How to Wire an Above Ground Pool Pump | Ask This Old House

[@codymcgonigle8530]

Man I love when the ditch was already dug out, and the loose dirt was put back in! That’s the best 😂😂😂😂

[@chicagowsox212]

This Scott Caron dude is great. Hope Ask This Old House brings him back

[@michaeltalamo6695]

I think im addicted to these videos 😂

[@neelpatel0950]

Same

[@prashantgandhi8450]

Same

[@johnanders8861]

Same

[@gabrielgonzalez3501]

If im not listening to music or playing videogames this is on my running my tv background 😂😂

[@andrewbyers1555]

Same

[@RoastBeefSandwich]

I've never seen someone bond the water and pool structure to ground. Makes a lot of sense to do it, I guess I just never thought about it. That's a thorough job for sure.

[@MasterChief-sl9ro]

It's code. The bond wire can not have any breaks in it as well. Has to be one contentious run. Must also have a path back to the source. That being the transformer feeding service. So no ground rod only crap. As that would be an electrical hazard...

[@thomasfarley6366]

I've also never seen this. I spent all summer a few years ago working on pools for a local company as a job while I was in college and not once did I see them bond the water or metal on the pool. Although I agree, it makes sense to do this.

[@MarkNehemiah]

teetor tottar in Pennsylvania you have to install it this way in order to pass inspection. We usually place the timer inside though. Kind of odd having it on the outside of the house.

[@thomasfarley6366]

Strange because Pennsylvania is the state I'm in. Guess the company I worked for just didn't care.

[@jacobspringman]

Jeremy Medlock It’s a requirement of the national electric code, and if your jurisdiction has adopted that, then it’s a requirement.

[@beboo_o1125]

Works better than I expected. I feel really warm water coming in from the pump after it goes thru the solar mat. We also use a solar blanket which works great.

[@bjornjoseph]

They tested it out with the dog. Savage

[@jumpinghighest]

Great video except the function of a GFCI was explained incorrectly. A GFCI measures the circuit for a difference in power going out and then returning to the GFCI. If there is a difference it will trip. A regular circuit breaker will trip if the circuit is grounded.

[@davidfrisch5538]

I ran metal conduit from my breaker box in my basement to a 4x4 wood post with a switch an gfi outlet , 3 Separate wires 12awg black,white,green .to 20 amp breaker.. the pool is bonded in one spot of the frame an on top of the pump to the conduit , which again is bonded to my breaker box , the pool walls sit inside a metal track that bonds the unit in my opinion

[@ffas23]

Did you ground the Pool Pump? If so I must of missed it or is it grounded through the Ground Fault System when plugged in?

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

The ground wires for the feed, pool pump, pool bonding, and a buried earth rod are all tied together in a splice box. Looks like they didn’t show that part.

[@amypletcher4411]

I wish they showed all of it! The whole process became there are so many of us that have questions because it looks like we are missing something of the grounding wire process.

[@3500-e1d]

I think I’m addicted too anyone watching at 3 am

[@jaywithjdms9020]

I watch all these video because im going to build a house

[@threetimesmaybe6392]

an old house?

[@Delagringo]

Why would I need to bond a non electrical structure ? The pump is already bonded and it’s connected via rubber/plastic to the pool and the structure of the pool is technically already grounded ? I’m confused by this one as well as installing timers outside

[@amypletcher4411]

Yes, I would think the timer would be inside the house, rather than outside.

[@Jimddddd1981]

Dog didn’t get zapped. It’s ok for people to get in the pool now.

[@Dev_209]

Lol😅😅😅😅😅😂😂😂😂

[@AStanton1966]

If there had been a short, he would of been a hot dog.

[@CharlesLumia]

Nice job! Scott is a beast.

[@davidbilly3766]

Tested on pup first

[@alex_byrnes]

Does an electrical inspector have to certify every job? Us Aussies just get the job done and it's done - no inspections.

[@MMWA-DAVE]

In WA electrical safety certificates are submitted by licensed electricians when work is completed not sure about other states - so if anything isn't done correctly and causes a problem later down the track someone can always be blamed. A concerning grey area for DIY jobs if the house burns down and the insurance company says too bad so sad, wasn't done by an electrician.

