Section 68 — Pools, Tubs, and Spas Scope
68-000 Scope
(1) This Section applies to:
(a) Electrical installations and electrical equipment in or adjacent to pools; and (b) Non-electrical metal accessories in a pool or within 3 m of the inside wall of a
pool.
(2) A pool shall be deemed to include:
(a) Permanently installed and storable swimming pools; and (b) Hydromassage bathtubs; and
(c) Spas and hot tubs; and (d) Wading pools; and (e) Baptismal pools; and (f) Decorative pools.
(3) The requirements of this Section are supplementary to, or amendatory of, the general requirements of this Code.
General
68-050 Special Terminology
In this Section the following definitions apply:
Decorative pool means a pool that could be used as a wading pool, that is larger than 1.5 m in any dimension, and that is readily accessible to the public.
Dry-niche luminaire means a luminaire intended for installation in the wall of the pool in a niche that is sealed against the entry of pool water by a fixed lens.
Forming shell means a structure intended for mounting in a pool structure to support a wet-niche luminaire assembly.
Hydromassage bathtub means a permanently installed bathtub having an integral or remote water pump or air blower, and having a fill and drain water system, and includes therapeutic pools.
Leakage current collector means a device designed to provide a path to ground for leakage current originating from devices in contact with pool water.
Permanently installed swimming pool means a pool constructed in such a manner that it cannot be disassembled for storage.
Spa or hot tub means a pool or tub designed for the immersion of persons in heated water circulated in a closed system incorporating a filter, heater, pump, and with or without a motor-driven blower but not intended to be filled and drained with each use.
Storable swimming pool means a pool constructed in such a manner that it may be readily disassembled for storage and reassembled to its original integrity.
Wet-niche luminaire means a luminaire intended for installation in a forming shell mounted in a pool structure where the luminaire will be completely surrounded by pool water.
68-052 Electrical Wiring or Equipment in Pool Walls or Water
Electrical wiring or equipment shall not be installed in the walls nor in the water of pools except as permitted by this Section.
68-054 Overhead Wiring (see Appendix B )
(1) No pool shall be placed under or near overhead wiring and no overhead wiring shall be placed over or near a pool unless the installation complies with the requirements of this Rule.
(2) There shall not be any overhead wiring above the pool, diving structure, observation stand, tower, or platform, or above the area extending 3 m horizontally from the pool edge except as permitted by Subrules (3) and (4).
(3) Insulated communication conductors, communication antenna distribution conductors, and neutral supported cables not exceeding 750 V shall be permitted to be located over a pool, diving structure, observation stand, tower, or platform, or above the area
extending 3 m horizontally from the pool edge, providing there is a clearance (measured radially) of at least 4.5 m.
(4) Conductors other than those covered by Subrule (3) and operating at not more than 50 kV phase-to-phase shall be permitted to be located above a pool, diving structure, observation stand, tower, or platform, or above the area extending 3 m horizontally from the pool edge, providing there is a clearance (measured radially) of at least 7.5 m. 68-056 Underground Wiring
The horizontal separation between the inside walls of a pool and underground conductors, except for bonding conductors or conductors supplying electrical equipment associated with the pool and protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter, shall be not less than that shown in Table 61.
(1) The metal parts of the pool and of other non-electrical equipment associated with the pool such as piping, pool reinforcing steel, ladders, diving board supports, and fences within 1.5 m of the pool shall be bonded together and to non-current-carrying metal parts of electrical equipment such as decorative type pool luminaires and lighting equipment not located in a forming shell, forming shells, metal screens of shields for underwater speakers, conduit, junction boxes, and the like by a copper bonding conductor.
(2) Pool reinforcing steel shall be bonded with a minimum of four connections equally spaced around the perimeter.
