ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
Questions? Confused? Message us and we can help!
1. GFCI OUTLETS & BEST PRACTICES
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The most important thing is to plug your filter pump and vacuum into a GFCI-protected outlet. A GFCI will turn off any electrical flow if there is water interference.
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The National Electric Code (NEC) requires all outdoor outlets to be GFCI-protected, so your outlets are likely good. However, it’s best to double-check them. You can test them by using one of these devices, having an electrician test them, and/or pressing the TEST button to ensure all devices turn off.
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There are 3 ways that GFCI outlets are installed:
*If it's powered from another outlet inside your house (typically a kitchen, bathroom, or garage), it means that if the GFCI turns off in the kitchen (for example), it would also turn off outside.
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Size: Given the size of the equipment we provide, you will most likely need a 4-outlet receptacle because the filter pump might take up 2 spots depending on your box. See the images below. For reference, we paid FDS Electric (info below) $200 to change our 2-outlet receptacle to a 4-outlet receptacle.
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Best practices for your GFCI receptacle are:
1) The plastic protectant cover needs to be able to fully close to prevent water entry. You can pop out the pre-stamped bottom/sides with pliers to allow closure.
2) Do not use an extender for your GFCI pump plug. Instead, have an electrician expand the 2-outlet receptacle to a 4-outlet if needed.
3) Do not have your outlet receptacle so low that it could flood during heavy rains. While there is no national code on height, check your local code department or building department as some will have their own preference. It is suggested to be at least 18" off the ground.
4) Do not use an extension cord as your GFCI. The GFCI should be built into your outlet using one of the 3 options above.
2. OUTLET LOCATION TO AVOID EXTENSION CORDS
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Electricians unanimously agree that extension cords are not a good permanent solution and that equipment should be plugged directly into outlets.
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Your filter pump only has a 25-foot cord and, according to the NEC code, the outlet receptacle should be at least 6 feet from the water's edge (diagram below). Please note that a couple of the electricians we consulted with didn’t know this code (and actually suggested something opposite), so if you had electrical work done, please tell them to reference Article 680.34.
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This means that your outlet should be at least 6 feet away from the pool and within 25 feet of the pump cabinet so that you don’t have to use an extension cord.
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Beyond that, the Dolphin Vacuum manufacturer advises that the outlet receptacle be at least 12 feet from the water’s edge, however, that is above and beyond code.
Is your outlet too far away? An electrician can:
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1) Run an outlet receptacle closer to the pool. An electrician can run the wiring against a fence/house or trench it underground using metal conduit or PVC. The cost is highly dependent on trenching needs. Suggested electricians are below.
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2) Another option is to hardwire your pump into an outlet with a longer cord. An electrician would install a junction box inside the rattan wrap for the connection. Suggested electricians are below.
Is your outlet receptacle too close to your pool?
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An electrician can move it further away from your pool and this should be fairly easy and affordable. Suggested electricians are below.
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Is your outlet in a good place, but without an extension cord, would the cord now be in an inconvenient location?
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You can trench it with PVC pipe. Make sure the piping is large enough to fit the GFCI protection at the end. Do not bury the cord on its own. If you do not bury it, ensure it won’t be damaged by lawnmowers or landscaping equipment. Suggested electricians are below.
3. HEATERS
We offer an electric 240v heater/chiller. If you anticipate that this is something you want to add to your pool, and you're already having an electrician run a new outlet receptacle closer to the pool, have them use a tube/conduit large enough to pull through additional 240v wiring in the future.
4. LAYOUT
As you plan where to put your electrical outlet, reference this diagram for dimensions.
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5. AUSTIN ELECTRICIAN SUGGESTIONS
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FDS Electrical Contractor, Frank: 512.738.7616
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Allied Electric Services, Steve: 512.844.5130
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Max Electrical Services, DJ: 512.825.4371 - they do not trench, but you can either trench yourself or hire a landscaper to do it.
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Texas Electrical Connect, Miguel: 512.956.0639 - suggesed vendor for hardwiring.
Option 1:
Installed onto the outlet. The TEST button will be on the outlet.
Option 2:
Installed onto the breaker. The TEST button will be on the breaker.
Option 3:
Linked to an inside outlet. The TEST button will be on an outlet inside.*