Hidden in Plain Sight: A Pool Bonding Hazard Most People Miss

While visiting a coastal resort pool here in Brunswick County, NC, we observed a condition that is far more common than it should be—and often goes unnoticed.

At first glance, the pic on the left seems harmless. But that thought is "dead" wrong. A closer look reveals a bonding conductor that has been twisted together, left exposed, and visibly corroded. This is not a minor detail. It is a failure of a critical life-safety system.

Pool bonding is designed to create an equipotential plane, meaning all metallic components in and around the pool remain at the same electrical potential. When properly installed, this system helps prevent dangerous voltage differences.

However, that protection depends entirely on proper connections using approved methods.

The National Electrical Code requires bonding conductors to be connected using listed connectors such as irreversible compression fittings, listed lugs, or other approved means—not hand-twisted splices.¹ Additionally, connections must be mechanically secure and free from corrosion to maintain continuity.²

In this case, the observed connection shows:

• No listed connector

• Visible corrosion

• A loose, unprotected splice

This type of installation can compromise the bonding system, allowing voltage differences to develop between metal components. In wet environments, even small differences in potential can pose a serious risk.

What makes this especially concerning is how easily it can be overlooked. Many owners and operators simply don’t know what to look for.

If your pool has undergone maintenance, equipment replacement, or seasonal servicing, it is wise to have the bonding system inspected by a qualified professional. Call us today to schedule your safety inspection, because when it comes to pool safety, what you don’t see can matter most.

Footnotes

1. NEC 250.8(A), NFPA 70 – Approved Methods of Connection

2. NEC 110.14, 680.26 – Electrical Connections and Equipotential Bonding