By Marcelle Dibrell
The Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) is once again taking a stand against the National Electrical Code’s (NEC) controversial three-foot-wide equipotential bonding grid requirement for swimming pools. This mandate, originally introduced in the NEC 17 years ago, was previously removed from the Florida Building Code (FBC) thanks to FSPA’s advocacy. However, a Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) added to the 2023 NEC — slated to go into effect at the end of 2026 — has reignited the fight, and FSPA is mobilizing to prevent what they view as an unnecessary and costly regulation.
The NEC’s bonding grid requirement is intended to reduce stray electrical currents in pool areas. While safety is always a top priority in pool construction, FSPA argues that the existing single 8 AWG copper conductor solution — used in Florida for the past 17 years — has been effective, with no incidents reported. This method was developed with the assistance of an engineer hired by FSPA and has proven reliable for concrete pools across the state.
The new NEC provision, however,
The image above explains the NEC code 680.26 (B)(2) as it has been allowed using 8 AWG solid copper. Photo credit: Mike Holt.com. mandates the installation of an extensive copper bonding grid, a costly alternative that FSPA contends is being pushed by manufacturers of the grid material.
According to FSPA, the engineering report used to justify the change tested only one fiberglass pool, and even that study acknowledged that both the single-wire method and the grid reduce stray currents in the rare instances when electricity is present in the ground.
Despite these findings, the NEC still moved forward with the bonding grid requirement.
The potential economic burden on pool builders and homeowners is significant, according to the FSPA. Installing a three-foot-wide bonding grid requires additional labor and materials, driving up costs for new pool construction. With Florida among those leading the nation in pool installations, these added expenses could have financial implications for businesses and consumers.
“The single wire has been proven to work on concrete pools for more than 17 years with zero issues,” FSPA states. “This new requirement is unnecessary and only benefits those selling more expensive copper grids.”
Fortunately, Florida has time to act. The 2023 NEC does not take effect in the state until December 31, 2026, giving FSPA and industry stakeholders a window to challenge the rule. The association has outlined two primary strategies: 1. Florida Building Code Exception: FSPA aims to create an exception in the 2026 Florida Building Code that would allow continued use of the proven single-wire bonding method instead of mandating the grid.
2. Legislative Action: The association is also considering a legislative approach, working with Florida lawmakers to establish pool bonding requirements directly in state statutes, preventing NEC’s grid mandate from taking effect.
FSPA is calling on all Florida pool builders to get involved in this fight. Advocacy efforts will require a strong, united industry voice to push back against what they see as an unnecessary regulation driven by special interests.
Writing in FSPA’s Florida Pool Pro Magazine, Adam Alstott of Tropical Pools, Inc. stated “I believe this can be done, but it’s going to take a village of pool builders to make it happen. We need every pool builder to join FSPA and FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT.”
