sure that the pool is grounded properly to prevent personal injury or even death since water and electricity do not play well together.

Are you aware that most electricians (you may find one here or there) will NOT finish work that a home owner has started when it comes to electrical. They do not want to take on the liability that you may have done something wrong and then they get blamed for a bad outcome and their liability insurance suffers in the end. I know I never liked any home owner starting work just to save money. It can get very complicated to inspect all the work they did to see if it is correct. I would highly suggest that if you insist in doing the manual work yourself that before you buy anything or start any work you find an electrician who is willing to pick up where you leave off or you may end up paying for materials and doing a lot of work which will just be torn out by the electrician. Think strongly on this point and the safety of your family.