Engineering Technical Bulletin

Clearances for Pools

Electrical safety around swimming pools, hot tubs, and water features is critical, as the combination of water and electricity can create dangerous and unintended paths of electric current. Installations of in-ground and above ground swimming pools typically require a permit from the city. The Permitting Department, pool and spa contractors, and property owners must be informed and work together to ensure all laws, regulations and local requirements are met.

The clearance requirements specified in the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) Section 68, Pools, tubs, and spas are harmonized with Canadian Standards Association (CSA) CSA Standard C22.3 No. 1 Overhead Systems and CSA Standard C22.3 No. 7 Underground Systems. These CSA Standards are referenced as part of Burlington Hydro’s electrical safety distribution regulation.

When determining clearances it is important to factor in not only the pool, but any pool accessories, which include:

Un-fixed equipment such as hand-held vacuums and pole skimmers, removable ladders
Fixed equipment such as slides, diving boards, swings, lights, or platforms
Structures such as shed, decks, or fences.

Consult the tables and figures for the clearance requirements which vary based on the voltage of overhead and underground infrastructure.

Pool Clearances

Swimming pools, hot tubs, and water features shall not be located under or adjacent to overhead electrical infrastructure, and not closer than 5 to 7.5 meters (16 to 25 ft) depending on the electrical infrastructure voltage level.

Table 1: Pool Clearances: Overhead Infrastructure

Electrical Infrastructure Voltage Level	Minimum Clearances from Inside Walls of Pool and the Outer Edge of Pool Accessories
A: See Figure 2	Not Permitted
B: 0 - 750 volts	5 metres (16 feet)
C: 750V - 46 kilovolts	7.5 metres (25 feet)

Underground Clearances

Electrical infrastructure and other utilities that are underground must factor into a conforming pool location. Burlington Hydro should be contacted to ensure the required clearances are met based on the type of buried infrastructure.

Table 2: Pool Clearances - Underground Electrical Infrastructure

Electrical Infrastructure Voltage Level	Minimum Separation Direct Buried Duct	Minimum Separation Concrete Encased Duct
A: See Figure 2	Not Permitted	Not Permitted
0-750 volts	1.5 metres (5 feet)	1.0 metres (~3 feet)
750V-15 kilovolts	3 metres (10 feet)	1.5 metres (5 feet)
15kV -28 kilovolts	4 metres (13 feet)	2 metres (6.5 feet)
27.6kV - 44 kilovolts	5 metres (16 feet)	2.5 m 2.5 metres (~8 feet)

Figure 1: Top View of Pool Overhead Clearances

Refer to overhead clearance chart for conforming distances from overhead wires — *Fixed pool equipment, such as ladders and slides, is one of the factors used to determine a confirming pool location.*

Accessible Image Description: Overhead Clearances Pools

Figure 2: Pool Overhead and Underground Clearances - Side View

Required overhead and underground per tables. — Required overhead clearance ranges from 5 to 7.5 meters (16 to 25 feet) depending on the electrical infrastructure voltage level. Consult Table 1. Required underground clearances varies depending on the voltage of underground and overhead electrical infrastructure, and whether electrical duct is concreate encased or directly buried. Consult Table 2. Fixed pool equipment, such as ladders and slides, must also be factored.