An engineer can't design something different than the NEC code section. Still must comply with code.

I'm saying he can design it as part of the pool structural steel system.

Correct, and that is the intent, to design the equipotential grid when using structural steel the same as the pool wall.

Going ack to my question, how can we accept 6x6 wire mesh when the code doesn't?

Engineer can design that part of the "wall" any way he wants to. He/she is the engineer and if they use mesh for the deck part that is their design.

BUT, I think I am wrong again. I have just been speaking to several structural engineers who say that continuing the structural steel out 3' on the deck is no good. They claim if the deck cracks, which it will, the crack will continue down into the pool. So this may not be a good method at all unless there is some type of expansion joint between the pool and the deck.

It seems after all of this being said, the only real way to accomplish this would be with the alternate means. So,

DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A PRODUCT THAT IS FOR SALE TO ACCOMPLISH THE BONDING? IS THERE SOME TYPE OF A ROLL-OUT MAT? WHO SELLS IT? PLEASE POST THE LINK!!!!!

Thanks.

Here is one:

Equipotential wire safety mat

Fantastic......so than why do we need to permit something that is not in the code when a product exists that does meet the code.

Great job Nick!!!!

YES, I agree with you.

Go ahead, rub it in...

What if it is a fiberglass pool shell. With a fiberglass ladder (no metal to bond) and a double insulated pool motor. Do we have to build a grid beneath the pavers surrounding it? And attach it to what?

Good point....I vote no.

Great point....I vote yes.


Alan's point/question is that if there is no structural steel, then what...?

But lets go back to 680.26(B)(1) which says at the end,

"Where the reinforcing steel is encapsulated with a nonconductive compound, provisions shall be made for an ALTERNATE MEANS to eliminate voltage gradients that would otherwise be provided by unencapsulated, bonded reinforcing steel."


Sounds like the intent of the code is to eliiminate voltage gradients around the pool no matter what.

Would you not agree?

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