Is Your Pool Properly Bonded?
An above ground #pool requires an equipotential bonding ring be ran in #8 solid copper around it. 18-24" off of the water, 4-6" deep all the way around the pool.
In-ground pools have even more complicated bonding requirements.
The pool shell, pool water, and pump bonded together to bring metallic components to the same potential and reduce the chance of shock from stray voltages in the ground…does your pool have this? If you don't see a copper wire attached to the pool filter, the shell, or the pump, it is possible that your pool isn't bonded.
You may say "I've had this pool for 10 years, never had a problem" but the danger can arise at any time. It is possible that a neighbor's service neutral conductor (which completes the circuit from the house back to the utility source) become compromised. In that case, the electricity can and will take the path of least resistance back to the utility transformer on the pole, often via earth-and possibly via your pool. Equipotential bonding of a pool makes sure your pool is at zero potential to ground.
Some pools are considered "storable" by the National Electric Code, and this is not required. Still others are permanent pools but have non-conductive, double-insulated pool pumps, where there is no ground lug for the bond ring-but the bond ring is still required.
If you have any questions about the safety of your pool, you should call a licensed electrical contractor such as Mc Caffrey Electrical Contracting LLC of Phillipsburg, NJ.
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