Do you know the water bonding requirements for swimming pools?
However, fewer builders are aware of water bonding requirements. The National Electrical Code (NEC) has mandated that pool water “shall be electrically bonded,” not just metals in the structure of the pool itself. These NEC bonding requirements apply to all swimming pools.
Can You bond a pool but not ground it?
Since there is often confusion between grounding and bonding, some builders might bond but not ground or the other way around. Anything containing metal within five feet of the pool water must be bonded. For example, some professionals ground the pool equipment but not the metal fencing around it.
Are swimming pools electrically bonded?
The National Electrical Code (NEC) has mandated that pool water “shall be electrically bonded,” not just metals in the structure of the pool itself. These NEC bonding requirements apply to all swimming pools.
How do you Add Water bonding to a swimming pool?
The best solution is to attach a certified pool water bonding device to the system. This ensures the pool will always meet water bonding requirements. WATER BONDING PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE TO KEEP POOLS SAFEOptions are available to make water bonding an easy, inexpensive pool addition.
What happens if you don't bond a pool?
Without a grounding system in place, people or pool equipment may become the conductor. Harmful electrical current may move toward people, pets, or equipment instead of moving away and to the earth.
Does a pool need to be grounded or bonded?
Grounding and bonding are crucial parts of every new pool construction. Without them, you risk an unpleasant zap whenever you step or dive into your pool. Usually, electrical currents, which have a negative charge, flow from a charged wire (also known as a positive or hot wire) to a neutral one.
What needs to be bonded in a pool?
What parts of a swimming pool require bonding? Section 680.26(B) of the 2019 California Electric Code (CEC) requires bonding of all the metal structures, fittings and parts that are horizontally within five feet of the pool wall and vertically within twelve feet above the maximum water level of the pool.
Is bonding required on a pool pump?
The NEC requires that all electrical equipment, except double-insulated equipment, be bonded together. In addition, all metal within 5 feet of the inside of the pool wall must be bonded with the equipment to form the equipotential bonding grid.
Do all pools need to be grounded?
Swimming pools must be properly grounded and bonded to prevent this danger. Why does an above ground pool need to be grounded and bonded? To prevent swimmers from suffering an electrical shock or being electrocuted.
What happens if a pool is not earthed?
Did you know that if your pool fence is within 1.25 metres of the water, the metal pool fence spigots need to be earthed? If the metal components of your glass pool fence haven't been correctly earthed, there is a slight risk that a person in the water could be electrocuted.
How do you know if your pool is bonded?
Loden recommends going out to where your motor and pumps are to check for bonding. Look for an exposed copper wire attached to the motor and pumps, going into the ground. It should connect in a similar way as in the image to the left.
What is the difference between bonding and grounding?
Bonding is the connection of non-current-carrying conductive elements like enclosures and structures. Grounding is the attachment of bonded systems to the earth. Both are necessary to safeguard people and property from electric hazards.
How deep should pool bonding be?
Equipotential bonding grid: 18-24 inches from the pool's edge and 4-6 inches below grade level.
Why do I have to bond my above ground pool?
Why do you have to bond an above ground swimming pool? Bonding your pool is a safety measure to prevent accidentally getting electrocuted or seriously injured. You need to create a field around your swimming pool by attaching the bonding wire to the metal deck, pool equipment, metal pool wall, and even the water.
How do you bond a pool pump?
3:565:05How to Wire an Above Ground Pool Pump | Ask This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we use this number eight solid copper wire we run it around the whole pool around 18 to 24MoreAnd we use this number eight solid copper wire we run it around the whole pool around 18 to 24 inches off the wall. And then we run it right back to the pump i'll show.
What is the difference between grounding and bonding a pool?
Second, grounding provides a low resistance path for hot wire shorts to conduct enough power back to the main panel to trip the circuit breaker. Bonding is about making sure that any electrical current that is present around the pool goes through the bonding wire instead of going through you.
What is the difference between bonding and grounding?
Bonding is the connection of non-current-carrying conductive elements like enclosures and structures. Grounding is the attachment of bonded systems to the earth. Both are necessary to safeguard people and property from electric hazards.
How much does it cost to ground a pool?
Inground pool costs differ depending on the pool's material as well as its shape and size. The total cost of an inground pool ranges from $28,000 to $55,000, or about $50 to $125 per square foot. That's an average cost of $35,000....Inground Pool Cost Estimator.Type of CostAmountHighest Cost$55,000Lowest Cost$28,0001 more row•Jul 25, 2022
How do I know if my pool is grounded?
How Do I Know if My Pool is Grounded? To check if your pool is properly grounded, there should be an equipment-grounding conductor installed with the feeder conductors. It should be located between the grounding terminal of the pool equipment panel board and the grounding terminal of the applicable service equipment.
How do I ground my inground pool?
In the majority of cases, an electrician will ground your pool equipment by attaching a ground wire to the electrical panel that supplies power to your pool systems. However, depending on your setup you may also be able to tie your pool grounding into your main electrical panel and rely on the grounding there.
What is the NEC for pool water?
