Equipotential bonding for swimming pools

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Nick Toth

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Hi!
I read the NEC requirements in section 680 for equipotential bonding but have a question regarding "Perimeter Surfaces". If the poured concrete deck around a pool is not going to contain steel reinforcing material, does it have to be bonded by some other means? If it is just plain poured 4" concrete decking that rests on top of the top edge (bond beam) of a shotcrete, steel-reinforced in-ground pool shell, is any bonding to the deck required?

Have the requirements regarding this changed between the 2000 NEC Code and the most current code? Does the latest code require bonding in this area that wasn't required in the 2000 code?

Thanks for your help! Nick
 
This is a good link to keep handy ,..the quote contains only part of the information , click the link to read the rest.



http://ecmweb.com/mag/electric_code_changes_13/


680.26 ? EQUIPOTENTIAL BONDING
The bonding rules for reducing voltage gradients around permanently installed pools, outdoor spas, or outdoor hot tubs were changed again.

(A) Performance. Equipotential bonding is intended to reduce voltage gradients in the area around permanently installed pools, outdoor spas, or outdoor hot tubs by the use of a common bonding grid in accordance with 680.26(B) and (C).

(B) Bonded Parts. The parts of a permanently installed pool, outdoor spa, or outdoor hot tub listed in (B)(1) through (B)(7) shall be bonded together with a solid copper conductor not smaller than 8 AWG with listed pressure connectors, terminal bars, exothermic welding, or other listed means [250.8(A)] (click here to see Fig. 19).

Equipotential bonding is not required to extend to or be attached to any panelboard, service equipment, or grounding electrode.

Conductive Pool, Outdoor Spa, and Outdoor Hot Tub Shells.

(a) Structural Reinforcing Steel. Unencapsulated structural reinforcing steel secured together by steel tie wires is considered bonded.

Perimeter Surfaces. An equipotential bonding grid shall extend 3 ft horizontally beyond the inside walls of a pool, outdoor spa, or outdoor hot tub, including unpaved, paved, and poured concrete surfaces (click here to see Fig. 20).

The bonding grid shall comply with (a) or (b) and be attached to the conductive pool reinforcing steel at a minimum of four points uniformly spaced around the perimeter of the walls of a pool, outdoor spa, or outdoor hot tub.
Click to expand...
 
Thank you!

Thank you!

Thanks M.D..... great response and very helpful to me. Our city is not using the 2008 code as of yet, and I just finished building my pool, so sounds like I am in compliance. Had I known of the 2008 change in time I would have incorporated it anyway since it makes sense to me to have the deck connected to the equipotential grid.

I have one more question, if I may. I will relist as a new post if you prefer:
Regarding the safety electrical disconnect.... Do I have to have a disconnect within view of the POOL itself, or only within view of the equipment? The illustration I found looked like in their case it was within view of both. My equipment room is on the other side of a solid block wall and not within view of the pool. My current disconnect is right next to the pump to allow safely servicing the equipment. Do I have to add another safety disconnect on the pool side of that wall to allow someone using the pool to shut off the equipment in case of emergency?? I have seen those near some commercial hot tub installations. My pool is just a private residential installation.

Thanks again! Nick
 
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