∆ (3) Notwithstanding Subrule (2), where reinforcing steel is encapsulated with a
non-conductive compound, provisions shall be made for an alternative means to eliminate voltage gradients which would otherwise be provided by unencapsulated, bonded reinforcing steel. (4) Bonding conductors for pools shall be:
(a) Not smaller than No. 6 AWG for permanently installed pools and for all in-ground pools; or
(b) As required by Table 16 for all other pools.
(5) Metal sheaths and raceways shall not be relied upon as the bonding medium and a separate copper bonding conductor shall be used, except that a metal conduit between a forming shell and its associated junction box shall be permitted to be used as the bonding medium providing the forming shell and junction box are installed in the same structural section.
(6) The bonding conductor from the junction box referred to in Rule 68-060 shall be run to the main distribution panelboard, and if smaller than No. 6 AWG shall be installed and mechanically protected in the same manner as the circuit conductors.
(7) The bonding conductor in Subrule (4) shall be of copper and not smaller than that required by Table 16, except that the bonding conductor for an in-ground pool shall be not smaller than No. 6 AWG.
(8) Notwithstanding Subrule (1), the metal parts of a pool need not be bonded to ground or to each other where the electrical equipment associated with the pool is:
(a) Not located within 3 m of the pool; or
(b) Suitably separated from the pool by a fence, wall, or other barrier; or (c) Approved without a bonding conductor.
68-060 Junction and Deck Boxes (see Appendix B )
(1) Junction boxes shall be permitted to be submerged in decorative pools provided the boxes are marked for such usage.
(2) Junction boxes installed on the supply side of conduits extending to forming shells, referred to hereinafter as deck boxes, shall be specifically approved for the purpose. (3) Deck boxes shall be provided with a means for independently terminating at least three
bonding conductors inside the box and one No. 6 AWG bonding conductor outside the box.
(4) Deck boxes shall not contain the conductors of any circuits other than those used exclusively to supply the underwater equipment.
(5) Deck boxes shall be provided with electrical continuity between every connected metal conduit and the bonding terminals by means of copper, brass, or other corrosion-resistant metal that is integral with the box.
(6) Deck boxes shall be installed:
(a) Above the normal water level of the pool; and
(b) So that the top of the box is located at or above the finished level of the pool deck; and
(c) In such a manner or location that the box will not be an obstacle; and (d) In such a manner that any water on the deck will drain away from the box. (7) Junction boxes and conduit shall be water-tight and provided with a packing seal that
will seal around the cord and effectively prevent water from entering the box through the conduit from the forming shell.
68-062 Transformers and Transformer Enclosures (see Appendix B )
(1) Transformers shall not be located within 3 m of the inside wall of the pool unless suitably separated from the pool area by a fence, wall, or other permanent barrier that will make the transformer not accessible to persons using the pool area.
(2) A metal shield, if provided between the primary and secondary windings of a transformer, shall be bonded to ground.
(3) Audio isolation transformers shall:
(a) Be connected between the audio output terminals of each amplifier and any loudspeaker that is located within 3 m of the pool wall; and
(b) Be located in or adjacent to the amplifier with which they are used; and (c) Have an audio output voltage of not more than 75 V rms.
68-064 Receptacles
(1) Receptacles shall not be located within 1.5 m of the inside walls of the pools. (2) Receptacles located between 1.5 m and 3 m of the inside walls of a pool shall be
(3) In maintaining the dimensions referred to in this Rule, the distance to be measured is the shortest path that the power supply cord of an appliance connected to the
receptacle would follow without piercing a building floor, wall, or ceiling. 68-066 Luminaires and Lighting Equipment
(1) Wet-niche or submersible luminaires shall:
(a) Be mounted in forming shells that shall have provision for a suitable connection to the wiring method used; and
(b) Unless specifically approved and marked for submersion at a greater depth, not be submersed in the pool water at a depth of more than 600 mm, such distance being measured from the centre of the lens face of the luminaire to the normal water level; and
(c) Operate with neither the supply voltage to the luminaire nor its associated ballast or transformer, if applicable, nor the secondary open-circuit voltage of the ballast or transformer exceeding 150 V during either starting or operating conditions. (2) Notwithstanding Subrule 68-066(1)(a), wet-niche or submersible luminaires installed in a
decorative pool need not be mounted in a forming shell but shall have provision for a suitable connection to the wiring method used.
