Pool receptacles and GFCI wrapper
Why you care (60 seconds)
Pool receptacle placement and GFCI rules are a common fail and a serious safety issue around water.
Where people lose time
- Missing the required convenience receptacle.
- Placing receptacles too close to the waterline.
- Forgetting GFCI requirements for pool-related outlets.
This is
The rule in plain language
Pool areas have specific receptacle placement and protection requirements to reduce shock risk and ensure safe maintenance access.
When it applies
Receptacles serving pool areas, equipment, or nearby locations.
What you must do (checklist)
- Provide required receptacles at allowed locations.
- Maintain minimum distances from the pool edge.
- Apply GFCI protection where required.
- Coordinate receptacle placement with pool equipment layout.
Quick examples
- A convenience receptacle is required within the specified range.
- Receptacles too close to the waterline are not allowed.
This is not
Common misreads
- Treating pool receptacles like standard outdoor outlets.
- Ignoring location-specific GFCI requirements.
What it doesn't cover
- Bonding or equipotential grid requirements.
- Wiring method details for pool equipment rooms.
False friends
- A receptacle in a pool house does not always meet pool area requirements.
Exceptions & edge cases
- Some receptacles may be dedicated to pool equipment with different rules.
- Local amendments can tighten minimum distances.
Cross-references (NEC map)
- Primary: 680.22
- Secondary: 210.8
Exam traps
- Misreading required distances.
- Missing GFCI protection for pool outlets.
Field notes
- Measure from the pool edge after final deck install.
- Mark the required convenience receptacle early in layout.
AHJ / Local amendments notes (placeholder)
- Add local amendments or interpretations here.
Revision notes
- Draft wrapper created for pool receptacle placement and GFCI rules.