Pool Bonding 101
- mike
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
WHY IS POOL BONDING IMPORTANT?
Pool Bonding is a topic that is often not covered much during a typical pool sales process but is a very important safety feature that should be covered in detail because there is often some confusion about what bonding is versus grounding. Even licensed Master Electrician sometime don't get it right. So while Pool Bonding is not as exciting a topic to talk about when purchasing a pool when there are more fun topics to discuss like pool tile options, pool color options, decking and pool accessory options, etc. Pool Bonding should be covered with the same amount of detail.
WHAT IS POOL BONDING?
Pool bonding, also known as equipotential bonding, or an equipotential bonding grid is the process of connecting a pool's metal components with a solid #8 copper wire to create a safe electrical path:Â The most recent NEC (National Electric Code Book) has detailed information that licensed electrician must adhere to, to properly complete an Equipotential Bonding Grid Installation.
Explanation | |
Purpose | Prevents electrical currents from taking alternate routes through metal components, reducing the risk of shocks and electrocution |
How it works | Creates an equal electrical potential among all conductive parts of the pool |
Components | Includes ladders, handrails, pumps, and motors |
Wire | Solid Copper |
Location | The wire is connected to the bonding lugs of motor and pumps, and goes into the ground |
POOL BONDING VS GROUNDING
The terms grounding and bonding are often used interchangeably, but they serve very different functions. Grounding has two key roles: it provides a safe pathway for lightning strikes to reach the earth, and it ensures that any faults, such as shorts in the hot wires, can flow back to the main electrical panel, tripping the breaker. Bonding, on the other hand, is focused on directing any electrical current present around the pool into the bonding system, rather than allowing it to flow through a person who may be in contact with the water.
When it comes to grounding, the rules for swimming pools are very similar to those for any other electrical device in the home. Every power line should be equipped with a green grounding wire, which should then be connected to the ground terminal on the device in question. An important exception to this is double-insulated pool pumps, which don’t require grounding. However, double-insulated pumps are relatively uncommon, so this is rarely a concern.
Bonding, in contrast, is a more complicated process, with specific requirements outlined in the electrical code for pools. The purpose of bonding is to ensure that electrical current doesn’t pass through individuals in or near the water. Electrical current will always flow from areas of higher voltage to areas with lower voltage, and bonding ensures that everything around the pool is at the same voltage level. If all components are at the same voltage, no current will flow.
Typically, bonding a pool involves running a thick copper wire around the perimeter, connecting it to all metal objects within five feet of the water, all electrical devices that interact with the water, concrete structures within three feet of the water, and even to the water itself. If there is any difference in voltage between these components, the bonding wire will equalize the voltage, preventing the flow of current between them.
Key Notes:
Ground rods should not be used for bonding. They are only meant for grounding the main electrical panel or separate sub-panels.
Temporary pools generally do not require bonding, whereas permanent pools do. Temporary pools are typically defined as above-ground pools with a water depth of less than four feet, though this definition can vary.
This is a simplified overview, and many of the finer details have been omitted. If you're planning to install a bonding system, be sure to follow the most recent version of the NEC code book and electrical codes specific to your area, as these are critical for safety.
CUT TO THE CHASE
To get straight to the point, here is a great video provided by River Pools. Rather than read my ramblings about Pool Bonding and Equipotential Bonding Grids Check out this quick and sweet video to help potential pool owners understand why Pool Bonding is important and what a pool bonding system looks like.
MORAL OF THE STORY
When shopping for a pool be sure your pool builder knows what pool bonding is and that your pool will be bonded correctly to reduce the chance of injury while enjoying your pool.
SOURCES
Video: River Pools and Spas Youtube Channel: Pool Bonding 101 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFNmXY98mFU
Article Content: Trouble Free Pool website: https://www.troublefreepool.com/blog/2019/01/18/bonding-vs-grounding-2/
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