The text proposed for the 2005 NEC was much more extensive than the text proposed and accepted for the 2008 NEC. For the 2005 NEC, the text read, “680.26 (B) (6). Pool Water. The pool water shall be effectively bonded. Pool shells made of reinforced concrete in which the water is in direct contact with the concrete and the reinforcing steel is utilized as the common bonding grid shall be considered to effectively bond the water. If non-conducting or non-reinforced material is used to form the pool shell or liner, bonding shall be accomplished via the use of metallic parts, plumbing, lighting brackets and shells, ladders, electrodes, etc. in continuous contact with the water. The metal shall be copper, brass, bronze, or other corrosion- resistant material or may be chrome plated. Metallic parts used for bonding shall have a minimum surface area in contact with the water of 200 square centimeters. Semi-conducting material may be used if the resistivity of such material is less than 0.1 ohm-centimeters. Semi-conducting material shall have a minimum of 0.5 square meters in contact with the pool water at each location and encapsulate copper conductor evenly distributed throughout. The encapsulated copper conductor shall have a total electrical area of at least 16,500 circular mils and have terminations of at least 8 AWG. Point of bonding with the pool water shall be made at no more than 4 meters distance around the circumference of the pool.”
What is a pool shell made of?
Pool shells made of reinforced concrete in which the water is in direct contact with the concrete and the reinforcing steel is utilized as the common bonding grid shall be considered to effectively bond the water. If non-conducting or non-reinforced material is used to form the pool shell or liner, bonding shall be accomplished via the use ...
What is the minimum surface area of a metallic part used for bonding?
Metallic parts used for bonding shall have a minimum surface area in contact with the water of 200 square centimeters. Semi-conducting material may be used if the resistivity of such material is less than 0.1 ohm-centimeters. Semi-conducting material shall have a minimum of 0.5 square meters in contact with the pool water at each location ...
What metal is used to bond a pool?
in continuous contact with the water. The metal shall be copper, brass, bronze, or other corrosion- resistant material ...
Why are ground currents rarely determined?
In the stray voltage field, ground currents are rarely determined due to measurement difficulties and inaccuracies. On the other hand, resulting voltage gradients (stray voltages), however, are very easy to measure and can be directly used to analyze stray voltage problems and their mitigation.
Is pool water conductive?
Typically, pool water is considered electrically conductive due to dissolved chemicals.
What is the purpose of bonded pool?
Water flows in the direction of the lower pressure. A bonded pool balances the electrical “pressure.”. This keeps currents flowing outward into a bonding wire or grid where they are safely disbursed.
What can I use as a water bonding device?
WHAT CAN I USE AS A WATER BONDING DEVICE?Traditionally the “water bonding device” has been the pool light . Typical incandescent pool lighting is housed in a metal “wet niche.” The metal niche should be bonded, and by creating a wet niche bond the water is also properly bonded. According to NEC, the device can consist of metal parts that have already been bonded. In these cases all requirements are met at the pool light.
What is NEC bonding?
According to electrical code expert Mike Holt, bonding can be defined as, “The permanent joining of metallic parts together to form an electrically conductive path.”.
What does the NEC say about pool water bonding?
WHAT DOES THE NEC SAY SPECIFICALLY ABOUT WATER BONDING?Since 2008 NEC Section 680.26 (C) mandates that pool water must be electrically bonded. Specifically, a water bond:
Is water bonding safe for pools?
WATER BONDING PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE TO KEEP POOLS SAFEOptions are available to make water bonding an easy, inexpensive pool addition. Products include water bonded skimmers, inline water bonds, and simple options for above ground pools. All water bonding products should be certified to select UL and CSA standard certified products.
Does nicheless pool lighting affect water bonding?
This significantly affects water bonding during pool construction. If you use nicheless lighting or plastic niches with no changes to pool bonding, then the pool may not be safe.
Is it safe to use nicheless lighting in a pool?
If you use nicheless lighting or plastic niches with no changes to pool bonding, then the pool may not be safe. Once the metal wet niche is not available as a bonding solution, you must find an alternative. Other pool components can function as a water bond, but, what is considered “water bonding material” varies by location.
What Is Bonding and Grounding?
Like the other parts of your home, swimming pools require electricity to function. Pumps, lights, automatic pool covers, some cleaning equipment plus more will require power. But, as you can imagine, electrical safety is very important whenever water is involved.
What is pool equalization?
This equalization allows you to safely use your pool equipment without risking electric shocks. An electrician bonds pool equipment by connecting it all together with conductive wire also known as a bonding wire when it comes to pools. Here is a partial list of what should be included in your pool's bonding grid:
How does bonding work in pool equipment?
So how does bonding help? Simply put, bonding connects all of your pool equipment together so they all have the same electrical potential. When all of your equipment is carrying the same charge, the electricity won't try to jump from one piece to another as the resistance is the same on both sides. This equalization allows you to safely use your pool equipment without risking electric shocks.
What is electrical current?
Electrical current is made up of electrons, and electrons have a negative charge. This charge naturally wants to balance out by flowing toward materials that have a neutral or positive charge. It is that "flow" of electricity that provides power to devices like lights, vacuums and swimming pool pumps.
