NEC 680.26(B)(1b)

[rojay]

I’m looking at an in ground pool where epoxy coated structural steel has been used for the shell. Is anyone aware of an acceptable alternative to the copper grid that 680.26(B)(1b) calls for? $$$!!
The language that the code uses for the grid is “shall” so I’m assuming this is the ONLY way to go when unencapsulated steel is not available. I’ve heard mention of welded wire mesh, but again this is for the shell, not perimeter bonding.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

You are correct...where they choose to use rebar that is non-conductive or has a non-conductive coating, they also choose to use the expensive copper bonding grid. There are no options for other methods of bonding the conductive shell.

 

[Mystic Pools]

I’m looking at an in ground pool where epoxy coated structural steel has been used for the shell. Is anyone aware of an acceptable alternative to the copper grid that 680.26(B)(1b) calls for? $$$!!
The language that the code uses for the grid is “shall” so I’m assuming this is the ONLY way to go when unencapsulated steel is not available. I’ve heard mention of welded wire mesh, but again this is for the shell, not perimeter bonding.

I had a rebar contractor years ago who used epoxy rebar on a competitor's pool. The pool contractor told the customer he used it because it was better than conventional rebar. Yes, it's coated and resists moisture, but I've renovated concrete built in the 60's where the rebar had to be exposed and it was fine shape. If there's a water/moisture problem around a pool, it could eventually corrode the steel. An up-sell that duped the customer I feel.
I know of contractors that build pool's ocean side and they will use stainless rebar $$$$$

Because of the epoxy coating you (electrician) is stuck finding a way to meet the code. And the copper grid is not cheap. I'll bet the pool contractor wasn't aware of this.