Comprehensive Study Validates Pool Bonding Methods for Safety and Reliability
Takeaways
- The study tested nine residential pools in Central Florida using three different bonding methods over a two-month period.
- All tested methods maintained voltage levels below 2mA under simulated fault conditions, demonstrating safety compliance.
- Both copper grid and wire loop bonding techniques are validated as effective, providing flexibility for industry installation practices.
- The research offers the most comprehensive data to date, helping industry professionals make informed, safety-focused decisions.
The Pool Industry Council has published the results of a landmark study on swimming pool and spa equipotential bonding methods. The Pool Industry Council commissioned SunSmart Engineering to independently test commonly used equipotential bonding methods for swimming pools and spas. The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance provided both technical guidance and financial support to this important initiative. The goal of this study is to help the swimming pool and spa industry better understand the equipotential bonding and how the most used methods perform in operational field conditions.
The study took place from April 7 – June 12, 2025 utilizing nine residential swimming pools in Central Florida. Of the pools tested, three were bonded with an #8 AWG single bonding loop, three with copper reinforcement grids, and three on conductive pools with inline water bond plates and #8 AWG single wire loop.
Ultimately the study concluded that both bonding methods—#8 AWG copper wire loop and the copper bonding grid— can provide effective equipotential bonding when properly installed. The data shows that under simulated fault conditions up to 120 VAC, nearly all measured voltages yielded current levels well below 2mA when modeled against a 500-ohm human resistance, a widely accepted safety benchmark. “The bottom line is that both methods of perimeter bonding tested, single wire loop and copper grid, work to effectively mitigate equipotential voltage issues and can confidently be used to bond swimming pools and spas when installed properly,” said John Antonelli, P.E. – Vice President of Engineering, SunSmart Engineering.
“We are very happy with the study,” said Pool Industry Council Vicechair Adam Alstott. “This is the most thorough study of swimming pool equipotential bonding methods to date, and we are happy that we can share these results with the industry and public. Our goal with this study is to help the swimming pool and spa industry better understand equipotential bonding through a scientific and data-based approach. This study does that,” concluded Alstott.
To read the full study report and data, follow the link below:
https://fspa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Equipot-Bond-Report-FINAL_2025.06.pdf