Chapter 3 of 711% of exam

Pool/Spa Systems Installation

Systems Installation is about 11% of the C-53 exam: plumbing, electrical, equipment, solar thermal and photovoltaic, nonconcrete pools and spas, and covers and water features. This page is a short survey; the PrepPass C-53 Swimming Pool study guide teaches each knowledge statement with worked examples and a full practice exam at CSLB's weights.

Plumbing and equipment

Water path, heater and Energy Code rules.

Filter to heater

At least 18 inches of pipe, or dedicated lines, or future solar connections.

2025 Energy Code §110.4(b)

Heater

Accessible on-off switch; no standing pilot; cover for heated outdoor pools.

2025 Energy Code §110.4, §110.5

Solar

Collector area at least 60 percent of pool surface when solar is the path.

2025 Energy Code §110.4(c)

Electrical, covers and nonconcrete pools

GFCI, bonding and the Act's cover feature.

Pump circuit

GFCI protection for 15- and 20-ampere, 125-240 volt pump motors.

2022 CEC §680.21(C) (city handout)

Safety cover

Labeled to ASTM F1346-23; a cover plus a pool alarm does not satisfy the two-feature rule.

Health and Safety Code §115922

Nonconductive shells

Perimeter 8 AWG bare solid copper bond conductor.

2019 CEC §680.26 (city handout)

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