Bonding of new pool equipment
The code reference in regards to bonding metallic items within a certain distance of the waters edge or level of a pool[ this rule does not say these items must be part of the electrical equipment of a pool-this is about bonding ,not grounding] gives you an indication as to what will qualify as a ,shall we say "Bondable Item"[the term in qoutes is not something found in code-it is just a phrase used here for explanation purposes].
in 2005nec it is 680.26[3] that gives you the answer-I don't think this particular reference was altered in 2008.
I indicates what would be qualifies as a 'Metal fitting" by size[if it as big or larger than the size referenced in the code] and by distance from the waters edge-not the pool edge-the waters edge-rest assured that there is a reason that has been specified.
"A part that is not more than 4inches[100mm]in any dimension AND does not penetrate into tthe pool structure more than 1inch[25mm] shall NOT require bonding.
Laying that out in real life terms-reverse speak if you will -indicates that if an item falls in that notorious pool bonding grid zone-and that item is larger than the 4"x4" description it should be bonded.
Before everyone begins to lose their mind here lets remember that whis statement is actually nothing new-it is why we bond the cups that hold the metal steps which are installed only during pool use time..,it is why we bond the U shaped sections that support a diving board ...,and it is in this instance why you would bond the brass underpinnings [which are more than the equivalent of ladder cups ] that will support the rubber staring footing for the swimmers to begin their race.
