Pool Motors & GFCI

[Peter Hughes]

If a receptalce for a pool motor is required to be on GFCI.

Is a pool motor that is hard wired required to be on GFCI?

Also, is a salt water pool more likely to conduct electricity than a chlorine pool?

[James H. Bushart]

If not less than 10 feet from pool wall, it need not be GFCI. (See NEC 680.22A1) But then, 680.22A5 says GFCI is required for pool pump motors any distance from pool. hhhhhmnmmmmm?

I suppose, as home inspectors, we should consider the most conservative of the contradictions and say that it should be on a GFCI.

[Speedy Petey]

A hard wired pump does NOT need GFI protection, regardless of distance. At least up unitl the 2005 NEC. I'll have to go to the NFPA and check the 2008.

Most of us do protect pool motors though. It just makes everyone feel safer.

EDIT: Yes, they changed the 2008 NEC to apply GFI protection to 15 and 20A, 120 and 240v, pump motors whether receptacle or direct connection.

[Speedy Petey]

Oh, also, a salt water pool is NOT what you'd think. It's not even close to the salt levels in sea water so I doubt the water is much more conductive.

[Greg Fretwell]

Salt water pools are about 5-6 PPT salt (about the same as contact lens solution) but that is plenty of salt when talking about the ionization level.

[Peter Hughes]

Very Interesting information.

Thank you

[jtedesco1]

Look here too!

[Blaine Wiley]

Pool pump motors are required to be bonded though, and I can't even tell you how many I find that have been replaced, and the bonding lug is just sitting there with nothing connected to it!

[gmortensen]

Originally Posted by jtedesco1

Look here too!

Good article! My wife has been trying to get me to convert our pool to a salt water pool. I'll have to show her this article.

[Greg Fretwell]

Boaters know 304 stainless (the hard stuff) will rust in salt water but it is usually just a surface rust. Still that will hasten the loss of pump seals.

[Peter Hughes]

I known many people who just love swimming in Salt water pools. That includes me!! However I will not own a pool !