Bonding re 680 (Swimming pools)

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JSTAUTER

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Client (swimming pool contractor) installed a brass cover plate replacing the PVC cover over the pool skimmer. Main reason was to replace the PVC cover that weathers, dries out and breaks easily. The entire unit is PVC except for the decorative plate. Insulated from any other components. The plate diameter is about 9". The cover is removable to allow clean out of the strainer.
City cited 680 noting that the apparatus must be bonded since it is metal and greater than 4" diameter.
The cover is isolated in that it rests on the PVC skimmer. All other code requirements for the pool are met.
Does the code truly apply to this piece? It is not a permanent fixture, i.e. never removed or totally anchored nor does it act as a support for any other pool system.
Client has challenged the citation, can they prevail?
What arguments would apply for allowing this decorative and non-weathering cover to be used. City is requesting a full waiver of liability if pool manufacturer insists on using the brass cover plate.
Thank you.
 
To start with, a municpal building department has no liability unless it neglects or intentionally does not perform its public duty doctrine. So, a waiver letter in the file serves no purpose.

Section 680.26(B)(3) is pretty clear, however open to interpretation. I certain the manufacturer of the product has run into this issue before an likely has provided a means for making a bonding connection the piece.

Advise you client to check the manufacturer's instructions.
 
I can't remember where I read it but there is a requirement to bond any metal that is more than 4 square inches within 5' of the pool.
 
Art. 680.26 (B)(3) . If the metal covers does not penetrates the pool structure more than an inch then it does not need bonding.
 
a piece of wire ? (I guess you're right tho - if it doesn't penetrate into the structure 1", but is that the case ?)
 
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nakulak said:
a piece of wire ?
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I was assuming a removeable cover but it seems that I may be incorrect.

I would just put a pvc cover back on. I can't imagine an isolated cover would need bonding but I am having a hard time visualizing this piece.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
I was assuming a removeable cover but it seems that I may be incorrect.

I would just put a pvc cover back on. I can't imagine an isolated cover would need bonding but I am having a hard time visualizing this piece.
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Dennis, it sounds like it is just a replacement cover for the skimmer, I do not believe it needs to be bonded...
 
stickboy1375 said:
Dennis, it sounds like it is just a replacement cover for the skimmer, I do not believe it needs to be bonded...
Click to expand...

That's what I thought but I don't understand the op's statement
It is not a permanent fixture, i.e. never removed or totally anchored nor does it act as a support for any other pool system.
Click to expand...
 
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