This is a tricky situation with potentially significant safety and code compliance implications. Here's a breakdown of considerations and suggestions, keeping in mind you should consult with a qualified electrical inspector for your final decision.

Key Concerns and Potential Hazards



Electrocution Hazard

Water, electricity, and people are a dangerous combination. A properly bonded and grounded system is crucial to minimize the risk of electric shock in and around the pool. Without verifiable bonding, any stray voltage could present a lethal hazard.

Code Compliance (NEC)

Pools have specific and stringent requirements in the National Electrical Code (NEC). Even if the pool was built before current codes, alterations like adding this pump circuit trigger the need to comply with the applicable current codes to the extent of the alteration. This is often a point of contention but it's important to understand. A local electrical inspector will be the ultimate authority.

Unknown Leak Source

Pumping the water back in without addressing the underlying leak may exacerbate structural damage or soil erosion around the pool. This is outside of your electrical expertise but worth noting.

Pump Location (15 ft from the pool)

This distance isn't inherently a problem, but it needs to be factored into bonding and grounding considerations.

1960s Era Wiring

Wiring from that period may not have a grounding conductor or may have deteriorated insulation. This makes adding a new, code-compliant circuit more complex.

Steps to Take (before installation)


Thorough Site Assessment



Inspect Existing Electrical System

Document the existing panel's condition, grounding system, and wiring types. Take pictures. Identify any potential issues like corrosion, damaged insulation, or undersized conductors.

Investigate Pool Equipment

Check the pool pump, filter, heater, and any other electrical equipment for any signs of bonding conductors or lugs. Even if you don't see a continuous bonding grid, there might be some older bonding practices in place. Document everything you find (or don't find). Look carefully near the motor housing.

Ground Resistance Test

Measure the resistance to ground of any accessible metallic parts of the pool structure (e.g., ladders, handrails). This can give you a rough idea of the existing grounding condition, but it's not a definitive test of a properly bonded system. Ideally, you want a very low resistance (close to zero ohms).

Sump Pit Assessment

Check the sump pit for potential hazards such as standing water, debris, or unstable ground. Ensure the pump is rated for the application (submersible if necessary).2.

Code Research

Consult the current edition of the NEC (National Electrical Code), specifically Article 680 (Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations). Pay close attention to sections on:

Bonding (680.26)

This is critical. It describes what needs to be bonded (metallic parts of the pool structure, metal fittings, metal parts of electrical equipment, reinforcing steel in the pool shell, etc.).

Grounding (680.21)

How the equipment is grounded.

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) (680.22)

GFCI protection is required for receptacles within a certain distance of the pool, and often for the pump circuit itself.

Wiring Methods (680.25)

Permitted wiring types and installation requirements.

Equipotential Bonding Grid (680.26(B))

This is the heart of pool safety.3.

Consult with the Electrical Inspector



THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP. Before doing anything, contact the local electrical inspector. Explain the situation, show them your site assessment, and ask for guidance on how to bring the installation into compliance with current codes. They may have specific interpretations or requirements for older pools. Get their direction in writing if possible.4. Document Everything

Keep meticulous records of your assessment, code research, conversations with the inspector, and any work performed. This is essential for liability protection.

Potential Installation Considerations (Assuming Inspector Approval)



GFCI Protection

Absolutely necessary. The pump circuit must be GFCI protected. Install a GFCI circuit breaker in the panel or a GFCI receptacle near the pump.

Dedicated Circuit

Install a new, dedicated circuit from the panel to the pump. Do not tap into an existing circuit. This ensures the pump has adequate power and avoids overloading the existing wiring.

Wiring Method

Use an appropriate wiring method for wet locations and underground installations (e.g., PVC conduit with THWN conductors).

Equipotential Bonding



The Biggest Challenge

Because you have no documented bonding grid, you may need to create one. This could involve connecting all metallic parts of the pool structure (ladders, handrails, metal coping) to a common bonding grid using solid copper conductors (typically #8 AWG or larger).

Reinforcing Steel

If possible (and permitted by the inspector), bond to the pool's reinforcing steel (rebar) if it exists. This is often difficult or impossible without major excavation.

Pump Bonding

Bond the pump motor housing to the bonding grid.

Sump Pit Considerations

You may need to bond any metallic parts of the sump pit, especially if it contains metal piping.

Bonding Conductor Size

Use the correct size bonding conductor as specified by the NEC (typically based on the size of the circuit conductors).

Grounding

Ensure the new circuit has a proper grounding conductor connected back to the main panel's grounding electrode system.

Pump Installation

Install the pump according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure it's protected from the elements and properly supported.

Warning Signage

Consider adding warning signs near the pump and pool area about the presence of electricity and the importance of not touching electrical equipment while wet.

Important Cautions



Don't Cut Corners

Pool electrical work is not the place to save money or take shortcuts. Safety is paramount.

Liability

If you install this circuit without proper bonding and grounding, and someone is injured or killed, you could be held liable. Make sure your insurance covers this type of work.

Professional Expertise

If you are not 100% confident in your ability to perform this work safely and to code, hire a qualified electrician who specializes in pool electrical systems.

Property Damage

Attempting to bond to an older pool can easily result in damage to the pool structure. Make sure you are not liable for any damage.

In summary, the most prudent course of action is to


Inform the pool owners of the potential hazards and liabilities. Strongly suggest that they have the pool leak professionally located and repaired. Pumping water back into a leaking pool is a band-aid solution that can mask underlying problems and potentially worsen the situation.2. Consult with the local electrical inspector. Get their written guidance on how to bring the installation into compliance.3. Document everything meticulously.4. If you proceed, follow the NEC to the letter and prioritize safety above all else.5. Consider whether you want to accept the job at all if code compliance is going to be difficult or impossible to achieve.

This is a complex project. Proceed with extreme caution and prioritize safety. Good luck. Flag for review