Hi everyone,

I have just installed an above ground 21' pool and was told that I need to have the pool properly ground out. The water delivery man said that I should drive a 8' rod into the ground then attach a #8 copper wire around pool stands then attach to the rod from the rod to the motor. When I went to purchase the copper wire, the gentleman at HomeDepot said that by CODE I need to attach the #8 copper wire to the pool stands then bury the wire about 6" down and come around the pump and attach to post on the motor. Just curious if anybody out there has had experience with this and could perhaps share their story with regards to eletrical grounding of an above ground pool.

Thanks
Wolfgang

Shakes head... that is why the pool delivery man delivers water. That company needs to be warned that their driver is giving out false and potentially dangerous advice about something he knows nothing about.

No, DO NOT DRIVE a ground rod at the pool. Even if a local inspector asks for one, need to check with state inspector. Ground rods are for a specifc purpose, and should not be connected anywhere but at the main service.

The pool pump gets grounded by the branch circuit wiring, there needs to be a green or bare wire in the conduit to the outlet for the pool pump.

On the exterior of the pump you should find a lug. Any metal of the pool walls needs a #8 solid wire connecting each piece of metal, legs , stands, supports, etc, with one continuous wire back to the lug on the pump motor.

This is called "bonding". Some local codes want every leg or support connected, some may only require a few, I do every leg/support, as per Section 680.26 of the 2008 NEC.

Amazing that the HD clerk was the most correct. However, unless he/she has a license, they should not be giving advice for electrical work either.

Best you check with your local building/electrical inspector. Many municipalities have sketches or diagrams explaining what is required, as there are several other requirements for pool wiring, such as conduit or MC cable only, UF cable not allowed, location of pump outlets, and other general purpose outlets, bonding of metal within 5 feet of pool water, on and on.

You can review the National Electric Code, Article 680, found here:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electr...ne-270277.html

I guarantee when done reading this Article, you will find dealing with the local inspector much easier than trying to understand the Code.

Here is another clue to the expertise of the delivery guy and the HD clerk. Either of them mention a GFCI?