Permanently installed Pool vs. Storable Pool

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NTesla76

Senior Member
Location
IA -Driftless Region
Occupation
Electrics
In the 2023 NEC, the definitions changed a bit for permanently installed pools vs. storable pools. No longer is the 42" depth factor. Around this part of Iowa, the majority of pools, by definition are storable pools, however, people rarely take them down and store them for the cold weather months. Maybe I'm mistaken, but I don't see where equipotential bonding is required for storable pools. My question is, if the storable pool remains installed year round, would a equipotential bond be required?
 
In my opinion , no. I base that on the directions that came with the pool. If the directions say it is storable, than it is. But you're right some people leave them their for 20 years with a deck around it too. If it wears out they buy one the same size and put it back in the place of the old one.

Storable Pool Definition,
The 2023 NEC defines a storable pool as one that is installed on or above ground and intended to be stored when not in use, regardless of water depth.

This definition is distinct from a "permanently installed pool," which is constructed in or partially in the ground or is located within a building
 
One of the issues has been a storable pool with a deck. A change in section 680.30 will address this in the 2026 code.
(B) Additional Requirements.
A storable pool assembled on site that abuts a permanent deck that encloses all or a portion of the pool’s perimeter and that is intended to provide access to the pool shall also comply with 680.26
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Little Bill said:
I've never understood how you bond a wooden deck!
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They fixed that in the 2023 code.
680.26(B)(2)(c) Nonconductive Perimeter Surfaces.
Equipotential bonding shall not be required for nonconductive portions of perimeter surfaces that are separated from earth or raised on nonconducting supports, and it shall not be required for any perimeter surface that is electrically separated from the pool structure and raised on nonconductive supports above an equipotentially bonded surface.
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Little Bill said:
Thanks for that.
Now if the pool is entered from the deck, and you can't touch the water from the ground, why would any EB in the ground be required?
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It would depend on the height of the pool wall above the ground. In the 2023, if the water is less then 2' above the ground you need to bond the surface. That will change to 3' in the 2026.

However it would not apply to a storable pool unless it has a deck for access to the pool. If you have a storable pool with partial deck and the pool wall is 3' or less above the ground, the ground will be a perimeter surface that needs bonding in the 2026 code.
 
I too do not get the 42" requirement. If anything less depth makes it MORE likely of an electrocution as it means the walls of the pool are lower, and hence easier to be in contact with both the ground and the water.

What is the logic here? Is it something to do with the conductivity of water being insufficient with a 42" high cross section or something intricate like that, or was it just a random number they pulled out?
 
We built a temporary deck around a pool intended to be stored for a special needs child. This was years ago and we put rails on it because we wanted it to be safe. But the post did not go in the ground to far. LOL.
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
It would depend on the height of the pool wall above the ground. In the 2023, if the water is less then 2' above the ground you need to bond the surface. That will change to 3' in the 2026.

However it would not apply to a storable pool unless it has a deck for access to the pool. If you have a storable pool with partial deck and the pool wall is 3' or less above the ground, the ground will be a perimeter surface that needs bonding in the 2026 code.
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Pardon my ignorance, what code section is that for the 2023 code regarding this: In the 2023, if the water is less then 2' above the ground you need to bond the surface
 
NTesla76 said:
Pardon my ignorance, what code section is that for the 2023 code regarding this: In the 2023, if the water is less then 2' above the 259-ground you need to bond the surface
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This would be a rare installation for either type of pool. However if you have a permanently installed pool with the water level 2' or less above the surrounding surface 680.26(B)(2) applies.
(2) Perimeter Surfaces.
The perimeter surface to be bonded shall be considered to extend for 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally beyond the inside walls of the pool while also at a height between 900 mm (3 ft) above and 600 mm (2 ft) below the maximum water level. The perimeter surface shall include unpaved surfaces, concrete, and other types of paving....
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NTesla76 said:
My 2023 handbook doesn't appear to have that language.
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I did not check before I posted, that language shows in the Link version of the 2023 code, but came from TIA 23-9 that was published April 10th, 2023. That is one of the few issues with Link...you have to watch for the shaded circle with a "T" in it. That tells you that there was a TIA issued after the original publication of the code.

It would only be code enforceable in your area. if the TIA has been specifically adopted by your jurisdiction.
 
Article 680, Part 1. General, 680.1 Scope 2023 NEC HANDBOOK
“ The installations covered by this article can be indoor or outdoors, permanent or storable. “
Article 680.26 (A) “ The equipotential bonding required by 680.26 (B) and (C) to reduce voltage gradients in the pool area shall be installed for pools with or without associated electrical equipment related to the pool. “
Article 680.26 (B)(2)(a), 680.26 (B)(2)(b) and 680.26 (B)(2)(c) would be your equipotential bonding options.
 
NTesla76 said:
My question is, if the storable pool remains installed year round, would a equipotential bond be required?
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I don't do many pools but from attending Mikes awesome seminars and what I read on here and other sites it seems to be a perpetual liability on me the electrician if I so much a touch a pool, regardless of what my inspector approves. I would be very very hesitant to have anything to do with a such a pool unless everything was clearly documented. And I am a guy that bends rules as well as pipe, but pools it seems have a ton of liability.
 
NoahsArc said:
I too do not get the 42" requirement. If anything less depth makes it MORE likely of an electrocution as it means the walls of the pool are lower, and hence easier to be in contact with both the ground and the water.

What is the logic here? Is it something to do with the conductivity of water being insufficient with a 42" high cross section or something intricate like that, or was it just a random number they pulled out?
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I think easier to be in contact with both is the logic. And even more critical when you are standing in the pool reaching out vs standing outside the pool and reaching in. Higher side walls on pool will mean further to reach to touch the ground around the pool so less chance of getting caught up in any voltage potential there may be between those two points. Exactly how they came up with 42" IDK but the further that distance is the less hazard there will tend to be here.
 
kwired said:
I think easier to be in contact with both is the logic. And even more critical when you are standing in the pool reaching out vs standing outside the pool and reaching in. Higher side walls on pool will mean further to reach to touch the ground around the pool so less chance of getting caught up in any voltage potential there may be between those two points. Exactly how they came up with 42" IDK but the further that distance is the less hazard there will tend to be here.
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But it's backwards - the further the distance the more safety is required...
 
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