Pool, Spa, Alfresco& Outdoor Power
Pool pumps and underwater lights, spa hard-wiring, weatherproof outdoor GPOs, alfresco lighting and ceiling fans, garden and security lighting — outdoor electrical needs different gear than indoor and gets weather-tested on day one.
What I install outside
Pool pump circuits
Dedicated, RCD-protected, weatherproof isolator at the pump.
Pool underwater lights
Low-voltage, extra-low-voltage transformers in dry housings, properly bonded to the pool earthing.
Spa hard-wiring
Fixed connection (not a portable lead) for permanent installs, dedicated circuit, in-line earth-leakage protection.
Alfresco lighting
IP-rated downlights, feature pendants, strip lighting under bench overhangs.
Alfresco ceiling fans
Outdoor-rated, damp-location switching.
Outdoor GPOs
IP44 minimum, weatherproof shrouds, heavy-duty for BBQs, pool cleaners, garden tools.
Garden and pathway lighting
Low-voltage festoon, 12V garden bollards, motion-sensor floods for security.
Carport / driveway lighting
Sensor-activated, dawn-dusk timers.
What's different about outdoor work
Wet location rules
RCD protection mandatory, IP ratings mandatory, conduits and glands matter.
Pool earthing
Underwater lights, metal pool fences and pump motors all need bonded earth — single-point ground reference.
UV degradation
The cheap weatherproof GPO from the bargain bin lasts a year. Proper IP-rated gear lasts twenty.
Hills acreage
Long runs to outdoor sub-boards (pool pump house, garden shed, alfresco kitchen) need correctly sized cable — voltage drop matters at 30+ metres.
Common jobs east of the river
Midland family home
Pool pump + light circuit + alfresco lighting and ceiling fan in one go after a pool install.
Caversham vineyard cellar door
Alfresco function area lighting, IP-rated GPOs, sensor-activated security flood lighting.
Helena Valley acreage
Driveway lighting on a 70m run from the main house. Properly sized cable, sub-board at the gatehouse.
Mundaring family
Converted carport into alfresco, full electrical retrofit with weatherproof everything.
What to SMS
Photo of the area, what you want installed, and the location of your switchboard or nearest existing power. Helps me work out cable run distances and circuit availability.
FAQs
Pool light died — replace or upgrade?
If it's an old halogen-incandescent type, definitely upgrade to LED while it's out. Cheaper, brighter, lasts 10x longer, and the transformer often comes with the LED kit.
Can I run garden lighting off a normal extension lead?
Don't. It's against the regulations and an obvious fire / electrocution risk. Proper outdoor circuit, IP-rated points, RCD protection.
Spa needs hard-wiring — what's the difference vs a plug?
Plug-in spas (3-pin lead) are limited in capacity. Permanent or larger spas need a dedicated circuit hard-wired into the supply with proper isolation. Most newer spas (including hot tubs >2kW) require hard-wiring under code.