What Pool Companies Do (and Don’t Do) During Installation

You’ve picked out the perfect pool or hot tub, scheduled delivery, and maybe even started visualizing backyard relaxation. Then you hear it: “You’ll need to hire an electrician for the wiring.” Wait, what? Didn’t the pool company handle everything?

At Integra Electrical, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in the Des Moines area with their hot tub or pool wiring, ensuring it's done safely, legally, and without last-minute delays. We know how confusing it can be when two companies are involved, and whose responsibility it is for what isn’t always clear.

Before the end of this article, you’ll know:

• What most pool and hot tub companies actually do (and don’t do)
• What a licensed electrician is responsible for
• When to call an electrician& avoid delays

What the Pool or Hot Tub Company Covers

Most pool and hot tub companies are experts at what they do: delivering your equipment, getting it set up, and walking you through the basics. They’ll typically handle things like:

• Placing the pool or spa where you want it
• Connecting plumbing and water lines
• Setting up the filter, pump, or heater
• Showing you how to use the controls

What they won’t do is handle the electrical hookup, and if they offer to, that’s a red flag. In Iowa and most other states, wiring a pool or hot tub requires a licensed electrician. This includes running power, installing safety protection, and ensuring everything meets code. Pool companies aren’t legally allowed to perform this work unless they’re also licensed electrical contractors, which is rare.

If you’ve already signed a contract with a pool or hot tub installer, double-check what’s included. Chances are, the electrical part is up to you.

What a Licensed Electrician Is Responsible For 

Once your pool or hot tub is in place, the electrician takes over, running power safely and bringing everything up to code. This part isn’t just technical, it’s critical.

Here’s what a licensed electrician handles:

• Running a dedicated circuit from your electrical panel
• Installing GFCI protection (typically in a spa panel or disconnect box)
• Trenching and laying conduit if the equipment is far from the house
• Ensuring your setup meets National Electrical Code (NEC) and local requirements
• Pulling permits and scheduling inspections

Why does this matter?

Because a bad wiring job isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s dangerous. Faulty or non-compliant wiring near water can lead to shocks, fires, or worse. Insurance claims can be denied if the work wasn’t permitted or inspected. And if your setup doesn’t meet code, you could be forced to redo it during a home sale or face fines.

Pool wiring must follow National Electrical Code standards to ensure safety. A licensed electrician makes sure your installation is done right the first time. No cutting corners. No unsafe shortcuts. Just safe, legal, professional work that protects your investment and your peace of mind.

When to Call an Electrician (and How to Avoid Delays)

Timing matters, and calling an electrician too late is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make.

Ideally, you should involve a licensed electrician before your pool or hot tub is delivered. Why? Because there’s often more to the job than just hooking up a few wires. Trenching might be needed. Your panel might be full. Permits take time. And if concrete is being poured, everything needs to be planned.

Here’s how the process usually goes:

1. Plan ahead. Once you know where your pool or hot tub will go, an electrician can evaluate your setup and give you a firm quote.
   
   
2. Coordinate schedules. Your electrician and pool company should be aligned so that the wiring is done at the right stage, not after everything’s installed.
   
   
3. Handle surprises early. If you need a panel upgrade, longer conduit runs, or trenching across your yard, you want to know that upfront, not the day before you’re ready to relax.

When you call Integra early, we walk you through the whole process. We’ll take care of the permits, inspections, and any challenges that come up, so there’s no guesswork, no hold-ups, and no regrets.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to pools and hot tubs, the wiring is more than just a finishing touch; it’s what keeps everything running safely and reliably. And while your installer might handle the setup and plumbing, it takes a licensed electrician to make sure the power behind it all is done right.

Cutting corners on this step can lead to serious safety risks, failed inspections, and costly delays, especially if you wait until the last minute. By bringing in an electrician early, you’ll avoid headaches, protect your investment, and stay on track for a stress-free installation.

You’ve already made a great decision by upgrading your backyard. Not sure who to call? We’ve put together a helpful list of the 5 Best Electricians in Iowa to get you started, so you can find a licensed pro you can trust, whether it’s us or someone else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the pool or hot tub company handle the wiring?

Usually not. Most installers aren’t licensed to perform electrical work, and in most areas, including Iowa, it's illegal without the proper license and permits. Always double-check your contract. If wiring isn’t specifically included, it's your responsibility to hire a licensed electrician.

Do I really need an electrical permit to wire my hot tub or pool?

Yes. Electrical permits and inspections are required by law for all permanent pool and hot tub wiring. Skipping this step can lead to fines, insurance issues, and safety hazards. Integra handles the permit process for you to keep things simple and compliant.

What if my electrical panel is full?

That’s common, especially in older homes. We’ll evaluate your system and walk you through safe, code-compliant solutions. This might include installing a subpanel or upgrading your main panel to handle the extra load from your pool or spa equipment.

How far can my pool or hot tub be from the house?

It depends on factors like wire type, conduit, and voltage drop. Longer runs may require upsizing the wire to keep things safe and efficient. We’ll measure everything and plan the layout so your equipment runs reliably, without overloading the system.

When should I call an electrician for my pool installation?

As soon as you’ve chosen your pool or hot tub, and definitely before any concrete is poured. Calling early gives us time to plan, pull permits, and coordinate with your installer, so the project stays on track from start to finish.