Mounting to a wire isn’t necessary, but it can help maintain tension if you’re hanging string lights over a larger expanse, and it can provide more support if your backyard is breezy. Or Express Shipping for an even faster delivery at $29.99 (US only)Express Shipping for … I would attach them from the roofline to the fence on the other side of the pool. Shop party string lights, wedding decor and more at guaranteed LOW prices. String lights over water are a bad idea. Sparkle Lites® offers a range of LED light up balloons for weddings, birthdays & parties. It’s totally temporary, so it’s perfect for renters. $19.95. Danger, Will Robinson. Pool owners should hire an expert to setup their lights or at least consult with one first to be sure they choose the safest light setup. Three lights will cast a warm illumination over a 7-foot pool … Free Shipping on orders over $85! These are covered in article 680 of the NEC code. ... Free Gift $ Off % Off; Listed above you'll find some of the best led lights coupons, discounts and promotion codes as ranked by the users of RetailMeNot.com. Have you seen the latest trend of installing string lights over swimming pools (also referred to as “Bistro Lighting”)? The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Paper Lantern Store is the world's LARGEST online shop for paper lanterns, with thousands colors and styles! Would you let your kids swim in this pool? LED. Find party supplies, star lanterns, parasols … Hanging light strings across your backyard will provide light to your pool, as well as walkways, patios, and more all at once. String lights are definitely a huge safety hazard. When there is insufficient space in the area to maintain a 5-foot separation, wiring may be closer than 5 feet if it is installed in a complete raceway (conduit) system. Building codes for pools include any body of water really, including wading pools, spas, therapeutic and decorative ponds and water features, of a depth greater than 18 inches. While often used as outdoor Christmas lights, these clear white lights can easily be used year-round to decorate your yard.. Make sure the plug is near a power outlet, or use an outdoor extension cord to extend the reach. Mistake #2: Hanging string lights over a pool or hot tub. Using a guy wire can prolong the life of your light strings by removing the tension that is created on the string as your patio lights hang over time. Death- someone could be electrocuted and DIE. Classic. Get FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $100!. Hanging without a wire: To hang the patio lights without a wire, screw a cup hook into … Modern. By using The Spruce, you accept our, Special Regulations for Self-Contained Spas and Hot Tubs, National Electrical Code (NEC) Rules for Outdoor Wiring, Electrical Code Requirements for Outlet Receptacles, Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs and Electrical Safety, What You Need to Know About Kitchen Electrical Code, National Electrical Code Regulations on GFCI Protection, Average Costs for 12 Common Electrical Projects, Understanding Arc Faults and AFCI Protection, Electrical Code Requirements for Bathrooms, How to Replace a Standard 120-Volt Outlet Receptacle, How to Build an Above-Ground Swimming Pool, Indoor and Outdoor Electrical Wiring Safety Codes, How to Prepare Your Pool and Yard Before a Storm. 5. String lights over swimming pools are NOT meant to be installed over water, someone just came up with the idea, posted a photo and homeowners are now following suit. On in-ground pools, there MUST be at least one GFCI protected convenience outlet located between 6 feet and 20 feet from the edge of the pool. Accidents Happen – When playing in or around a pool, accidents happen all the time. It makes it more challenging to net and brush the pool effectively. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. We also offer many helpful videos to assist you in lighting your decor. Receptacles for pumps and motors must be located between 6 and 10 feet from the pool walls, and they must be GFCI-protected and locked. We would like to put up string lights around our pool but want to make sure its safe. String them end-to-end across the perimeters of the backyard to evoke the feeling of traditional paper lanterns. Pool Electric Codes. Why even create the potential for an accident. There are other ways to light your pool area that are much safer for you, your family and anyone else who swims with you. Adding string lights around a pool area. Quick view. See more ideas about pool, pool party, party lights. Hang your first patio light string with the male plug closest to your outlet. It is always preferable to install a pool or spa well away from any electrical lines, or vice versa. Answer + 2. $400 - $500. Home > 5 Reasons String Lights over your Swimming Pool are a Bad Idea, June 21, 2017 by Mike the Poolman 3 Comments. