680 – Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations

2020 NEC Significant Code Changes Part 4 680 – Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations

680.2 and 680.14 – Definition, Corrosive Equipment

Change at a Glance:

The definition of “Corrosive Environment” was revised and moved from 680.14 to 680.2.

680.2 Definitions. (Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations)

Corrosive Environment. Areas where pool sanitation chemicals are stored, handled, or dispensed, and confined areas under decks adjacent to such areas, as well as areas with circulation pumps, automatic chlorinators, filters, open areas under decks adjacent to or abutting the pool structure, and similar locations ~~shall be considered to be a corrosive environment.~~
Informational Note: Sanitation chemicals and pool water are considered to pose a risk of corrosion (gradually damage or destroy materials) due to the presence of oxidizers (e.g., calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, bromine, chlorinated isocyanurates) and chlorinating agents that release chlorine when dissolved in water. More information about swimming pool chemicals can be found on or in the following:
(1) Environmental Protection Agency website
(2) NFPA 400-2019, Hazardous Materials Code
(3) Advisory: Swimming Pool Chemicals: Chlorine, OSWER 90-008.1, June 1990, available from the EPA National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP)

680.14 Wiring Methods in Corrosive Environment. Wiring methods in ~~the areas described in 680.14(A)~~ a corrosive environment shall be listed and identified for use in such areas. Rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit, and reinforced thermosetting resin conduit shall be considered to be resistant to the corrosive environment. ~~specified in 680.14(A).~~

~~(A) General.~~ Areas where pool sanitation chemicals are stored, as well as areas with circulation pumps, automatic chlorinators, filters, open areas under decks adjacent to or abutting the pool structure, and similar locations shall be considered to be a corrosive environment. The air in such areas shall be considered to be laden with acid, chlorine, and bromine vapors, or any combination of acid, chlorine, or bromine vapors, and any liquids or condensation in those areas shall be considered to be laden with acids, chlorine, and bromine vapors, or any combination of acid, chlorine, or bromine vapors.

~~(B) Wiring Methods.~~ Wiring methods in the areas described in 680.14(A) shall be listed and identified for use in such areas. Rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit, and reinforced thermosetting resin conduit shall be considered to be resistant to the corrosive environment specified in 680.14(A).

680.2, 680.35, and 680.45 – Immersion Pools

Change at a Glance:

Two new sections covering immersion pools were added to Article 680 providing installation requirements for a newly added definition at 680.2 for “Immersion Pools.”

680.2 Definitions. (Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations)

Immersion Pool. A pool for ceremonial or ritual immersion of users, which is designed and intended to have its contents drained or discharged.
680.35 Storable and Portable Immersion Pools. Storable and portable immersion pools shall additionally comply with 680.35(A) through (G).

(A) Cord Connection for Self-Contained Storable and Portable Immersion Pools.

(B) Storable and Portable Pumps.

(C) Storable and Portable Heaters.

(D) Audio Equipment.

(E) Location Proximate to Luminaires, Lighting Outlets, and Ceiling-Suspended (Paddle) Fans.

(F) Location Proximate to Switches.

(G) Receptacles.
680.45 Permanently Installed Immersion Pools. Electrical installations at permanently installed immersion pools, whether installed indoors or outdoors, shall comply with the provisions of Part I, Part II, and Part IV of this article except as modified by this section and shall be connected by the wiring methods of Chapter 3. With regard to provisions in Part IV of this article, an immersion pool shall be considered to be a spa or hot tub.
Exception No. 1: The equipotential bonding requirements in 680.26(B) shall not apply to immersion pools that incorporate no permanently installed or permanently connected electrical equipment, and that are installed with all portions located on or above a finished floor.
Exception No. 2: The equipotential bonding requirements for perimeter surfaces in 680.26(B)(2) shall not apply to nonconductive perimeter surfaces, such as steps, treads, and walking surfaces made of fiberglass composite.

(A) Cord-and-Plug Connections.

(B) Storable and Portable Pumps.

(C) Heaters.
(1) Permanently Installed Heaters.
(2) Storable and Portable Heaters.

(D) Audio Equipment.

(See NEC for complete Code text)

680.2 and 680.50 – Splash Pads

Change at a Glance:

A new definition for “Splash Pads” was added at 680.2 and provisions added at 680.50 for splash pads. Splash pads are required to comply with Part II (permanently installed pools) and equipotential bonding requirements.

680.2 Definitions. (Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations)

Splash Pad. A fountain with a pool depth 25 mm (1 in.) or less, intended for recreational use by pedestrians. This definition does not include showers intended for hygienic rinsing prior to use of a pool, spa, or other water feature.