[@lordgarth1]

Variable Speed Pump is a much better option than just a timer.

[@tommytwomommy]

Lord Garth there are no above ground variable speed pumps that I know of

[@Engineer9736]

Variable Frequency Controller or VFC he means.

[@j.collingallagher7030]

Better option unless you are on a budget

[@tommytwomommy]

J. Collin Gallagher what variable speed pumps for above ground do you know of?

[@lordgarth1]

You can use a variable speed pump for above ground pool. If you are concerned about being too powerful for the filter you can buy the smallest one and being variable speed you can set the pump speed (except for when it primes). Pentair Intelliflow comes in a 1.5 hp and works on 115V. You will also be able to get an energystar rebate on it dropping the price to around what a single speed costs. At least right now while those rebates are available.

[@fireyourrocketts]

my pump has a ground connector to run a separate recommended number 8 bare copper wire to ground; my question is, if I run the wire to normal ground do I need to connect it to a rod that is driven 8 feet into the ground ????? I am trying to drive a copper rod near by where the pump will be but I have only done half of it and it seems stuck already! My pump is a Hayward Super Pump at 1.5 HP and it will be using a 20 amp dedicated circuit I ran from the breaker box to the back of the patio. One thing I notice is the GFCI breaker, I may switch mines for those, the pump is on its own and there is a second 20 amp circuit ending in a GFCI box for regular electricity around the pool. Thanks for any advise!

[@amypletcher4411]

I have the same question! Our friend's pool is grounded to a 8ft rod and they told us to do that but I don't know if it is going around their pool or in the skimmer box. We will find out though because we are buying their pool to install at our house. Got the permit for the electrical just need to know which way is proper and easier.

[@richardgarrow9260]

While i do it myself as I have watched a number of electricians do it, but it has never been explained to me. Why do you wrap black electrical tape around the outlets? I figure it is to protect against sparks or shorts, but thought I would ask.. Thanks.

[@sammyg3697]

Richard Garrow its just Incase someone grabs it and yanks it out then if the power was still on then it’s just for extra protection

[@edsyfi1812]

Whats the average price on this kind of setup , Just the electrical part and copper/ground connect on an already existing above ground pool?

[@robertovaccarella4035]

I'm a licensed electrician in NNJ we're not permitted to do the electrical installation of the pool like that we have to run pipe from the electrical panel directly to pool filtration system - clearly you install a time clock - also whats required is an equipotential bonding system four points of attachment to the pool framing then to the skimmer then terminated at the pool motor. Then you let your wife give a test run just to ensure the safety of your family, just make sure that you have life insurance, lol.

[@mikeclarke3005]

Is all up to local jurisdictions, many places all (romax brand name) type NM-B indoors no conduit required most of the time once outside have to transition to conduit until underground, then either burial type wire in conduit all the way or UF-B direct burial once at bury depth.

[@mattrobinson832]

After bonding the metal and pool equipment together, do you connect it to a grounding rod?

[@jeffreyreeve65]

You do not have to add a ground rod but, you can for added safety. I did on my pool

[@heroknaderi]

Very informative

[@eidymeraz6024]

Cool if the pool is made with wood and nails is sitting in cement blocks do I still need to bond it

[@dicermilan]

? why he did not show where to mount the ground from the pool to the pump like he promissed?

[@randomisoty422]

The pump is already grounded through the power cable. The bonding wire only needs to be attached to the electrical ground and they will be connected.

[@MrSleepProductionsInc]

There is a ground lug on the outside of the pool pump that the ground wire from the pool frame attaches to.

[@Fusiongearz]

Huh my pool setup looks trashy compared to this, but my power leads are also much longer. They are able to reach a power receptacle inside the garage. Maybe I should swap that reciptical out to a GFCI compliant one.

[@Ranger11413]

You're ready for your first pool "potty" ! Lmao

[@scootermann83]

Clean it with a skimmah first

[@jadamuzg1]

What's the name of that putty used around the clamp?

[@shibainuman2811]

The code states a convenience receptacle shall be at least 10 feet and no further than 20 feet from the pool. That outlet looked less than 10 feet. Maybe the camera angle? Also all the pool lugs looked loose. They shifted when tightened. I always hold them with a channel lock pliers and tighten the bolt or nut to the metal structure. Loose lugs are bad lugs.

