About this Pool?

Question

How big is this pool in the picture and where do you think I can get one?

I really need to know because I am going to install a pool this size, but i don't know the measurements.

Heres the link to the image--

http://lerxst.files.wordpress.com/2006/07/img_0090.jpg

Answer 1

15x15 seems small

Answer 2

thats a 24' dia. pool, cant tell the depth but it will be either 48" or 54" deep.

Answer 3

Based on the picture, it is difficult to determine the size. As a Code Official who inspects pool & spa installations on a regular basis, I can point out a couple of problems to watch out for, however.

1) The pool in the photo is being filled with a garden hose; there MUST be a backflow prevention device attached to or integral to, the silcock or hose bib. Without such a device, anytime water is being used by another plumbing fixture, the water from the pool can be siphoned back into the potable water being used in the house. If you do not have an anti-siphon device on your silcock (they look like a plastic bottle cap sitting above the valve handle), you can purchase one that will s***w onto the end, then attach the hose to the device.

2) Also, from the angle of the picture, it is hard to determine the space between the balusters (2x2s) on the barrier surrounding the pool. The space between the balusters cannot allow a 4” sphere to pass between them; that means if the space is 4”, it is too wide, from the picture, it also appears that at least one of the 2x2s has been broken off or removed. Gaps of more than that allowed by Code would present an entrapment hazard, or a fall hazard to young children, and would cause this installation to fail an inspection.

3) It also appears that there is a deck built off to the right hand side of the photo. While not required by a lot of Municipal Codes, it is a good idea to have the pool deck area separated from the area of the deck (or the yard) that is not surrounding the pool by a self-closing/self-latching gate mechanism at least 4’ high.

4) The homes shown in the picture would place this neighborhood in an age range where overhead electrical service may be provided to the homes. If so, there must be a horizontal separation between the service drop conductors and the deck of not less than 3’, unless the conductors are more than 10’ above the deck. There must also be a horizontal separation  between the inside edge of the pool and these conductors of at least 10’, and a clearance of at least 22’-6” in any direction from the edge of the water to these conductors. (This includes overhead conductors of any type of broad band communications systems.)

5) Where the electrical service is installed underground, there must be a horizontal clearance of at least 5’ from any underground conductors or cables of at least 5’, for any conductors not serving the pool or any pool appurtenances. (Some Jurisdictional Authorities have increased these distances my amending NEC Article 680.8, check with your local Building Official or Electrical Inspector.)

6) Hire a qualified, Licensed Electrical Contractor to any required electrical wiring for your pool. Water and electricity are a deadly combination, and pool wiring is not for amateurs, neighbors, or “friends” to help with. I fail many inspections done by Licensed Electricians who are not familiar with the requirements of NEC Article 680, or, have been poorly trained in the special requirements of pool/spa/hot tub installations.

Please, don’t cut any corners when installing a pool. Remember, the guy who sold it to you is a Salesman; his job is to sell you the pool and equipment. He is not schooled in the requirements of the National Electrical Code; nor is he likely to have any knowledge of the requirements of UL Standard 1081, which is what all pool pump motors sold in the US are required to be listed to. If you unpack the pump and do not find the Mark of a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory on the pump, make the seller exchange it for a listed pump. (The Mark does not have to be a “UL” Mark, but if it is marked “CSA”, for example, the Mark must also include the letters “US”, to show it meets US Standards.)

Some “basic” signs of an unlisted pump are: A) a cord more than three feet long. B) A cord smaller than #12 AWG wire size. C) A cord that does not include a “twist-lock” plug connector on the end. D) A “twist-lock” plug connector that is not molded onto the cord insulation.

For “temporary” or “storable” pools, the cord must be at least 25’ long, and the pump must be labeled “For use with storable pools only” or the equivalent. These must be attached to ONLY receptacles with WORKING GFCI protection.

The only way to enjoy your pool is to be able to use it without worrying about the health and safety of your family, and anyone else using it.

Contact me if you have any questions.