(3) Where dry-niche luminaires are installed so as to be accessible from a walkway or a service tunnel outside the walls of the pool or from a closed, drained recess in the walls of the pool, neither the supply voltage to the fixture nor its associated ballast or
transformer shall exceed 300 V during either starting or operating conditions. (4) Dry-niche luminaires shall be accessible for maintenance:
(a) From a service tunnel or walkway outside the walls of the pool; or
(b) Through a handhole in the deck of the pool to a closed, drained recess in the wall of the pool.
(5) Metal parts of luminaires in contact with the pool water shall be of brass or other suitable corrosion-resistant material.
(6) Luminaires installed below, or within 3 m of, the pool surface or walls, and not suitably separated from the pool area by a fence, wall, or other permanent barrier, shall be electrically protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter.
(7) Standards or supports for luminaires shall not be installed within 3 m of the inside walls of a swimming pool unless such luminaires are protected by ground fault circuit
interrupters.
(8) Forming shells for lamps supplied from a grounded circuit or a circuit operating at a voltage exceeding 30 V shall be metal and have provision for a threaded connection to a rigid metal conduit.
Δ 68-068 Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (see Appendix B )
(1) Except as permitted in Subrule (2), ground fault circuit interrupters required by the Rules of this Section shall be of the Class A type.
(2) Where ground fault circuit interrupters of the Class A type are not available due to rating, the equipment shall be permitted to be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter that will clear a ground fault within the time specified for a Class A type interrupter.
(3) Ground fault circuit interrupters shall be permanently connected.
(4) Ground fault circuit interrupters shall be permitted to be applied to a feeder, a branch circuit, or an individual device.
(5) A warning sign shall be located beside the switches controlling circuits electrically protected by ground fault circuit interrupters advising that the circuits are so protected and that the equipment shall be tested regularly.
(6) Ground fault circuit interrupters shall be installed:
(a) In a location that will facilitate the testing required in Subrule (5); and
(b) Not closer than 3 m to the pool water except as permitted by Paragraph (c); and (c) Not closer than 3 m to the pool water in a spa or hot tub and not closer than 1.5
m to a hydromassage bathtub unless the ground fault circuit interrupter is an integral part of an approved factory-built spa, hot tub, or hydromassage bathtub or is located behind a barrier that will prevent the occupant of the pool from contacting the device.
(7) Except as permitted by Rule 68-070 , the following equipment shall be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter:
(a) Electrical equipment placed in the water in the pool; and
(b) Audio amplifiers connected to loudspeakers in the pool water; and
(c) Electrical equipment located within the confines of the pool walls or within 3 m of the inside walls of the pool and not suitably separated from the pool area by a fence, wall, or other permanent barrier; and
∆ (d) Receptacles located in wet areas of a building, and associated with the pool, such as locker and change rooms.
68-070 Other Electrical Equipment
Loudspeakers installed beneath the pool surface:
(a) Shall be mounted in a recess in the wall or floor of the pool and shall be enclosed by a separate, rigid, corrosion-resistant metal screen; and
Permanently Installed Swimming Pools 68-100 Wiring Method
(1) Rigid conduit of copper or other corrosion-resistant metal or rigid PVC conduit shall be provided between the forming shell of luminaires installed below the pool surface and the junction box referred to in Rule 68-060 .
(2) The wiring method between the wet-niche luminaires and the junction boxes referred to in Rule 68-060 shall be flexible cord suitable for use in wet locations and supplied as a part of the luminaire.
(3) Where Subrules (1) and (2) do not apply, any suitable wiring method specified in Section 12 shall be permitted to be used.