[@onecrazywheel]

I agree about the outlets for convienece being too close to the pool. They said the inspector signed off on it. It is what it is. Loose lugs aren't good. They need to be properly torqued for sure.

[@alexanderbilicki5152]

The convenience receptacle can be within 6 - 20 ft from the pool wall, not 10 - 20 ft... Art 680 NEC

[@chuysilverdeath]

What gauge wire was used? 10g or 12g? He just mentioned it had to be insulated.

[@centaurld6442]

12 gauge handles 20 amps, 10 gauge handles 30 amps.

[@shannon1872]

Dog was like wtf Dad, I did not sign up for this. .

[@eqarigon]

I have to do this next week, running a temporary 12ga extension cord on a new pool. What was the reasoning for two NM cables going in the house?

[@chrisadkinswork5016]

He could have wired the pump receptacle and spare receptacle separate.

[@DarshilPatel95]

Chris Adkins Work what if you use the 12-3 would that achieve similar results ?

[@Sparky-ce9yy]

@@DarshilPatel95 Probably can't share a neutral.

[@mattheww2797]

Two separate circuits one for the pool one for the outlet

[@mattheww2797]

@@DarshilPatel95 if you want to start a fire sure, separate circuits need their own neutrals

[@nermal26]

why not cut off plug splice the wire and run conduit to house connect to breaker done

[@c31979839]

Nick likely makes it easier to replace the motor later on down the road when it fails.

[@WJCTechyman]

Or if you are in an area of North America where you need to winterize the pump and pool due to freezing temperatures, makes it easier than splicing it directly into the conduit. My Aunt stores her pump in the basement and blows the lines out after emptying the pool below the skimmers and jets.

[@MrSleepProductionsInc]

You have to have a disconnecting means at the pump, a cord and plug connection is that disconnecting means.

[@brodie42092]

@@MrSleepProductionsInc most pool pumps are wired so that the only way to disconnect them is to take the cover plate off the back of the pump, loosen the screws, and pull the wires out, although if you do see a pump with a plug, it's far more likely to be for an above-ground pool

[@Bageera63]

I'd like to see Scott talk more about thumb gum. 2:13

[@MrBababuwi]

Hey Scott Caron if you ever come to 90201, let me know!

[@ryanr6401]

Nice

[@farmerdave7965]

I liked the bonding of the pool metal.

[@grizgames6458]

Ok so I have a summer waves elite pool. My zoning office says I need to bond it but the type of pump it is doesn’t sit on the ground it just mounts to the pool where to I run the copper wire to?

[@mikez4132]

Bonding isnt required for a temporary pool (48" tall and under in most places) you must have a strict town. Is there metal on that pool? You may have to add a bonding kit inside the filter housing and drill and tap a few of the legs and use bonding clamps to attach the bonding wire.

[@NSMike87]

Whoa, that is a FULL panel. Do they have a dedicated circuit for every outlet or something?!

[@c31979839]

No kidding.

[@MarkNehemiah]

Mine looks the same way. It was half full, then after the kitchen remodel it’s nearly full. Had to add 8 breakers to meet code.

[@civildk9077]

NICE!

[@eqarigon]

My pool has 18 legs. Does every leg need to be bonded?

[@ImAdamRyan]

4 equidistant spots around the pool

[@00savage25]

I looked up every building code I could find for pool electrical never seen one for bonding the water. I think I will add it to the circuit. But it did say the #8 bare wire needs to be 36" under ground

[@alexanderbilicki5152]

Does not need to be 36" underground, 6 inches is the bare minimum for covering the bonding wire

[@mikeclarke3005]

In the US, the NEC is so called bible, but is only a guide and not the requirement itself. Is what the local masculinity has in their codes, they can adopt the NEC, part or in whole remove part add their own etc and per a specific year, if adopted only up to NEC 2008 code anything after would not apply to that jurisdiction etc. So one city ordnance may require pool bonding another may not yet. But is for all permanent installed above and in ground pools, spa;'s etc. everything must be bonded that is metal back to a common single point, including the pool, the water, the pump, any metal deck components, and pool fencing some times.

