Bonding a Hot Tub

[mkgrady]

This new hot tub has been set on the ground. A deck has been built around the hot tub so that getting the perimeter bond around the hot tub will be impossible without removing the deck. I'm talking about the #8 bare 18-24 inches out from the edge of the tub and placed 4-6inches under the dirt. I hope I have that right.

So what do I do? It isn't possible to stand on the ground around the tub so what is there to bond? I remember reading here years ago about bonding the wooden deck but I'm pretty sure that was people joking around.

The deck is 17" off the ground and is built with 2x10 or 2x12 joists. That leaves no room to get underneath

Based on the above do I need the perimeter bond?

 

[augie47]

Depending on what Coded cycle you are working under and IF your AHJ has adopted the TIA, you may not need the bond.
View attachment TIA70-11-1.pdf

 

[RICK NAPIER]

I would think it would need bonding since the deck would be a permanent perimeter surface less than 28 inches.

Exception No. 2: A listed self-contained spa or hot tub that meets all of the following conditions shall not be required to haveequipotential bonding of perimeter surfaces installed as required in 680.26(B)(2)1) Is installed in accordance with manufacturer?s instructions on or above grade​

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(2) The vertical measurement from all permanent perimeter surfaces within 30 horizontal inches (76 cm) of the spa to the top​

rim of the spa is greater than 28 inches (71 cm).

 

[petersonra]

I would think it would need bonding since the deck would be a permanent perimeter surface less than 28 inches.

Exception No. 2: A listed self-contained spa or hot tub that meets all of the following conditions shall not be required to haveequipotential bonding of perimeter surfaces installed as required in 680.26(B)(2)1) Is installed in accordance with manufacturer?s instructions on or above grade​

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(2) The vertical measurement from all permanent perimeter surfaces within 30 horizontal inches (76 cm) of the spa to the top​

rim of the spa is greater than 28 inches (71 cm).

so if you dug out under the deck an additional eleven inches to 30 inches away from the side of the tub you would not need the bond?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Since you are on the 2014 IMO you do not need the perimeter bonding as long as the tub is on the deck and you can maintain the 28"

 

[mkgrady]

Since you are on the 2014 IMO you do not need the perimeter bonding as long as the tub is on the deck and you can maintain the 28"

The hot tub is on the ground so that seems to say I need the perimeter bond. But there is a deck built around the tub half way up the side. It's about a five foot tub in the middle of a 20x20 foot deck.

So if I need a bond here by code what purpose would it serve? To install the bond the customer would have to remove the deck he just had installed.