I'd like to think that the IAEI guys have it right but Others are not so sure. As I understand it there may be a TIA on the way, but obviously that is not official.
Ultimately if you read 680.26 (B) (1) the last couple of sentences state
"Where reinforcing steel of the pool shell or the reinforcing steel of coping stones and deck and deck is encapsulated with a nonconductive compound or other conductive material is not available, provisions shall be ,made for an alternative means to eliminate voltage gradients that would other wise be provided by un-encapsulated , bonded reinforcing steel."
The alternate means in 680.26(C) (3) (b)
States that "the equipotential bonding grid shall cover the contour of the pool and the pool deck "
This sentence undeniably states the grid shall follow the contour of the pool. I don't expect that to mean "like a tent" I interpret it to mean under the pool and follow the contour of the pool (hole).
The second part of the sentence specifically refers to the grin also under the deck and out 3 feet.
If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck. It's a Duck.
Charlie Palmieri