(4) Conductors on the load side of each ground fault circuit interrupter shall be kept entirely independent of all other wiring that is not so protected and shall not enter a luminaire, raceway, box, or cabinet occupied by other wiring except for panelboards that house the interrupters.
(5) Conduits in the walls and deck of a swimming pool shall be installed so that suitable drainage is provided.
Storable Swimming Pools 68-200 Electrical Equipment
No electrical equipment shall be located in the pool water or on the pool wall unless specifically approved for the purpose.
68-202 Pumps
(1) Swimming pool pumps shall be:
(a) Supplied from a permanently installed receptacle located not less than 1.5 m nor more than 7.5 m from the pool wall; and
(b) Protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter if located within 3 m of the inside walls of the pool and not suitably separated from the pool area by a fence, wall, or other permanent barrier.
(2) Swimming pool pumps located within 3 m of the pool walls shall be specifically approved for the purpose.
Hydromassage Bathtubs 68-300 Protection
Electrical equipment forming an integral part of a hydromassage bathtub shall be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter of the Class A type.
68-302 Control
(1) A hydromassage bathtub shall be controlled by an on-off device located in accordance with Subrule (2).
(2) Electric controls associated with a hydromassage bathtub shall be located behind a barrier or shall be located not less than 1 m horizontally from the wall of the
hydromassage bathtub, unless they are an integral part of an approved factory-built hydromassage bathtub.
68-304 Other Electric Equipment
Luminaires, switches, receptacles, and other electrical equipment not directly associated with a hydromassage bathtub shall be installed in accordance with the Rules of this Code covering the installation of that equipment in bathrooms.
Spas and Hot Tubs 68-400 General
Rules 68-402 to 68-408 apply to the installation of spas and hot tubs. 68-402 Bonding to Ground
(1) Metal parts of spas and hot tubs shall be bonded together and to ground in accordance with Rule 68-058.
(2) Notwithstanding Subrule (1), metal rings or bands used to secure staves of wooden hot tubs need not be bonded.
68-404 Controls and Other Electrical Equipment
(1) Controls for a spa or hot tub shall be located behind a barrier or shall be located not less than 1 m horizontally from the spa or hot tub, unless they are an integral part of an approved factory- built spa or hot tub.
(2) Receptacles shall be installed in accordance with Rule 68-064. (3) Luminaires shall be installed in accordance with Rule 68-066. 68-406 Leakage Current Collectors
(1) Leakage current collectors shall be installed in all water inlets and in all water outlets of a field- assembled spa or hot tub so that all water flows through the leakage current collectors.
(2) A leakage current collector shall be:
(a) A section of corrosion-resistant metal tubing at least five times as long as its diameter, provided with a corrosion-resistant lug, in a run of nonmetallic pipe; or (b) A device providing equal protection as in Paragraph (a) when it is an integral
part of a spa or hot tub that is factory built for field installation or assembly. (3) Leakage current collectors shall be electrically insulated from the spa or hot tub and
shall be bonded to the control panel or the main service ground with a copper bonding conductor.
(4) Notwithstanding Subrule (1), leakage current collectors shall not be required in a system in which the only electrical component is a pump marked as an insulated wet end pump. (5) The bonding conductor for leakage current collectors shall be not smaller than required
by Table 16 where the bonding conductors are mechanically protected in the same manner as the circuit conductors, or a minimum No. 6 AWG copper conductor. 68-408 Field-Assembled Units (see Appendix B )
(1) Spas and hot tubs field assembled with individual components shall be installed in accordance with Rules 68-400 to 68-406 and Subrules (2) and (3).
(2) Individual components, such as pumps, heaters, and blowers, shall be specifically approved for use with spas or hot tubs.
(3) Air blowers shall be installed above the tub rim, or other means used to prevent water from contacting blower live parts.
***************************************************************************** BULLETIN 68-6-1
April 1999
Bonding Galvanized Metal Pool Shells Rule 68-058 (page 228)
Questions have arisen concerning the bonding of galvanized steel shells for swimming pools where the sides or sides and bottom are fabricated using galvanized sheet steel.