[@89five3five]

Did not show us how the timer is hooked up

[@alonzoeldenjohnson6341]

Nice video

[@j.collingallagher7030]

Why does the ground have to be insulated?

[@c31979839]

J. Collin Gallagher likely to do with corrosion since it is in such close proximity to a large amount of water.

[@javiermoye3456]

Didn’t show how to wire inside the box for switch and Plug

[@mversantvoort]

Interesting and well explained, thanks!

[@seriouslyreally5413]

Wow very specific safety requirements. Worth the price of admission so ALWAYS hire a certified professional electrician!

[@ImAdamRyan]

Ehhhhhh... certified electricians charge about $1500 for this. That’s outrageous if you ask me.

[@bryandaves1005]

I can do this job myself in a couple of hours and I know how to read the NEC code book. Why would I spend $1500 when I can do it myself for $100-$200? Electrical work is fairly straight forward. People are just intimidated by it. If you turn off the power while wiring into the panel and match the proper gauge wire with the proper beaker for the pump and distance of your run…… I would think that if you spend your time watching This Old House videos, you’re probably handy enough to tackle this job

[@christianmontano636]

Solid video. Coming from a Master Electrician.

[@scottmiller9098]

Pools are a lot of work and a lot of dough.

[@shadowblack1987]

Try a boat. Or a plane 😱

[@PrannoyChauhan]

He put his dog first just to test it 🙄🤣🤣🤣

[@Woni8u]

I see a lot of code discrepancies

[@nathancawley6944]

Best of all, no one can complain that he commited multiple code violations.

[@Sparky-ce9yy]

Nathan Cawley Name Them Off...

[@gregsplace.greecenewyork2744]

Huh?

[@c31979839]

Looks like we have an expert in the comment section! Watch out all you couch keyboard warriors, Nathan Crawley is going to tell us exactly what went wrong here!

[@nathancawley6944]

c31979839 He literaly said the local electrical inspector came and signed off on the project.

[@MrSleepProductionsInc]

Yea, I think he had to step up his game given all the couch warriors on previous videos. 😅

[@rhdtv2002]

Do you need to bond if its a resin pool?

[@Sparky-ce9yy]

Yes.

[@rhdtv2002]

@@Sparky-ce9yy how though? The only metal is the pool wall and not sure if we should be screwing into that

[@rhdtv2002]

Okay it looks like I can only bond to the seam where the pool walls lock in..

[@garybrightbill4881]

I thought that code required a separately insulated ground all the way back to the panel.

[@eliterrazas4138]

I’m pretty sure he ran a dedicated line to the pool pump with a switch and the second dedicated line for GFCI outlet

[@thomasmarable6818]

It would if he didn't put the switch in code allows before last disconnect and not the plug but a switch.

[@davidwexler1745]

Pre-dug trench.

[@chuckbuddystrainer8632]

I didn't say you were attached that bonding wire going from the pool to anything . What did you attach it to ?

[@mikez4132]

He said 3/4 wall posts, the motor and lastly the water. There is a lug on the motor to connect it to. The electrical circuit coming from the house is already grounded. This wire he added provides a connected (bonded together) path for stray current in the pool body/water.

[@jodeci888]

@@mikez4132 I guess there is no need for a ground rod than.

[@mikez4132]

@@jodeci888 correct

[@jodeci888]

@@mikez4132My pool is being installed in 2 weeks, soni have to find the bonding clips for the braces and skimmer.

[@alexstickney156]

Curious why he used stranded wire from the box on the house to the outlet and not solid. Otherwise this is an awesome video (even though I don't have, nor do I want, a pool).

[@michaelpadovani9566]

Alex Stickney much easier to pull stranded through conduit

[@alexstickney156]

Michael Padovani Thanks! Makes sense.

[@rupe53]

++ Alex Stickney .. Romex is not rated for wet locations and also can't be run inside conduit, which is why they do the easy run from inside to a junction box then change over as required by code. Obviously this video shows a rather short run. Many times we're talking 100 ft so it makes even more sense.

[@nachtdiertje1972]

Thank G.., that this isn't allowed in Europe. Especially the timer in a metal case on the outside of the wall and no shielded cable. A good thing is the grounding.

[@notofinterest]

They dont need it with their girliepower of 110V...