What should be included in a pool bonding grid?
Here is a partial list of what should be included in your pool's bonding grid: Any metal parts of the pool shell. Shells and brackets of all pool lighting. Any metal fittings attached to your pool structure. All electric pump motors and fittings. Any metal piping or sheathing within 5 feet of the pool.
Why is bonding necessary?
Bonding is necessary because, even when grounded, electrical equipment can still accumulate charge over time. For instance, a pool motor that is connected to a power line can slowly build up a higher charge than other pieces of metal in the same area.
How does a pool ground work?
Pool equipment can also be grounded through GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets. These outlets detect when your electrical equipment may be drawing too much power (such as during a short or fault) and interrupt the circuit. The outlet cuts power to the shorting device and provides a safe ground path for the electricity.
Why is bonding important in pool?
This is important because the ground is at the lowest volt potential and a fault will trip the breaker and turn the equipment off. Bonding is when all of the metallic pieces are tied together in order to minimize the voltage differences.
What are the common mistakes that professionals make?
Two other common mistakes professionals make are using the wrong connectors and using the wrong wires. When you are hooking up the bonding and grounding wires, you need to make sure that the best connection possible is being made to ensure that the current has a clear path to move through. The clamps used need to be made ...
Why is it important to know the difference when constructing a pool?
It is important to know the difference when constructing a pool to ensure the safety and longevity of the equipment. Another common mistake is when pool professionals neglect to ground and bond completely. Since there is often confusion between grounding and bonding, some builders might bond but not ground or the other way around.
How far away from the pool should you bond metal?
Anything containing metal within five feet of the pool water must be bonded. For example, some professionals ground the pool equipment but not the metal fencing around it. All metallic equipment related to the pool must be grounded. The third most common mistake is grounding and bonding to the earth. Simply sticking a ground rod into the earth and ...
What is grounding in pool?
As a refresher: grounding means to attach the electrical wire to the ground (earth). It is meant to protect pool users from a fault in the electrical system that could lead to shock.
Why is it important to ground and bond around a pool?
Proper grounding and bonding around a swimming pool are critical because water conducts electricity. There are five common grounding and bonding mistakes professionals commonly make when constructing a pool. Here’s how to avoid them.
Do you need to label clamps for concrete?
You also need to make sure that you are using clamps that are approved for concrete encasement or, if going into the ground, should be labeled for this type of use (direct burial). In addition, the connectors should be marked for the type of wires you are using.
How many feet to touch a metal deck?
If you have a metal deck consider adding another 20 feet to touch it in two to three spots. The skimmer bonding plate and the pump come with bonding lugs so you may only need four more to connect to the pool frame or wall. Gather supplies.
Why do you bond a pool?
Bonding your pool is a safety measure to prevent accidentally getting electrocuted or seriously injured. You need to create a field around your swimming pool by attaching the bonding wire to the metal deck, pool equipment, metal pool wall, and even the water.
What do you use to attach lugs to pool walls?
They want you to use a bolt and nut to attach lug to frame or pool wall. Doing that requires drilling a hole, so I usually use a stainless self-tapping screw and have only been made to replace them once with the “required” hardware.
Do you need to bond an above ground pool?
Local state and federal building codes require all permanent above ground pools to get correctly bonded. What is Pool Bonding. A lot of people mistakingly call this grounding the pool; While that is somewhat true, bonding is a little different.
What is Bonding and Why Do We Do It?
Bonding (connecting) of metal is typically done by a 8 gauge copper wire. The connections of metal by the copper wire allow for electric flow to pass through metal.
Why is grounding important?
So even though we have everything bonded, we still need to ensure it is all grounded. Grounding electricity flows electrical current to the Earth which helps surges dissipate rather than concentrate.
What happens when you swim in a concrete pool?
For example, if someone is swimming in a pool and the pool cage (the rebar inside the concrete pool) becomes concentrated with electric flow, the electricity may easily flow through the water shocking the human.
What is ground rod?
Your house typically has one central “ground rod” which is a piece of rebar that goes into the ground. That ground rod actually connects to the rebar inside your home (if you have a concrete block home), and to all the electrical panels, and your pool equipment!
What happens if a pool pump shorts?
In another example, if the pool pump shorts, it can pass electricity through the internal water (pool water). And now, anyone is in the pool can become electrocuted.
Where does the wire connect to the pool deck?
Although the wire is painted (which is okay), the wire connects from the sliding door frame to underneath the concrete where the metal rebar is for the pool deck and pool cage. This wire bonds two metal window frames together. Like the image above, one window more than likely connects to the rebar in the concete.
What do home inspectors inspect for?
As home inspectors, we inspect for grounding/bonding in all areas that they should be.
How to install Burndy BWB680AGRK?
the Burndy BWB680AGRK Waterbug Pool Water Bonding Kit. You drill a hole through your skimmer and install it there.
What is a light niche in a pool?
The light niche is often used to bond the pool water. With the ladder and light removed you may have lost that.
Can you put copper in a pool?
Put copper in pool and touched it to the ladder anchor- no tingle.