Part V. Fountains
680.50 General. ~~The provisions of~~ Part I and Part V of this article shall apply to all permanently installed fountains as defined in 680.2. Fountains that have water common to a pool and fountains intended for recreational use by pedestrians, including splash pads, shall additionally comply with the requirements in Part II of this article. Part V does not cover self-contained, portable fountains. Portable fountains shall comply with Parts II and III of Article 422.

680.4 – Inspections After Installation

Change at a Glance:

New section (Inspections After Installation) was added to provide the AHJ with the opportunity to address hazards associated with aging pool installations.

680.4 Inspections After Installation. (Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations)

The authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted to require periodic inspection and testing.

680.9(A) – Overhead Power Conductors Installed over Swimming Pools

Change at a Glance:

Revision clarifies that all overhead conductor (not just service conductors) need proper clearances when installed over swimming pools and similar installations.

680.9 Overhead Conductor Clearances. (Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations)

Overhead conductors shall meet the clearance requirements in this section. Where a minimum clearance from the water level is given, the measurement shall be taken from the maximum water level of the specified body of water.

(A) Power. With respect to ~~service-drop conductors,~~ overhead ~~service~~ conductors, and open overhead wiring, swimming pool and similar installations shall comply with the minimum clearances given in Table 680.9(A) and illustrated in Figure 680.9(A).
Informational Note: Open overhead wiring as used in this article ~~typically~~ refers to conductor(s) not in an enclosed raceway

680.11 – Underground Wiring and Swimming Pools

Change at a Glance:

Underground wiring methods around a swimming pool revised into a list format. The long-standing distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) around pool has been revived for this Code cycle which detailed acceptable wiring methods that are listed for direct burial in these areas where exposure is a concern.

680.11 Underground Wiring Location. (Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations)

Underground wiring shall comply with 680.11(A) through (C).

(A) Underground Wiring. Underground wiring within 1.5 m (5 ft) horizontally from the inside wall of the pool shall be permitted. The following wiring methods shall be considered suitable for the conditions in these locations:

(1) Rigid metal conduit
(2) Intermediate metal conduit
(3) Rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit
(4) Reinforced thermosetting resin conduit
(5) Jacketed Type MC cable ~~suitable for the conditions subject to that location~~ that is listed for burial use
(6) Liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit listed for direct burial use
(7) Liquidtight flexible metal conduit listed for direct burial use

(B) Wiring Under Pools. Underground wiring shall not be permitted under the pool unless this wiring is necessary to supply pool equipment permitted by this article.

(C) Minimum Cover Requirements. Minimum cover depths shall be as given in Table 300.5.

680.21(C) – GFCI Protection in Motors Used in Swimming Pools

Change at a Glance:

GFCI protection is applicable to all motors used in pool applications. Exception added for listed low-voltage motors not requiring grounding.

680.21 Motors. (Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations)

(C) GFCI Protection. Outlets supplying all pool ~~pump~~ motors ~~connected to single-phase, 120-volt through 240-volt~~ on branch circuits, rated 150 volts or less to ground and 60 amperes or less, single- or 3-phase, ~~whether by receptacle or by direct connection,~~ shall be provided with Class A ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection ~~for personnel.~~
Exception: Listed low-voltage motors not requiring grounding, with ratings not exceeding the low-voltage contact limit that are supplied by listed transformers or power supplies that comply with 680.23(A)(2), shall be permitted to be installed without GFCI protection.

680.21(D) – Pool Pump Motor Replacement

Change at a Glance:

A new requirement was added that specifies GFCI protection implementation for motors at older pools when they are replaced.

680.21 Motors. (Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations)

(D) Pool Pump Motor Replacement. Where a pool pump motor in 680.21(C) is replaced for maintenance or repair, the replacement pump motor shall be provided with ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection.

680.22(A)(5) – Pool Equipment Room

Change at a Glance:

New provisions were added to require at least one GFCI-protected receptacle within a pool equipment room. All other receptacles in a pool equipment room now require GFCI protection as well.

680.22 Lighting, Receptacles, and Equipment (Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations)

(A) Receptacles.
(5) Pool Equipment Room. At least one GFCI- protected 125-volt, 15- or 20- ampere receptacle on a general-purpose circuit shall be located within a pool equipment room, and all other receptacles supplied by branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground within a pool equipment room shall be GFCI protected.

680.22(E) – Other Equipment with Ratings Exceeding the Low-Voltage Contact Limit

Change at a Glance:

Other equipment (other than traditional pool pump motors and controllers) are now required to generally be located at least 1.5 m (5 ft) horizontally from the inside walls of a pool

680.22 Lighting, Receptacles, and Equipment (Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations)

(E) Other Equipment. Other equipment with ratings exceeding the low-voltage contact limit shall be located at least 1.5 m (5 ft) horizontally from the inside walls of a pool unless separated from the pool by a solid fence, wall, or other permanent barrier.