[@Engineer9736]

Christian Fuchs 110v at 100 amps, some even 200 amps. That’s a LOT more power than the average European household has.

[@notofinterest]

I can do the math, and for sure it is true that they need more amps with lesser volts to get same juice. But what i still don’t understand is the way how they do it over there (im from europe). Weird cable layout inside wooden frames, metal cases as junction boxes... its all overruled over here, but i feel more comfy with our system and see a lesser chance for fire, shocks and fails. Im not an electrician (just a electronic guy) but afaik metal boxes r not allowed , as same as uninsulated cables (even if its ground), cables cant be installed ‚somehow‘ (need to follow layout rules) and much more. And 110V... comeon... u even wont notice it if u touch that accidental.

[@alecw7063]

Christian Fuchs it’s simple ohms law.... if you touch about 120 volts which is what I get to my house and my resistance is about 25 kilohm then that’s almost 5 Milliamps , which will definitely give you a decent shock

[@mikeclarke3005]

@@notofinterest We have 240V and 120V, called split phase and some bigger in ground is 240V as most major heavy duty devices, 120V for light appliances outlets and lighting so yes although that tiny motor only needs tiny 120V we do have 240V manly power too!

[@simplexpulls3]

I've never clicked so fast in my life

[@Sparky-ce9yy]

That copper will be green at some point

[@Guardducks]

Colin Beirne That just means you need to polish it once a year .

[@Engineer9736]

guardduck25 Or just let it be green. Maybe he should have used some anti corrosion stuff at the contact points though.

[@sffr2003]

? USA

[@maksiodzidek1]

not tested on animals? :)

[@masicmoney]

Where does the other end of that bonding wire go?

[@mikez4132]

There is a full circle of wire around the pool. Three or four wires coming from various legs of the pool that tie to that circle with bonding lugs. A wire from the plate in the skimmer that contacts the water and lastly it all ends by connection to the pump motor housing. That is the final point of the bond. It gives any stray erroneous current a path away from people in the water.

[@masicmoney]

@@mikez4132 Thanks. Finally get an anwser to where that bonding wire starts and ends !!

[@mikez4132]

@@masicmoney glad to help!

[@MsUltrafox]

I would open the pump and remove the wire with the plug and install new thicker wires and run them straight to the inside of the house. No potential contact points for the pool water to get near the electricity.

[@gregsplace.greecenewyork2744]

illuminati could violate Pumps warranty and not pass electrical inspection.

[@MrSleepProductionsInc]

Plus, you need a disconnecting means at the pump.

[@saulgoodman2018]

Why not just run all insulated cable. Why run 2 different sets of wires?

[@gregsplace.greecenewyork2744]

Lord Ba'al you would of needed to run conduit straight to breaker box inside. It is just easier the way Scott did it.

[@sammyg3697]

Because 220 needs a separate circuit

[@saulgoodman2018]

But he still had to run the other to the box. He did a bad job at explaining this.

[@sammyg3697]

Lord Ba'al wait so you mean from the box to the pump

[@saulgoodman2018]

To the panel. So run it from the panel to the pool. Unless he also put in a regular 120 outlet. Decade i had something like this done, but it was for one of those old school 220 volt AC units, that I don't have any more. Which they ran a wire from the panel to a separate breaker box that has a 20 amp 220 circuit. Then a wire from that to the outlet I don't even understand why they did that. This was just a bad video.

[@venividivici4253]

I’m never going to own a pool. Too much maintenance and electrical costs. Can never understand how other people can comfortably have a pool.

[@m.morininvestor9920]

I go to rivers ... !

[@sffr2003]

?

[@vacuumboy6.0]

1500 watts allot!?! No that's 12 amps = one household vacuum cleaner, That's NOT alot.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Who runs a vacuum every single day for hours on end? Very few people do.

[@JesusJuenger]

It's a huge amount to be running for 12 hours per day.

[@kevinroberts5140]

1.21 Jigawatts!

[@charleslusignan1707]

What about the ground rods? You're bonded to nothing?!

[@ianclifford31]

Bonded at panel in basement

[@MegaRiffraff]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@burnsy75100]

First of all it should be in pipe all the way back to the panel and you can’t use romex to wire a pool just to point out a few violations

[@Egleu1]

burnsy75100 depends where you are, some places allow Romex how he ran it. Also he used thhn from the junction box to the pump outlet.

