Rasmith, that is a very well-thought out and diplomatic way to handle the situation.

I ran into Doug Harvey a week ago. I will say this about him: Doug is a nice guy. He is polite, he is respectful, he understands laws and rules, and he takes the time to read them. He is good in front of an audience. He is genuinely a pleasure to deal with. I just think in this case about this particular subject -- he erred. I think all things considered he would probably agree with us that mesh is not acceptable. But I did not get into this discussion with him because I didn't want to hash it out again. He knows where we stand, I can assure you of that.

Spas?

Spas?

I guess if it was a new installation I would make them put in the grid. If it was an existing patio what code section would you cite to make them bust up the patio cement?


?

Mike, I dont see it in the code about a portable spa and have never seen one. The only spas I have seen are large enough to qualify for the statement in definition for spa or hot tub that says "Generally a spa or hot tub is not designed or intended to have its contents drained or discharged after each use. So many contractors think the huge cedar enclosed spas that they plop down on a deck are portable.
Bryan you are 100 percent correct, Dan Jhonsen stated that exactly at the Miami meeting.
and even added notching the concrete to accomodate a #8 around the spa.
But as Nick asks and so do I how do you make someone rip up there deck or patio? I can see whats going to happen here, We won't see any more spas, believe me.

You are correct there is no definition of portable spa but they do have them. They have all plastic walls, are round, and designed to move from on location to another.
The links below should help:

http://www.spadepot.com/warehouse/smartub.htm

http://www.thermospas.com/benefits/fiscal.aspx?source=PG0038&gclid=CKDZ35LS1ooCFQgTWAodHVy2fg


Nick I agree with you but we can use the same idea as the one for the (ufer) concrete-encased electrode..you know I got that from NFPA that we should chop up the footing if it's missed...Ha! Ha! Remember??

Oh...this is a joke!

I know, and I made that same joke when I was talking with the electricman just the other day!


Maybe for the spas we can make them put a non-conductive rubber surface under the spa that encircles the spa and goes 3' out on every side. Damn! I promised I wasn't going to do this anymore! That's what the CMP is for!~


I wonder what Mr. Jhhonsohn would say?

How did you like the link?

I suspect if you really started enforcing the "deck bonding" on spas, the manufacturers would quickly respond with a wood deck kit that matched the spa walls. I suppose if you slam it in the corner of the screen cage you would really only have to deck the two sides that were inside the cage. You would also have to bond the cage.

Mike, excellent, I have never seen one of those spas, and I agree with your statement this is a joke. I guess the wooden decks under the spas on existing patios or lanais is looking pretty good.

What if you have to run an electrical line? This part of the add is a joke:


No Building Permits Necessary
Our portable hot tubs do not require any permanent connection to your home’s plumbing. You simply fill your portable hot tub with water from a garden hose! Since our hot tubs are legally categorized as portable home appliances, they do not require building permits in most locations (the only time a permit would be necessary is if you permanently fix it into a setting, such as submerging it into a deck).

I bet the salesman tells them to have a new receptacle installed before the spa is delivered as a general purpose GFCI outlet.
I imagine there will also be some connected with orange cords. A lot of people will have problems finding a spare 16a or so on any circuit they can get to if they don't run an individual circuit.