Rule 68-058 requires
(1) The metal parts of the pool and of other non-electrical equipment associated with the pool such as piping, pool reinforcing steel, ladders, diving board supports, and fences within 1.5 m of the pool shall be bonded together and to non-current-carrying metal parts of electrical equipment such as decorative type pool luminaires and lighting equipment not located in a forming shell, forming shells, metal screens of shields for
underwater speakers, conduit, junction boxes, and the like by a copper bonding conductor.
(2) Pool reinforcing steel shall be bonded with a minimum of four connections equally spaced around the perimeter.
A continuous galvanized steel shell made up of individual panels securely bolted together need not be bonded in four places. (bonding to ground may be required as per Rule 68-058)
As with other pools:
All deck boxes, ladder pockets drains and other exposed metal parts are to be bonded to the pool shell as in Rule 68-058 (1) (above).
The deck box or junction box is to be bonded to the supply panelboard as in Subrules 68-058(5) and (6).
Please note that the bonding conductor required by Subrule (5) may be a separate AWG No. 6 conductor or may be smaller than No. 6 if installed and mechanically protected in the same manner as circuit conductors.
Rationale:
The purpose of Rule 68-058 is to ensure there is an equipotential shell surrounding a pool to divert unwanted stray currents. A galvanized steel shell, interconnected together, is considered as providing that shell.
Notwithstanding the above, the metal parts of a pool need not be bonded to ground or to each other where the electrical equipment associated with the pool is:
(a) Not located within 3 m of the pool; or
(b) Suitably separated from the pool by a fence, wall, or other barrier; or (c) Approved without a bonding conductor.
Rule 68-058 (7) Appendix B (page 480) Note:
Even though no electrical equipment is located within 3m of a pool, it is recommended that metal parts of an in-ground pool be interconnected with a minimum No. 6 AWG copper
conductor. This guards against the effects of stray currents in the ground and reduces the cost of meeting CE Code requirements should electrical equipment be added later
***************************************************************************** BULLETIN 68-7-4
December 2006 Supercedes Bulletin 68-7-3 June 2005 Swimming Pool, Hot Tub and Spa Installations
Section 68
Pool installers, Electricians, and Electrical Inspectors in interpreting and applying Section 68 of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code have asked the following questions. The answers are based on the Code in the interest of consistency and have been organized in the following categories: General, Grounding & Bonding, Wiring Methods, Protection & Control, GFCI protection, Pool & Spa Emergency Stop Controls and Cord-connected Hydromassage Bathtubs.
1. General
1.1 Does Section 68 apply to both in ground and above ground pools?
1.1.1. Yes, the Code does not differentiate between in-ground and above-ground pools. Subrule 68-000(2) lists the types of pools that are included in the scope of Section 68.
2. Grounding & Bonding
2.1 Do the requirements of Rule 68-058 "Bonding to Ground" apply to above-ground pools as well as in-ground pools (where there is electrical equipment within 3m)?
2.1.1. Yes. Rule 058 talks about "pools", which include any of the items in 68-000(2)(a) thru (f).
2.2 Does the Code require bonding of metal pool parts if there is no electrical equipment within 3m of the pool?
2.2.1. No, Rule 68-058(7) provides an exception, however the App B note to this Rule still recommends bonding of metal parts for all in ground pools even where there are no electrics near the pool.
2.2.2. The App B note to Rule 68-058 states:
“Even though no electrical equipment is located within 3 m of a pool, it is recommended that metal parts of an in-ground pool be interconnected with a minimum No. 6 AWG copper conductor. This guards against the effects of stray currents in the ground and reduces the cost of meeting CE Code requirements should electrical equipment be added later.”
2.3 What is the minimum size of conductor required for bonding together the metal pool parts and for bonding from the electrical equipment back to the distribution panel?