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Outdoor string lights bring a sparkle to the sky that will keep your guests dancing as late as you like. 5% Off LED Strip Lights Over $50. Communications cable must be at least 10 feet above the water level or diving platform. $30 - $40. Why make cleaning the pool more difficult? These electrical installations must be done according to the electrical code in your area—and usually must be installed by a licensed electrician. The exception was always to allow wiring in that location if it supplies electrical equipment incidental to the pool, such as an underwater light fixture. RGB LED strip lights are a great way to add a pop of color to your above-ground pool. STEP BY STEP: HOW TO INSTALL STRING LIGHTS. Pool Entry Steps. Note: These rules are current as of the 2017 edition of the NEC—a coding standard that is updated every three years.While changes to the Code are gradual, it is always a good idea to check on the requirements of the latest edition of the NEC. Don’t install string lights over the pool. $50 - $100. For decades, the National Electrical Code (NEC) prohibited underground wiring to be located under a pool and wiring for lighting fixtures in the zone that extends 5-feet horizontally from the inside wall of a pool. $500 - $600 + See All. Café lights add a gorgeous glow to an outdoor living space, but they can be tricky to hang if you don’t have trees or other tall objects to string them from. Review Rating. With compact size lights, it’s possible to place a light over the ledge or steps creating additional safety and even illumination. When completing a pool and “handing over the keys,” so to speak, designers and builders should warn owners and operators about the need to clean bulbs and ballasts, and to replace lights. Lights ABOVE Your Pool. Feb 2, 2015 - String lights in the backyard over the pool will help with night time ambiance. No matter how you look at it, anytime you’re dealing with electricity near a swimming pool it is critical that all codes are strictly followed. The risk of knocking the lights down would be much too great. Any outlet or direct-wired circuit that powers the motor or heater in a self-contained spa or hot tub must be GFCI protected, no matter how far away from the spa or tub. This is because the power source and even the light bulbs are housed out of the water – and far away from the swimming pool in a dry power box. Solar String Lights, MagicPro 15 LED Light Bulbs Solar String Light Waterproof Heavy Duty Outdoor Solar Lights 44 Ft for Garden Yard Deck Warm White 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,353 $41.95 $ 41 . If you plan to swim after dark, you’ll need some sort of outdoor lighting for the safety of everyone in the pool. Rigid metal raceway (RMC or IMC) must have at least 6 inches of cover. This revision should help the Code user understand the scope of this rule. $250 - $300. To use a coupon simply click the coupon code then enter the code during the store's checkout process. Art Deco. String lights are indeed unsafe and something we advise no pool owner does. Lights can fall into a swimming pool with a strong wind despite your best knot-tying skills. No Bulbs Included. While changes to the Code are gradual, it is always a good idea to check on the requirements of the latest edition of the NEC. Be smart, don’t do it! If you’re planning a luau or tropical theme party, outdoor string lights are a must. Choose a Rating. Get the most bang for your buck with the Home Accents Holiday 150-Light Clear Incandescent Light Set. The rules for electrical outlets are aimed at preventing the possibility of shock: Most devices and equipment serving pools or spas and the surrounding areas must be protected by ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices. The water is one thing to worry about; another is the use of pool cleaning nets with very long, metal handles that you lift high into the air, which may accidentally come into contact with those overhead lines. For added protection, of all new pool installations, the 2017 NEC National Electrical Code, article 680, has been amended. Are the 120 volts string lights plugged into a. Finally, there are special rules for spas and hot tubs that are stand-alone units rather than integrated with a swimming pool: Timothy Thiele is an electrician who advises residential DIYers on how to make home installation projects safe and easy. Swim-outs or ledges can make opposing lights impractical. Note: These rules are current as of the 2017 edition of the NEC—a coding standard that is updated every three years. $300 - $400. Enjoy Standard Shipping for just $3.99. Using a ladder and a pencil, mark the rough placement of each light on your deck's wood overhang. It’s becoming a popular as websites like Pinterest publish photos of “string