If we have an indoor pool that has a steel post within 1.5 meters (5 feet) of the pool and totally enclosed with a non-metalllic finish, is it required to be bonded to the grid of the pool?

I would say that you might have a permanent barrier between the metal and the pool which would eclude it from the bonding requirements.

It would certainly be a judgement call. If I could reasonably call that a 120v (the likely energizing voltage) or greater insulation level I would agree the pole was safe but the insulation would have to present some protection from physical damage.
That might be some heavy wrapping, like "serving" with 1" poly rope (a popular thing here) but it wouldn't be paint.