Stainless steel skimmer lid for swimming pool

[Bonnietiler]

Hello. I am a tiler not an electrician but have a question that relates to both trades. When I am tiling a pool deck in order to achieve a perfect finish and get rid of those ugly plastic skimmer lids I have a friend who fabricates a two part stainless steel system. Part 1 is a S/S outer frame that I set into the cutout in the surrounding tiles and over the skimmer hole. Part 2 is a S/S tray/lid into which I can stick a piece of tile to match the surround. When the lid is in place it is constantly in contact with the grounded frame at eight points of contact. My question is when the lid is temporarily removed for access to the skimmer does it need to remain tethered to the fixed frame? (Surely, it would be no different to having a piece of metal furniture near the pool?)

 

[JFletcher]

Welcome to The Forum. Unfortunately, forum rules prevent us from helping you in this matter. What I can say is to consult with your local licensed and qualified electrician to get an answer, an answer that may depend on what code cycle and or local amendments you have.

By section 680.26(b)(5) of the 2008 NEC, the stainless steel frame for the pool skimmer cover would have to be bonded to the equipotential grid. I do not see a provision for it being automatically bonded by virtue of being set into a bonded pool shell. The cover would also have to have a bonding wire to that frame.

I provide this code section so that your electrician has a starting point as to determine what needs to be done. Please do not attempt any of this yourself. This is not DIY advice. Article 680 installs really require electricians familiar with that section of code.

 

[Chamuit]

Welcome to The Forum. Unfortunately, forum rules prevent us from helping you in this matter. What I can say is to consult with your local licensed and qualified electrician to get an answer, an answer that may depend on what code cycle and or local amendments you have.

By section 680.26(b)(5) of the 2008 NEC, the stainless steel frame for the pool skimmer cover would have to be bonded to the equipotential grid. I do not see a provision for it being automatically bonded by virtue of being set into a bonded pool shell. The cover would also have to have a bonding wire to that frame.

I provide this code section so that your electrician has a starting point as to determine what needs to be done. Please do not attempt any of this yourself. This is not DIY advice. Article 680 installs really require electricians familiar with that section of code.

I would add to also check with your AHJ to make sure there are/aren't any local amendments that may address this question.