Atherton, Woodside, Palo Alto, Swimming Pool Builder Expert Designer

Low Voltage Lighting is prohibited by law from being adjacent to a swimming pool or spa.

Section 680.23(C) could be changed for the 2014 NEC to permit a special isolation transformer with a ground shield, similar to the underwater luminaire transformer, for aboveground low-voltage lighting systems in proximity to the edge of a swimming pool. Until the change is submitted and processed, low-voltage lighting must not be located closer than 10 feet horizontally from the edge of the pool or 12 feet above the pool. - See more at: http://www.ecmag.com/section/codes-standards/waters-fine#sthash.cDzLMcen.dpuf

Section 680.23(C) could be changed for the 2014 NEC to permit a special isolation transformer with a ground shield, similar to the underwater luminaire transformer, for aboveground low-voltage lighting systems in proximity to the edge of a swimming pool. Until the change is submitted and processed, low-voltage lighting must not be located closer than 10 feet horizontally from the edge of the pool or 12 feet above the pool. - See more at: http://www.ecmag.com/section/codes-standards/waters-fine#sthash.cDzLMcen.dpLow voltage landscape lighting cannot be installed within 10 feet horizontally or 12 vertically of a swimming pool, spa or hot tub.

Prohibited by Law
 
The National Electric Code is the law across the United States.

2011 NEC Section 411.4(B) prohibits the low voltage systems within 10 feet of any pool, spa or hot tub, unless it is specifically permitted by section 680 of the NEC. 

What can I do?

NEC 680.22(C) defines the requirements for low voltage lighting.  It does not specifically describe low voltage lighting fixtures or components that are not underwater light fixtures.

NEC 680.23(A)(2) specifically discusses underwater illuminares, and does not make any mention of illuminares that are out of the water.

Because low voltage lighting out of the water around the pool are not specifically defined anywhere in Section 680 (as required by NEC 411), they are still prohibited.
 
So, How do you provide accent lighting around a pool?
 
Utilize innovative concepts and methods.

I have developed some compliant "work arounds," that are 100% compliant with the NEC.

Call me.  I'd be happy to design a system that is code compliant for your project.

Contact the author, Paolo Benedetti of Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220. Visit his website at: www.aquatictechnology.com. All Contents © Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, 2013.
 All rights reserved.

Swimming Pool Low Voltage Lighting

Section 680.23(C) could be changed for the 2014 NEC to permit a special isolation transformer with a ground shield, similar to the underwater luminaire transformer, for aboveground low-voltage lighting systems in proximity to the edge of a swimming pool. Until the change is submitted and processed, low-voltage lighting must not be located closer than 10 feet horizontally from the edge of the pool or 12 feet above the pool. - See more at: http://www.ecmag.com/section/codes-standards/waters-fine#sthash.cDzLMcen.dpuf

Section 680.23(C) could be changed for the 2014 NEC to permit a special isolation transformer with a ground shield, similar to the underwater luminaire transformer, for aboveground low-voltage lighting systems in proximity to the edge of a swimming pool. Until the change is submitted and processed, low-voltage lighting must not be located closer than 10 feet horizontally from the edge of the pool or 12 feet above the pool. - See more at: http://www.ecmag.com/section/codes-standards/waters-fine#sthash.cDzLMcen.dpuf

Low Voltage Lighting is prohibited from being within 10 feet horizontally or 12 feet vertically from the water.  Of course, this does not apply to approved underwater low voltage lighting.

Prohibited by Building Code
 
The National Electric Code (NEC) is the building code for the entire United States.  
The (2011) NEC 411.4(B) prohibits the installation of low voltage systems within 10 feet of any pool, spa or hot tub, unless specifically permitted by NEC Section 680. 

So what IS "permitted" ?

NEC 680.22(C) defines the requirements for low voltage lighting, at any operating voltage, around indoor or outdoor swimming pools.

The only discussion about low voltage lighting around swimming pools is addressed in NEC 680.23(A)(2).  It only discusses the underwater light fixtures.  

Because these section do not specifically permit the installation of low voltage lighting fixtures adjacent to a swimming pool (as required by NEC 411), it is still prohibited.

Until the NEC is updated or changed, low voltage lighting fixtures are prohibited from being installed within 10 feet horizontally and 12 feet vertically from the water.

Section 680.23(C) could be changed for the 2014 NEC to permit a special isolation transformer with a ground shield, similar to the underwater luminaire transformer, for aboveground low-voltage lighting systems in proximity to the edge of a swimming pool. Until the change is submitted and processed, low-voltage lighting must not be located closer than 10 feet horizontally from the edge of the pool or 12 feet above the pool. - See more at: http://www.ecmag.com/section/codes-standards/waters-fine#sthash.cDzLMcen.dpuf

Section 680.23(C) could be changed for the 2014 NEC to permit a special isolation transformer with a ground shield, similar to the underwater luminaire transformer, for aboveground low-voltage lighting systems in proximity to the edge of a swimming pool. Until the change is submitted and processed, low-voltage lighting must not be located closer than 10 feet horizontally from the edge of the pool or 12 feet above the pool. - See more at: http://www.ecmag.com/section/codes-standards/waters-fine#sthash.cDzLMcen.dpuf

Section 680.23(C) could be changed for the 2014 NEC to permit a special isolation transformer with a ground shield, similar to the underwater luminaire transformer, for aboveground low-voltage lighting systems in proximity to the edge of a swimming pool. Until the change is submitted and processed, low-voltage lighting must not be located closer than 10 feet horizontally from the edge of the pool or 12 feet above the pool. - See more at: http://www.ecmag.com/section/codes-standards/waters-fine#sthash.cDzLMcen.dpuf

Contact the author, Paolo Benedetti of Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220. Visit his website at: www.aquatictechnology.com. All Contents © Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, 2013. All rights reserved.