Clearances for Swimming 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 Town 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) Standard C22.3 No. 1 Overhead systems and CSA Standard C22.3 No. 7 Underground systems. Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro references these CSA Standards as part of their electrical safety distribution regulation.

Overhead

Swimming pools, hot tubs, and water features shall not be located under or adjacent to overhead electrical infrastructure, or within 5 m (16 ft) horizontal distance of the pool area. It is important to factor in not only the pool, but any pool accessories and includes:

• 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.

TABLE 1 – OVERHEAD CLEARANCES

Electrical Infrastructure Voltage Level	Minimum Clearances from Inside Walls of Pool and the Outer Edge of Pool Accessories
A	Not Permitted
B	5m (16ft)
C	7.5m (25ft)

Underground

Electrical infrastructure and other utilities that is underground pose a risk of tingling or shock or to bathers. Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro should be contacted to ensure the required clearances are met based on the type of buried infrastructure.

TABLE 2 – UNDERGROUND CLEARANCES

Electrical Infrastructure Voltage Level	Minimum Clearances from Inside Walls of Pool
A	Not Permitted
0-750V	1.5m (5ft)
750V – 15kV	3m (10ft)
15kV – 28kV	6m (20ft)