Pool & Spa Electrical Safety in Wisconsin: NEC Article 680 Guide
Pool electrical work is among the most dangerous—and most regulated—electrical work. Water and electricity require extreme care. Here's what Wisconsin pool owners must know.
Life Safety Warning
Improper pool electrical work kills people every year. Faulty bonding, missing GFCI protection, and damaged underwater lights cause electrocutions. Pool electrical is NOT a DIY project.
Pool Electrical Costs
- • Pump circuit: $400-$800
- • Underwater light: $300-$600 each
- • Bonding system: $500-$1,500
- • Complete in-ground: $2,500-$6,000+
- • Above-ground: $500-$1,500
NEC Article 680 Requirements
Critical Pool Electrical Rules:
- Equipotential bonding: All metal connected, grid extends 3 feet from pool
- GFCI protection: All circuits serving pool equipment and outlets within 20 feet
- Disconnect: Within sight of pool equipment, at least 5 feet from water
- Underwater lights: 12V or listed for pool use with GFCI
- Overhead clearances: Power lines must be 22.5+ feet above water
Understanding Equipotential Bonding
Bonding is the most misunderstood pool electrical requirement. It's NOT the same as grounding.
Purpose: If a fault occurs, bonding ensures all metal surfaces reach the same voltage simultaneously—eliminating voltage gradients that cause shock.
What gets bonded:
- • Pool shell (reinforcing steel or copper conductor)
- • Metal ladders and rails
- • Diving board supports
- • Pump motors and housings
- • Light fixture housings
- • Metal fencing within 5 feet
- • Metal deck furniture anchors
Common Pool Electrical Hazards
- Missing bonding: Voltage differences cause shock even without touching electrical
- Deteriorated light fixtures: Water intrusion creates shock hazard
- No GFCI: Prevents the system that would stop current during a fault
- Extension cords near pool: Extreme shock/electrocution risk
Why We Can't Quote Remotely
Pool electrical requires on-site evaluation of:
- • Pool type and construction (bonding approach varies)
- • Distance from main panel
- • Existing bonding and grounding
- • Equipment location and quantity
- • Overhead power line clearances
Related Resources
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Pool and spa electrical must meet strict NEC Article 680 code requirements including equipotential bonding and GFCI protection. Your family's safety is too important for shortcuts. Couillard Electric serves Sheboygan County, Ozaukee County, Washington County, and surrounding SE Wisconsin communities.