Pool being filled and light <18" from top !!!

Hello Everyone,

Had my 30 ft above ground pool installed yesterday and even though I had it on my list of items to keep an eye on, I missed when they cut the hole in the pool wall for the light and it is at ~9.5 inches vice greater than 18 inches from the normal water level per NEC 680.23.A.5. I am currently filling the pool (@ 20 inches now) and was suppose to stop about 1 inch below the light hole since they are coming back tomorrow morning to cut the holes in the liner and install the light, skimmer and return.

My Questions are:
1. Is the 18" requirement something code inspectors dont normally pay attention too so I should just not worry about it. I understand the 18" rule is to prevent people who are hanging on the side of the pool from having their chest inline with the light for potential shock hazard but really !!

2. If I stop filling the pool at about 26", will I be able to cut the hole in the pool wall with the liner already installed. I believe I can get my arm down the existing hole to thread the hold cutter onto the shaft and hold the liner out.
I know I can get my arm down the skimmer hole and hold the liner out so I could always relocate the light their.

3. If I cut the new hole, what do I do with the old hole besides spending $120 for another light (Hayward Elite) just to install the housing with no intentions of ever using it ? I cant think of anything else to put in the 3.5" hole to prevent the liner from bulging out and damaging it.

I havent mentioned this to the installer yet. I purchased the pool online and this company specializes in above ground pool installations but arent familiar with NEC codes at all !! I asked them how I should attach the bonding wire to the pool wall since the rest of the pool is resin and they didnt have a clue. Other than attaching it to the wall bolts (too late now) I still dont know how I will accomplish that. One thing I failed to think about in advance.

Thanks in advance for any advice as it would be greatly appreciated.

Could you put a bit of tin over the hole to cover it, from the inside, and just duct tape the heck out of it? I don't see a problem with that at all, then just cut the new hole in wherever you want. As far as code goes I have no idea, I just follow the directions of whatever I do, and or research it to find out how to do it right and don't do the whole inspector thing. Good luck.

Thanks Sevver,

I am suppose to be doing the whole permit and inspector thing but decided as usual to just do it right and forgo the whole process with the county. I figured that if I get caught without the permit at least it will be done right and worst case I will just have to pay the permitting cost.

Thats a good idea about the tin and taping it. I guess I am more concerned about possibly damaging the liner while cutting the new hole.

Thanks again.