2.3.1 The minimum size of bonding conductor joining metal parts and pieces together shall be No. 6 AWG copper. The minimum size of bonding conductor from electrical equipment (lights, receptacles, pump motors, deck boxes, etc) to the distribution panel shall be as per Table 16 (where the bonding conductor is incorporated within a cable assembly or raceway).
2.4 If a pool pump is GFCI protected due to the distance from the pool, does the pool need a No. 6 AWG ground which would ground the pool, the ladder pegs and the diving board
hardware?
2.4.1. Yes. Rule 68-068 requires the pump to be GFCI protected if located within 3 m of the inside walls of the pool, unless suitably separated.
2.4.2. Rule 68-058 states where there is electrical equipment located within 3 m of the pool (in this case the pump), all metal parts of the pool and other non-electrical equipment
associated with the pool shall be bonded together and to the metal non-current carrying parts of electrical equipment with minimum No. 6 AWG copper wire.
2.5 Can the split bolts or ground lugs be aluminum?
2.5.1. No. In this case any split bolts or ground lugs located underground shall be approved for earth burial. Components located outdoors shall be approved as suitable for wet locations.
2.5.2. Rule 2-034 requires approved electrical equipment of a kind or type and rating approved for the specific purpose for which it is to be employed.
2.6 At how many points does the pool frame need to be grounded?
2.6.1 Rule 68-058 requires concrete pool-reinforcing steel to be bonded with a minimum of four connections equally spaced around the perimeter.
2.6.2 Note: A galvanized steel pool shell made up of individual panels securely bolted together need only be bonded in one location in accordance with Bulletin 68-6-*.
2.7 If a 120 or 240V device is existing on or around the house, must it be at least 3 m from the pool or that so called device would require a GFCI breaker and the pool grounded?
2.7.1. Yes, the device would require GFCI protection and the metal pool parts would require bonding as per the rationale in the answer to question 2.4 or the device may be suitably separated from the pool area by a fence, wall, or other permanent barrier.
2.8 At what point does a metal fence require grounding?
2.8.1. Rule 68-058 requires metal fences within 1.5 m of the inside walls of the pool to be bonded.
2.9 If an existing 120 or 240V device within 3 m of pool is changed to a GFCI due to Code, does the pool frame need to be grounded?
2.9.1. Yes, as per the answer to question 2.7.
2.9.2. If not, why? It is metal just as in ground?
2.9.2.1. As stated in 2.4 above, the metal shell or frame of an above ground pool shall be bonded to other metal equipment associated with the pool, if there is electrical equipment within 3 m of the pool walls.
2.10. At what point do we need to attach a ground to a gas pipe outdoor?
2.10.1. If the gas pipe is metal and is associated with the pool and is within 1.5 m of the inside walls of the pool it shall be bonded.
2.10.2. If so, why is this necessary when only 2 ft at each end is metal, the underground part is plastic and the gas installer has ran his own #12 ground from one end to the other?
2.10.2.1. As per 2.10.1 above.
2.11. Does the Code require bonding in four places of a metal shell type pool?
2.11.1. No, see Bulletin 68-6-*
2.12. Does Rule 68-058 require bonding of the metal covers of pool drains where the drain body is of non-metallic material?
2.12.1. No. The cover does not have provision for bonding and it is not practicable to do so. The cover is a minor metal item not a large item as described in the Rule "non-electrical
equipment associated with the pool such as piping, pool reinforcing steel, ladders, diving board supports, and fences". The cover is mounted on non-conductive material and does not have a reference to remote earth.
3. Wiring Methods
3.1 Is it acceptable that an NMD7 conductor of any size be inserted in a PVC underground conduit?
3.1.1 No, Rule 12-928 states raceways installed underground or in concrete slabs in direct contact with moist earth shall comply with Section 22 Rules for Category 1 locations.
3.1.2 Rule 22-200 requires individual conductors and non-metallic sheathed cables in Category 1 areas to be suitable for use in wet locations. Non-metallic sheathed cables shall be of the NMW or NMWU type.