lights” above backyard pools and Costco/ Target sell these lights at reasonable prices. Soft, reflected light over a pool at twilight looks amazing. The following codes and standards apply to swimming pools designed, built, and maintained and is not all inclusive. Running a web of string lights over the top of your outdoor pool may seem like a stylish way to brighten up the night and fill a big and empty space. Make no doubt about it, they look great and while they may seem an affordable and attractive solution, there are significant electrocution dangers associated with this practice. Price. Lay string lights around the perimeter of your deck. Any wall switches must be at least 5 feet from the water. The following are just a few of the most common code requirements from the National Electrical Code (NEC). Free shipping on orders over $150. They’re various other ways to put up lighting around your pool that are much safer! Answered. Over the past several Code cycles, a real effort has been made to remove exceptions. Local rules may vary, although they generally follow the NEC fairly closely. Great post Mike! Is your pool service company cheating you? Underwater pool lights have codes and redundancies to keep bathers safe. You’re cutting down on the fun just to have “trendy lighting”. Lastly, the manufacturers of string lights make. The Three-Shade Stained Glass Billiard Light is a tasteful way to put the finishing touch on your pool table. Pool Table Lights. Your email address will not be published. Here’s a freestanding solution for hanging lights that uses planters and wood posts. Before you make a potentially tragic mistake, reach out to an expert before you make any decisions regarding electricity around your pool. It creates more Work- Trust me, I’ve brushed many a pool and it’s not only unsettling trying to avoid overhead wires/ cords/ lights with an aluminum pole in my hands. Top 10 Major Code Changes to Look out for in … 95 $59.99 $59.99 Fiberoptic pool lights offer an easy solution to one of the most common headaches associated with pool lights: changing the bulb(s). Industrial. Passed in 1968, the “Swimming Pool Code” applies to new construction and … The disconnect must be installed within sight of the pool or spa but can be no closer than 5 feet from the pool or spa so that you cannot turn the power on or off while leaning out of the water. Reduced Opportunities for Fun – If you have lights strung above the pool, you won’t be able to play with beach balls or other toys in the pool as easily. We've included installation instructions for our waterproof LED strip lights. Outlet receptacles within 20 feet of a pool or spa, Underwater pool lights greater than 15 volts, Outlet receptacles for pool pump motors at all distances from the pool, Light fixtures less than 10 feet from a pool or spa edge, unless the fixture is more than 5 feet above the water level. Your local building inspector can let you know what the most current guidelines are for electrical safety around pools and spas. The National Electrical Code – Article 680-20a1 states that a pool light fixture over 15 volts must be GFCI Protected. Mermaid Tail String Lights. Don’t install string lights above the pool. This includes but is not limited to: A maintenance disconnect is required for shutting off power to pool or spa pumps, filters, and other utilization equipment. Market Lights, String Lights, Cafe Lights, Bistro Lights, Fiesta Lights, Party Lights, Patio Lights. Your email address will not be published. to. Visualize where you want each strand to hang, and adjust lights until they're in the desired position. Couldn’t agree with you more. There are some exceptions when the wiring attaches to the pool or spa to serve equipment or lighting. While snap switches do require a 5-ft separation from a spa or hot tub, so do circuit breakers, disconnect switches, safety switches, and all other types of switches. Place lights opposite the ledge area for safe illumination. Outlet receptacles for general use can be no closer than 20 feet from a pool or in-ground spa if they are not GFCI-protected, and no closer than 6 feet away if they are GFCI protected. Required fields are marked *, December 17, 2020 By Mike the Poolman Leave a Comment, August 29, 2020 By Mike the Poolman Leave a Comment, August 12, 2020 By Mike the Poolman Leave a Comment, August 4, 2020 By Mike the Poolman Leave a Comment, July 29, 2020 By Mike the Poolman Leave a Comment, Pool Pump & Pool Motor Repair, Replacement and Upgrade, Variable Speed Pool Pumps & Rebates (SMUD, PG&E), Swimming Pool & Spa Drain Cover Installation, Broken Pool Plaster, Calcium Nodules, Plaster Delamination, Pop Offs, Pool Fertilizer Stains / Nail Stains / Iron Stain Removal, Pool Rebar – Rebar Bleeds and Rebar Stains, Title 20 Energy Law Info for Swimming Pool Pumps, 5 Reasons String Lights over your Swimming Pool are a Bad Idea. If you’re lacking light in more outdoor areas than just your poolside, light strings are a perfect all-in-one lighting solution. $100 - $150. As described in this electrical question, anyone who enters the pool with this light on is in Danger of Potential Electrical Shock! 