Hot Tub Rules

References

  • 2011 National Electrical Code Article 680 (NEC)
  • 2012 International Plumbing Code (IPC)

Indoor or Outdoor Installations

  • Any glazing in doors and enclosures, or building walls within 5 feet of waters edge and less than 60 inches above walking surface must be tempered glass. (LTBC 2406-4)
  • The electrical disconnect must be readily accessible and within sight of and not less than 5 feet horizontally from the inside wall of the hot tub. (NEC 680.12)
  • If permanently installed and connected to the building drainage system, it must discharge through an indirect waste pipe by means of an air gap of more than 2 times the diameter of the drain pipe. (IPC 802.1.4)
  • If permanently installed and provided with a connection to water supply, the water supply must be protected from contamination and backflow by means of an air gap. (IPC 608.13.1 and 608.15.1)
  • If permanently installed and provided with gas, water heating supply piping must be sized and installed in accordance with appendix E 2012 IPC, and per manufactures installation instructions.
  • Units with electric water heaters over 48 amps need to be subdivided and protected at not more than 60 amperes. (NEC 680.9)

Indoor Installations

  • All electrical equipment associated with or within 5 feet horizontally of the inside wall of the hot tub must be grounded per NEC 680.43 (F).
  • All metal parts and fittings associated with the hot tub as well as all metal surfaces within 5 foot of the inside wall of the hot tub that are not separated by a permanent barrier must be bonded with Number 8 or larger copper wire per NEC 680.43 (D) and (E).
  • At least one ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle is required not less than 6 feet or more than 10 feet horizontally from the inside wall of the hot tub. NEC 680.43 (A).
  • Lighting fixtures, lighting outlets and ceiling fans located over, or within 5 feet horizontally of the inside walls of the unit must be located at least 7 feet 6 inches above the maximum water level and be GFCI protected. NEC 680.43 (B) (I)
  • Listed packaged units rated 20 amperes or less may be cord and plug connected. 680.43 (Exception)
  • Outlets supplying power to the hot tub must be GFCI protected unless the hot tub is a listed packaged unit with integral GFCI protection. (NEC 680.44 (A)
  • Wall switches must be at least 5 feet horizontally from the inside wall of the Hot tub. (NEC 680.43 (C)

Outdoor Installations

  1. A fence or wall at least 72 inches high with a self-closing, self-latching gate that swings away from tub unless sides are at least 72 inches high. The stairs or ladder must be secured, locked, or protected by a fence the same as above, or a self-contained unit may be protected with a listed safety cover designed for the unit. Per WVC municipal code 7-2-125.
  2. No underground wiring is allowed under or within 5 feet horizontally of the hot tub or pool other than wiring necessary to supply unit. (NEC 680.10).
  3. The hot tub or pool is not allowed under or within 10 feet horizontally of overhead conductors which are less than 22 1/2 feet above the highest water level. (NEC 680.8). 0 to 750 volts, 0 to 15 kilovolts 25 feet, over 50 kilovolts 27 feet.
  4. If permanently installed at least one 125 volts GFCI receptacle is required between 10 feet and 20 feet from and not over 6 feet 6 inches above grade. (680.22 (A) (3)). No receptacles are allowed within 10 feet of inside wall except 1 GFCI single locking receptacle for the pump motor is allowed at not less than 6 feet from the inside wall or hot tub.
  5. All switching devices must be located at least 5 feet from inside walls of the hot tub or separated by a solid fence or wall. (NEC 680.22 (C)).
  6. Lighting fixtures, lighting outlets and ceiling fans are not allowed over or within 5 feet horizontally of inside walls unless 12 feet above maximum water level. (NEC 680.22 (B) (1)) see existing 680.22 (B) (3).
  7. Fixed or Stationary equipment other than underwater lighting fixtures may be cord and plug connected if the cord is not over 3 feet long and contains a Number 12 or larger copper equipment grounding conductor. (NEC 680.7).
  8. If permanently installed; all bonding must comply with requirements. (NEC 680.43 (D))
  9. If permanently installed; all grounding must comply with requirements. (NEC 680.43 (F))