3.1.3 NMD7 or NMD-90 non-metallic sheathed cable is suitable for use only in dry or damp locations.
3.2 Is it acceptable that an NMD7 conductor of any size be inserted in a surface mounted PVC conduit such as along the brick wall of a house?
3.2.1 Yes, PVC raceway installed above grade is considered a dry or damp location.
3.2.2 Note: where PVC raceway passes through a wall from a warm area to a cold area (interior to exterior of house) it shall be sealed to prevent condensation in the raceway. Rule 22-302.
3.3. If we drop PVC conduit in an 18” trench and after leaving site the gas installer lays his pipe along side, does the electrical code point at the Electrical Contractor to make it right?
3.3.1. No. Provided the electrical portion of the installation was Code compliant, it would be the gas portion that would be in violation of the Code and it would be the gas installer’s responsibility to correct any deficiency.
3.3.2. If so, due to the uncertainty of who got there first, how is this dealt with? Would ESA take measures to contact gas installer?
3.3.2.1. Normally ESA would issue the deficiency to the holder of the application for electrical inspection. If the deficiency was as a result of work by others, the electrical permit holder should advise both ESA and the other party.
3.4. With an above ground pool, is there a distance that the underground PVC conduit travel near pool?
3.4.1. Rule 68-056 does not differentiate between above and in-ground pools.
3.4.2. If the PVC raceway is supplying equipment directly related to the pool (pump, lighting, etc) and the circuit is GFCI protected, there is no minimum separation required.
3.4.3. If a PVC raceway is supplying non-pool related equipment, it must be kept separated from the inside walls of the pool by the distances specified in Table 61. These are as follows:
Table 61 Direct buried Buried in raceway
Communication and CATV 1.5 m .75 m
Electrical Conductors 0 – 750 Volt 1.5 .75 Electrical Conductors 751 – 15,000 V 3.0 1.5 Electrical Conductors 15,001 – 25,000 V 4.0 2.0
4. Protection & Control
4.1 Does any outdoor electric device require a separate shut off if it has controls on it that do so?
4.1.1 It depends on the device (what it is) and the type of controls it has. In general any equipment containing a motor shall have disconnecting means in accordance with Rules 28-600, 28-602 and 28-604.
5. GFCI Protection
5.1 If a pool pump is within 3 m of the pool, does it have to be GFCI protected if a wall or suitable barrier is installed?
5.1.1 No, Rule 68-068 does not require GFCI protection of electrical equipment that is located further than 3 m from the inside walls of a pool, or that is suitably separated from the pool area by a fence, wall, or other permanent barrier.
5.1.2 Note: If the pump were cord connected to a receptacle, Rule 26-714(b) requires all receptacles located outdoors of a single dwelling to be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter of the Class A Type. In this case it wouldn’t matter if the pump were located further than 3 m.
5.2 Is there any specification on this wall or barrier?
5.2.1 Rule 68-068 requires a fence, wall, or other permanent barrier. The intent is the barrier prevents an occupant of the pool area from contacting the electrical equipment unless it is GFCI protected.
5.2.2 In order to assess compliance with the Rule, a 3 m piece of string with one end held at the edge of the pool should not be able to reach the electrical equipment by going around the barrier or through a door or gate in the barrier.
5.2.3 The barrier should not have any openings or gaps that would permit a person to reach through and contact the equipment.
5.3 If a 120 or 240 V device is existing on or around the house, must it be at least 3 m from the pool or that so called device would require a GFCI breaker and the pool grounded?
5.3.1 Yes, the device would require GFCI protection and the metal pool parts would require bonding as per the rationale in the answer to question 2.4.
5.4 If an existing 120 or 240 V device within 3 m of pool is changed to a GFCI due to Code, does the pool frame need to be grounded?