680.23(B)(6) – Wet-Niche Luminaire Servicing

Change at a Glance:

The “servicing” requirement for a wet-niche luminaire was revised for clarity and added provision for spas that can be drained so luminaire can be placed on the spa bench for servicing.

680.23 Underwater Luminaires. (Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations)

(B) Wet-Niche Luminaires.
(6) Servicing. ~~All~~ Wet-niche luminaires shall be removable from the water for inspection, relamping, or other maintenance. The forming shell location and length of cord in the forming shell shall permit personnel to place the removed luminaire on the deck or other dry location for such maintenance. The luminaire maintenance location shall be accessible without entering or going in the pool water.
In spa locations where wet-niche luminaires are installed low in the foot well of the spa, the luminaire shall only be required to reach the bench location, where the spa can be drained to make the bench location dry.

680.26(B)(2)(c) – Copper Grid System as Alternative Method for Equipotential Bonding

Change at a Glance:

A new option was added to allow a copper grid system as alternative method for equipotential bonding at the perimeter surface if structural steel is not available. A copper ring system is also still permitted.

680.26 Equipotential Bonding. (Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations)

(B) Bonded Parts. The parts specified in 680.26(B) (1) through (B)(7) shall be bonded together using solid copper conductors, insulated covered, or bare, not smaller than 8 AWG or with rigid metal conduit of brass or other identified corrosion-resistant metal. Connections to bonded parts shall be made in accordance with 250.8. An 8 AWG or larger solid copper bonding conductor provided to reduce voltage gradients in the pool area shall not be required to be extended or attached to remote panelboards, service equipment, or electrodes.
(1) Conductive Pool Shells. (see NEC for complete Code text).
(2) Perimeter Surfaces. The perimeter surface to be bonded shall be considered to extend for 1 m (3 ft) horizontally beyond the inside walls of the pool and shall include unpaved surfaces and other types of paving. Perimeter surfaces separated from the pool by a permanent wall or building 1.5 m (5 ft) in height or more shall require equipotential bonding only on the pool side of the permanent wall or building. Bonding to perimeter surfaces shall be provided as specified in 680.26(B)(2)(a), or (B)(2)(b), or (B)(2)(c) and shall be attached to the pool reinforcing steel or copper conductor grid at a minimum of four ~~(4)~~ points uniformly spaced around the perimeter of the pool. For nonconductive pool shells, bonding at four points shall not be required.
(a) Structural Reinforcing Steel. (see NEC for complete Code text).
(b) ~~Alternate Means~~ Copper Ring. (see NEC for complete Code text).
(c) Copper Grid. Where structural reinforcing steel is not available or is encapsulated in a nonconductive compound, copper grid shall be utilized where the following requirements are met:
(1) The copper grid shall be constructed of 8 AWG solid bare copper and be arranged in accordance with 680.26(B)(1)(b)(3).
(2) The copper grid shall follow the contour of the perimeter surface extending 1 m (3 ft) horizontally beyond the inside walls of the pool.
(3) Only listed splicing devices or exothermic welding shall be permitted.
(4) The copper grid shall be secured within or under the deck or unpaved surfaces between 100 mm to 150 mm (4 in. to 6 in.) below the subgrade.

680.26(B)(5) – Bonding of Metal Anchors Used for Pool Safety Covers

Change at a Glance:

Bonding of metal anchors used for pool safety covers were added to items that are not required to be bonded to the equipotential bonding grid.

680.59 – GFCI Protection for Non-submersible Fountain Pump

Change at a Glance:

New section added to specifically address GFCI protection for non-submersible fountain pumps.

680.59 GFCI Protection for Permanently Installed Nonsubmersible Pumps. (Fountains)

Outlets supplying all permanently installed nonsubmersible pump motors rated 250 volts or less and 60 amperes or less, single- or 3-phase, shall be provided with ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection.

680.80 and 680.84 – Electrically Powered Pool Lifts

Change at a Glance:

Revision removes text indicating that electrically powered pool lifts do not have to comply with other parts of Article 680.

680.80 General. (Electrically Powered Pool Lifts)

Electrically powered pool lifts as defined in 680.2 shall comply with Part VIII of this article. ~~They shall not be required to comply with other parts of this article~~. Part VIII shall not be subject to the requirements of other parts of this article except where the requirements are specifically referenced.

680.84 Switching Devices and Receptacles. Switches and switching devices that are operated above the low-voltage contact limit shall comply with 680.22(C). Receptacles for electrically powered powered pool lifts that are operated above the low-voltage contact limit shall comply with 680.22(A)(3) and (A)(4).

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