[@fd3871]

there is no reason to run conduit once it enters the hose. and romex to thhn is common application when transitioning from dry to wet.

[@alexanderbilicki5152]

The NEC allows any approved wiring method in Chapter 3 of the NEC for the INTERIOR of the dwelling, (BTW Romex is a trade name the proper term is NM which means non-metallic sheathed cable)once you leave the envelope of the home to the exterior then the wiring method changes where you need an Insulated green grounding conductor no smaller than #12 copper along with wet location approved wires Ex. THHN/THWN....

[@Ranger11413]

Absolute overkill. To have that done by a licensed electrician would end up costing more than the pool itself.

[@ohno1017]

And here's your bill 454,000$..

[@sergeantseven4240]

ah, another episode of "this old ask house".

[@zurcfamily]

👎👎👎 unfortunately, no detail was shown on how to 1. putting those metal pieces and screws in the skimmer! 2. Bonding when placing the box against the wall! 3. The plastic piece used coming out of the ground for the cable to the pool! 4. Properly tripping instructions from the main electrical box!! 5. Etc, etc, etc...!!!

[@XzTS-Roostro]

That ending was a bit dark...

[@oliviasolimene9963]

No splices aloud when running home run FAIL

[@StanSwan]

Two gang Bell Box has too many wires in it. Amazing This Old House makes videos with blatant code violations.

[@kperkins1982]

Wait a minute, 1500 watts for 10-12 hours a day? At even cheap electricity prices of 10 cents / KWH that is 50 dollars a month, and all for a tacky above ground pool. Jesus.

[@Engineer9736]

Kenny Perkins I was thinking the same lol. I already hate it to run my AC all day during the summer. But whatever i rather pay 50 dollars per month than sit in a 30 degrees C / 86 degrees F living room.

[@JG-pw5cr]

For fifty bucks a month you can just pay for a gym/YMCA membership and have access to a real pool and equipment. Plus you don't have to worry about maintaince

[@EskimoJoe492]

You don't have to run the pump that long...maybe 3 hours a day.

[@MasterChief-sl9ro]

Not sure how he figured that out. The pool maker should have supplied the control box. To run the pump...As that motor looked less then 1.5 HP. So maybe 5 amps. Unless it's a heated pump. Which is used during winter to avoid freezing. In which case. Who the hell is swimming below freezing?

[@MarkNehemiah]

Master Chief 00117 why wouldn’t you just disconnect the pump and put it your shed during the winter?

[@kobirelf97]

Electric installations in America is so bad and there should be ashamed of themselves here in the UK we have better health and safety better electrical regulations then any other country in the world maybe countries like America should start taking note and change

[@americawhereareyou]

"better electrical regulations then any other country in the world" How so? What regulation is different in the UK? How would you have to do it? Yawn, another America basher.

[@sffr2003]

NO USA

[@ekawakakonahi1174]

You need to install an earthen grid 3' around the pool and ground any metal object that's within 5' of the pools edge. There are a few exceptions though...read up!...FAIL

[@thomasmarable6818]

Above ground pools has some exception to the rule

[@shaunarias2283]

WTF

[@josebonifacio3894]

Kkk 😂😂🐶🐕

[@Homepros888]

I guess TOH haven't done nothing recently, lately they just recycle old videos. Saw this one a few years ago.

[@saulgoodman2018]

Because they are on summer break.

[@sammyg3697]

Homepros NYC can I have the link to the real video then? I have been looking to see how he did the outlets in the box

[@ekujj13]

A man in a wife beater should be ashamed to call in TOH for that.

[@Homepros888]

He is in a muscle tee shirt, wife beater is a tank top

[@youbadolivez]

Obviously he's doing something right. He owns a house and has a pool, he's not 40 living with mom and dad

[@JG-pw5cr]

😅

[@TheSacredFlair]

There's no shame in calling an electrician to do an electrical job

[@Engineer9736]

It’s a legal and insurance matter to get this stuff installed by a certified electrician.

[@oliviasolimene9963]

No splices aloud when running home run FAIL

[@ejq8630]

that is not true at all