Pool light junction box

[pumpkineater59]

I had to move my pool equipment due to construction. This also meant that the junction box where the pool light is connected to had to move. The old junction box was made out of bronze as is the conduit from the pool light. Is is tp code to replace the bronze junction box with a grey pvc and have both bronze and pvc conduits connected to it?
In case it matters, I live in southern CA.
Thanks.

[Vinyl_Guy]

There's so many factors involved it's probably hard to tell. As a poolman for 10 years and a contractor (licensed) for longer, it's never clear cut and dry.

1. Local codes for pools are hard to pin down, many don't have much detail since it is not an inhabited structure. There's very little on building techniques since the vast majority of those are based on weight loads. Most local (town/city) and state pool codes are based on safety (diving boards, dimensions, fences etc). There are grounding codes many times in many of the towns I've built inground pools. Because it falls under the electrical coding and is usually an item they inspect. In fact most towns I've dealt with that's really their biggest gripe. Sometimes it was the only thing they inspected on my pools.

2. It's existing. Obviously I doubt the bronze boxes would pass under new construction (of the pool). What you tear out or expose because of another projects might not fall under the permits or inspections for it. Some could say it's "grandfathered" in.

If you don't think it's going to cost you a ton of money you could just ask your local inspector. But of course once you do , you've tipped him off to something he might have never addressed. And bear in mind that most of time, especially when it comes to electrical work they will go the most safest route. Because safety or deficient equipment/techniques is sometimes a judgment call for them. It is up to their discretion, and hard to argue against since there's no clear cut actual wording of a situation like yours.

Me I'd replace it. In fact any thing that's going to be under a deck that's been exposed is a good thing to replace. I've replaced entire plumbing systems that had no leaks in pool rehabs for the only reason being that they are old, and now exposed. When else are you going to get a chance? If a problem occurs your tearing out or drilling holes, or chopping square cut-outs into your new pristine deck.

Pinning down an actual answer is impossible for me since I've never worked in your area. And it actually could come right down to your specific town and inspector.

[pumpkineater59]

Thanks Vinyl Guy. I'll take your advice and check with the city inspector.

[Vinyl_Guy]

Thanks Vinyl Guy. I'll take your advice and check with the city inspector.

Safest way to go, but also the least private. They're held to a pretty high standard when it comes to electrical (rightfully so for safety reasons), so once he knows of potential "problems" he's going to follow it up, or have some one in his department do so. Or he should anyway. Unless he feels it's a non factor.

As a contractor they're not interested in saving you money, just protecting the public at all costs (usually my costs ) .Being the home owner though is on your side. It's your city/town taxes that pay his salary and retirement, and your part of his community. He is a public servant to some extent. They're usually quite helpful if your polite and not pushy and "demand" attention or an answer forthwith. Remember they usually have tenure and are quite respected, what ever you don't don't argue with him. That will get you no where .