Electricians willing to give advice on owner/builder pool build and power options?


 
LarryR

LarryR

TVWBB Diamond Member
I'm doing an owner builder pool = I'm the general contractor working with subs who work for pool companies. I'm doing my build in two phases; pool, decking and gazebo phase I, bbq area/outdoor kitchen and above ground spa phase II so I'm trying to plan ahead for phase II and do what makes sense in phase I while they have my yard torn-up.

I need to plan for power for the BBQ area and spa (220). I was initially planning on having them run the power now. However, as a neighbor pointed out this morning, why not have them run it to the gazebo where I'm running power anyway and end it there. Then after we've had the pool in for a year decide if I decide to move the desired location of the BBQ area and spa I can have them run it to the new location vs. having them run and stub in now. Along the perimeter of my yard will be landscaping rock and some trees, at minimum 3 ft at the narrowest location so plenty of room to trench over to bbq and spa.

I like the idea of keeping my options open as maybe in a year we'll feel differently about where we want the bbq area and spa.

Here's a picture of my most recent design. I moved the bbq/kitchen this morning after my neighbor pointed out that I don't want it tucked back behind the house, I want to be out near the pool and able to see the entire pool and interact with people while cooking. Don't know how I missed that one. Anyway, the red annotations and boxes are the changes I'm submitting to my designer.

Ideas and options are greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

 
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I would run it to where you plan on putting the spa. You are going to have run a sub panel to that area. BBQ and Gazebo don't need that much power. You are going to have to run bigger gauge wire $$$ to the sub. At the gazebo, the additional cost would be there.
 
@Tim Thanks! Another question if you don't mind. My electric panel is on the North East side of my home which is close to 200 feet (easily) from where the Spa location is. Rather than trenching it could I run a line through my attic and out the side of the master bedroom? Reason I ask is a neighbor mentioned this.
 
LarryR said:
@Tim Thanks! Another question if you don't mind. My electric panel is on the North East side of my home which is close to 200 feet (easily) from where the Spa location is. Rather than trenching it could I run a line through my attic and out the side of the master bedroom? Reason I ask is a neighbor mentioned this.
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You may have some code issues with this approach.
 
Ok so your house is on a slab, no basement or crawl-space? Your service panel is prolly in the garage on an interior wall? You could run a conduit thru the attic, but then you have to exit and if you cant come down the inside of the exterior wall than youll have exposed conduit running down the outside of the wall. Not against code if done with seal-tite fittings, but unsightly.
When I ran mine I came thru the wall by the service panel and ran it right below the siding. ( you cant even see it )
Edit: My son Brandon is a sparky I'll ask him if he has any ideas.
Tim
 
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timothy said:
Ok so your house is on a slab, no basement or crawl-space? Your service panel is prolly in the garage on an interior wall? You could run a conduit thru the attic, but then you have to exit and if you cant come down the inside of the exterior wall than youll have exposed conduit running down the outside of the wall. Not against code if done with seal-tite fittings, but unsightly.
When I ran mine I came thru the wall by the service panel and ran it right below the siding. ( you cant even see it )
Edit: My son Brandon is a sparky I'll ask him if he has any ideas.
Tim
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Yes Tim, you're exactly right, slab foundation and panel in garage.

Home was built in 2008, not sure if it could be dropped down master bedroom wall or not. The nice thing is the south side of the master is pretty much hidden from rest of backyard. I plan on putting a putting green back there down the road so the only people who would see anything run down the side of the house would be me and my golfing buddies.
 
Larry, Tim is correct, in the attic it will have be in conduit. 200 is to far away for the sub. I would try to run it down the interior of the wall also. More work but cleaner in my opinion. But if your covering it up than suit yourself.
 
So @TimMcCann so cost wise would you have them trench it in Phase I or wait until Phase II and run it through the attic? I wouldn't mind pushing it to phase II to defer cost, but don't want to be penny wise pound foolish.

I really appreciate everyone's input.
 
I would plan on mounting your spa disconnect http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/321683639020 right outside the MB corner. By code you have to be at least 6' away from the spa and this way you are not attaching it to a post. There are 3 knockouts on the bottom so you could stub some conduit
to roughly where you think you want the spa/bbq area. Cap them off and mark them under your hardscape with either a notch in the pavers or a composite shim drove in the landscape. ( Take pictures and note the depth )
I would talk to your electrician, he should have some good ideas.

Tim
 
timothy said:
I would plan on mounting your spa disconnect http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/321683639020 right outside the MB corner. By code you have to be at least 6' away from the spa and this way you are not attaching it to a post. There are 3 knockouts on the bottom so you could stub some conduit
to roughly where you think you want the spa/bbq area. Cap them off and mark them under your hardscape with either a notch in the pavers or a composite shim drove in the landscape. ( Take pictures and note the depth )
I would talk to your electrician, he should have some good ideas.

Tim
Click to expand...
Makes perfect sense. Thanks!
 
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