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E-259 – Pool Nation Podcast Understanding Pool Bonding: FSPA’s Groundbreaking Study

📅 August 4, 2025 ⏱️ 51:58 🎤 Edgar De Jesus, John Ritenour, Dallas Thiesen

Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Welcome and Introductions
    The hosts welcome guests Dallas and John, introducing the episode's focus on pool bonding and FSPA's study.
  • 0:02
    Florida Summer & Bonding Importance
    Dallas and John discuss the intensity of Florida summers and emphasize the critical safety aspect of pool bonding.
  • 0:07
    Understanding Equipotential Bonding
    John explains equipotential bonding as a safety system to keep all metal and electrical components at the same voltage level, preventing electric shocks.
  • 0:09
    Two Bonding Methods Explained
    The discussion covers the two main bonding methods outlined in the National Electric Code: a single #8 copper wire and a copper grid.
  • 0:18
    Motivation for the Study
    Dallas explains the FSPA and Pool Industry Council's decision to conduct the bonding study in response to a proposed NEC amendment that would eliminate the single wire option.
  • 0:20
    Bonding Verification & Repair
    John explains how pool professionals can verify proper bonding using a multimeter and discusses the challenges and costs associated with retrofitting bonding in older pools.
  • 0:28
    Study Setup and Findings
    John details how the study was conducted, testing newly built concrete and fiberglass pools with both bonding methods, and revealing that all tested methods effectively reduce voltage to safe levels.
  • 0:33
    Real-World Takeaways & Action
    The hosts and guests discuss the practical implications of the study for pool builders and inspectors, stressing that proper installation of either method is key, and encouraging industry professionals to advocate for the continued allowance of both methods.
  • 0:40
    Risk of Improper Bonding
    John elaborates on the severe risks, including electric shock or death, associated with improperly bonded or unbonded pools.
  • 0:47
    Call to Action
    Dallas urges listeners to visit poolbondingstudy.com to read the full report and to contact NFPA and PHTA to express their views on the proposed NEC changes.

Speakers

E
Edgar De Jesus
Host
J
John Ritenour
Host
D
Dallas Thiesen
Chief Government Relations Officer for the Florida Swimming Pool Association and the Pool Industry Council

Key Takeaways

✦

Equipotential bonding is crucial for pool safety, preventing electrical shocks by ensuring all conductive elements around a pool maintain the same voltage.

✦

Both the single #8 copper wire and copper grid methods for perimeter bonding are effective at mitigating voltage gradients to safe, imperceptible levels.

✦

The FSPA study highlights that eliminating the single wire method from national electrical codes would drastically increase retrofit costs for older pools without a clear safety benefit.

✦

Pool professionals can verify bonding continuity using a multimeter to ensure connections are intact, especially between equipment and the pool shell/water.

✦

Retrofitting a pool that lacks proper bonding, especially the perimeter bond, can be costly and requires excavation, emphasizing the importance of correct installation from the start.

✦

Stay informed and advocate against code changes that would restrict effective, cost-efficient bonding methods, as demonstrated by the FSPA study.

✦

Access the full study at poolbondingstudy.com to gain a deeper understanding of equipotential bonding and its implications for pool construction and renovation.

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