5.4.1 Yes, as per the answer to question 2.4.
5.4.2 If not, why? It is metal just as in ground?
5.4.2.1 As stated in 2.4 above, the metal shell or frame of an above ground pool shall be bonded to other metal equipment associated with the pool, if there is electrical equipment within 3 m of the pool walls.
5.5 Is it acceptable to install a GFCI outlet and not a breaker for the plug in pump of an above ground pool?
5.5.1 If the receptacle were further than 3 m form the pool, a GFCI outlet would be permissible.
5.5.2 Rule 68-064 does not permit a receptacle to be located closer than 1.5 m to the pool. Rule 68-068 does not permit the GFCI protection to be closer than 3 m to the pool.
5.6 Where a portable (storable) pump motor is located within 1.5 m of a pool does the Code permit the use of a GFCI type receptacle next to the pump?
5.6.1 No. Rule 68-064 permits a receptacle to be located not closer than 1.5 m to the pool, however Rule 68-068 requires the GFCI to be not closer than 3 m to the pool. The GFCI protection for the receptacle would have to be located further than 3 m from the pool.
6 Pool & Spa Emergency Stop Controls
The emergency shutoff switch shall be installed for each spa or hot tub except for a dwelling unit. The emergency shutoff switch is Ontario Building Code requirement for public spa.
6.1 Remote, extra low voltage, or pneumatic controls are not considered as Code compliant disconnecting means. The emergency shutoff switch shall:
6.1.1 disconnect the motors supplying power to the closed water circulating systems: 6.1.2 is independent of the controls for a spa or hot tub;
6.1.3 is located at a point readily accessible to the users and within sight of and within 15m of the spa or hot tub;
6.1.4 is labeled in a conspicuous, legible, and permanent manner identifying it as the “emergency” shutoff switch; and
6.1.5 is equipped with audible and visual trouble-signal devices that give immediate warning upon actuation of the emergency shut off switch.
6.1.6 This would be accompanied by an emergency sign posted adjacent to the emergency stop button containing the words “IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY PUSH EMERGENCY STOP BUTTON AND USE EMERGENCY PHONE, AUDIBLE AND VISUAL SIGNAL WILL ACTIVATE.”
NOTE: Rule 68-404 requires controls for a spa or hot tub to be located behind a barrier or not less than 1 m horizontally from the spa or hot tub unless they are an integral part of an approved factory built unit.
6.2 Is GFCI protection required if the Estop is extra low voltage, 24 V, etc?
6.2.1 The mandatory Electrical Code GFCI requirements apply to any Estop located within 3 m of a pool or tub as per Rule 68-068(7) irrespective of voltage.
6.2.2 NOTE: Where the emergency shut off switch is GFCI protected, the emergency shut off circuit shall be connected such that tripping of the GFCI protector shall also cause the pump motor to stop.
6.3 Is an Estop for an existing public pool, supervised location permitted to be located inside the life guard control room or must it be located at the pool deck?
6.3.1 The Ontario Building Code Clause 1.1.3.2 defines a "public pool". Clause 3.11.10.1(12), (13), (14) provides the requirements for Estop with the location being dependant on classification of the pool (A or B as defined in the Building Code).
Advise the customer to seek advice from building officials for this question, as it is an Ontario Building Code issue.
7 Cord-connected Hydromassage Bathtubs
OESC Rule 68-300 requires electrical equipment forming an integral part of a hydromassage bathtub to be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter of the Class A type. This Code Rule applies to permanently and cord connected hydromassage bathtubs.
Where a cord-connected hydromassage bathtub, spa or hot tub is intended to be installed: 7.1 the receptacle located at not less than 300 mm from the floor shell be provided for the use with the hydromassage bathtub; and
7.2 the receptacle shall be inaccessible to the hydromassage bathtub occupant
7.3 The warning label shall be affixed to the receptacle. The warning label is intended to warn against and prevent the connection of any other equipment to the receptacle. 7.4 A warning label is not required where a single receptacle is used.
