Aboveground Pool - Equipotential Bonding - Perimeter Surfaces 680.26B(2)

[Dpmelectric]

Hello,

I am wiring an aboveground pool in CT (2020 NEC). The pool structure components are all non-metallic (track, uprights, top plates, base plates) except the pool wall. The pool has a vinyl liner. I ran my #8 bare copper (Perimeter Surfaces) around the perimeter 18-24" out from the wall - 4" below subgrade. I connected the perimeter bond wire to the water bonder mounted in the skimmer, the pump motor, and the pool wall (at the seem of the wall).

The Inspector states that the perimeter bond needs to be connected at (4) spots uniformly around the pool. On previous pools ive done, this is what i would do. But this pool is the first i've come across with no metal components to connect to. To connect in four spots, you would need to drill the pool wall, but the liner is right there.

My question is, is an aboveground pool considered a Non-Conductive Pool Shell and therfore bonding at 4 points shall not be required? As 680.26B(2)

Thanks in advance.

DPM

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Are we to assume this above ground pool does not meet the requirements of a storable pool?

Storable Swimming, Wading, or Immersion Pools; or Storable/
Portable Spas and Hot Tubs. Swimming, wading, or immersion
pools that are intended to be stored when not in use,
constructed on or above the ground and are capable of holding
water to a maximum depth of 1.0 m (42 in.), or a pool, spa,
or hot tub constructed on or above the ground, with nonmetallic,
molded polymeric walls or inflatable fabric walls regardless
of dimension.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Also nonconductive shells should not be required to do the four corners afaik

(1) Conductive Pool Shells.
Bonding to conductive pool shells shall be provided as specified in 680.26(B)(1)(a) or (B)(1)(b). Cast-in-place concrete, pneumatically applied or sprayed concrete, and concrete block with painted or plastered coatings shall all be considered conductive materials due to water permeability and porosity. Vinyl liners and fiberglass composite shells shall be considered to be nonconductive materials. Reconstructed pool shells shall also meet the requirements of this section.

 

[Dpmelectric]

Are we to assume this above ground pool does not meet the requirements of a storable pool?

No, Sorry. Its 48" depth.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

No, Sorry. Its 48" depth.

Post #3 includes the pool you are working on. 48" means it is wired as an in ground pool and since the shell is nonconductive and vinyl liners

I believe with the 2020 NEC you need to build a grid and not just use a #8 following the contour if there is no reinforced steel then I believe you need the grid for the perimeter surface

(c)
Copper Grid. Where structural reinforcing steel is not available or is encapsulated in a nonconductive compound, copper grid shall be utilized where the following requirements are met:

• (1)
  The copper grid shall be constructed of 8 AWG solid bare copper and be arranged in accordance with 680.26(B)⁠(1)⁠(b)⁠(3).
• (2)
  The copper grid shall follow the contour of the perimeter surface extending 1 m (3 ft) horizontally beyond the inside walls of the pool.
• (3)
  Only listed splicing devices or exothermic welding shall be permitted.
• (4)
  The copper grid shall be secured within or under the deck or unpaved surfaces between 100 mm to 150 mm (4 in. to 6 in.) below the subgrade.

 

[Buck Parrish]

Hello,

I am wiring an aboveground pool in CT (2020 NEC). The pool structure components are all non-metallic (track, uprights, top plates, base plates) except the pool wall. The pool has a vinyl liner. I ran my #8 bare copper (Perimeter Surfaces) around the perimeter 18-24" out from the wall - 4" below subgrade. I connected the perimeter bond wire to the water bonder mounted in the skimmer, the pump motor, and the pool wall (at the seem of the wall).

The Inspector states that the perimeter bond needs to be connected at (4) spots uniformly around the pool. On previous pools ive done, this is what i would do. But this pool is the first i've come across with no metal components to connect to. To connect in four spots, you would need to drill the pool wall, but the liner is right there.

My question is, is an aboveground pool considered a Non-Conductive Pool Shell and therfore bonding at 4 points shall not be required? As 680.26B(2)

Thanks in advance.

DPM

You cannot bond it if it's not metal but you can still go the perimiter.

 

[NTesla76]

I believe they make a bonding plate of some sort that gets installed in the water piping that would bond the water. I think it goes with the skimmer some how. I've seen one but it's been quite a while.

 

[Mystic Pools]

I believe they make a bonding plate of some sort that gets installed in the water piping that would bond the water. I think it goes with the skimmer some how. I've seen one but it's been quite a while.

Yup. Bonding plate that attaches to skimmer body or an line type with "1 NPT connection. I use the in line.

 

[Little Bill]

I believe they make a bonding plate of some sort that gets installed in the water piping that would bond the water. I think it goes with the skimmer some how. I've seen one but it's been quite a while.

Yup. Bonding plate that attaches to skimmer body or an line type with "1 NPT connection. I use the in line.

OP said he already has a water bond and connected to it.

 

[NTesla76]

OP said he already has a water bond and connected to it.

My mistake. Thanks for pointing it out.