2 . It is look very beautiful, but it’s not worth for its potential electric danger. Learn more and read the full guide on how to install LED strip lights for pools. $40 - $50. But this trendy idea, you might find on decorating websites and Pinterest pages, carries more risks than rewards. Having a set of lights fall into the pool and potentially injure someone is a risk you should avoid. Go. Thanks, very good info. Feb 11, 2019 - Explore PartyLights.com's board "Pool Party Lights", followed by 1599 people on Pinterest. Thanks for the great read! Filed Under: General Pool Info, In The News, Most Popular Topics, Pool Safety Tagged With: lights over pool, pool electricity, pool electrocution, pool lights, pool shock, string lights, string lights over swimming pool. Explain to those in charge of maintenance that they should not wait until half the lights are burned out to begin replacing bulbs. Super awesome read, Mike! $20 - $30. A short overview of the relevant electrical safety requirements as found in the 5th Edition of Florida Building Code (FBC) is as follows: FBC – Building Chapter 4 Section 454 These inexpensive string lights provide 37-1/4 feet of lighted length with 150 mini bulbs, all attached to green wire. Pumps have codes and redundancies to keep bathers safe. There’s a reason the 2014 NEC (National Electric Code) states that you must have at least a 10-foot clearance above water level- it’s dangerous to have power lines, extension cords, Christmas lights/ string lights above the water ! Outlet receptacles can be no closer than 6 feet from a hot tub or spa, and they must be GFCI-protected if they are less than 10 feet away. Underground wiring is not allowed under a pool or spa, and can be run no closer than 5 feet from any sidewall of a pool or spa. If you have a pool, you probably love the idea of having pool parties or enjoying a swim with family and friends. Pools and spas come in every shape and size, and most require some electrical equipment to maintain water quality, power lights, run pumps, and more. Public spas must have an emergency disconnect that is visible and at least 5 feet from the spa, but this rule does not apply to single-family dwellings. Footage taken by Twitter user @JustinFrantzen8 shows frosty ice formed around a string of lights. Nonmetallic raceway must have at least 6 inches of cover, including at least 4 inches of concrete; 18 inches minimum cover is required if the nonmetallic conduit is listed for direct burial without concrete encasement. Ice frosted over outdoor lighting in Howard, South Dakota, on February 3. GFCI Receptacle vs GFCI Circuit Breaker: What's the Difference? Electrical safety is very important, especially around pools to ensure the safety of families and other guests. Create the perfect summer beach house atmosphere with the creative addition of an ocean-inspired string light set. Don’t do it. $150 - $200. Mopzlink Pool Lights, 120V 40W RGB Color Changing Underwater LED Pool Light for Inground Pool at Night, E26 Replacement Bulb Fit in for Pentair and Hayward Pool Light Fixtures 4.1 out of 5 … Your local building inspector can let you know what the most current guidelines are for electrical safety around pools and spas. We love the ambiance that these small lights create and want to make the atmosphere more like a resort. Light Bulb Type Included. Style. A swimming pool or spa installation must follow a couple of rules when it comes to overhead electrical lines: For these rules, the water level is defined as the highest point water can reach before it spills out of the pool or spa. They're great for parties or late-night swims and can be easily installed. High-quality modern light fixtures, flameless candles, string lights, LED Edison bulbs, and modern home decor at the best prices. “String lights are not meant to […] Our string lights are suitable for indoor or outdoor use as they are weather and water... Add to Cart. Lights or ceiling fans must be at least 12 feet above the spa or hot tub if there is no GFCI protection, or at least 7.5 feet away if there is GFCI protection. National Electrical Code: NEC Article 680-20 Pool Light Fixture. In some situations, the light strings may need to be threaded through the guy wire prior to being hung. Fiberoptic pool lights. Add party lights, and … Of the 2017 NEC National electrical Code in your area—and usually must be installed a. Near a power outlet, or use an outdoor extension cord to the... Read the full guide on how to install LED strip lights for.. 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