Chloe Zhang
Bonding a plastic skimmer is an important process to ensure the safety of a pool. Traditionally, pool lights housed in a metal wet niche have been used as a bonding device, but the rise in popularity of plastic niches and nicheless LED lighting has meant that alternative methods of bonding are required. One way to bond a plastic skimmer is to install a water bond plate in the pool skimmer or pump basket, ensuring constant contact with the water. Another method is to drill a hole in the skimmer and install a bonding plate from the inside, screwing a nut on the lug to hold it in place and then attaching a bonding wire.
Characteristics and Values of bonding a plastic skimmer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Number one concern of any pool installer |
| Bonding device | Metal wet niche, plastic wet niche, nicheless LED lighting, water bond plate, copper wire, bonding screw, bonding plate, bonding wire, bonding lug, bonding loop, O-ring or gasket, copper mechanical lug, drain plug, bonding kit |
| Pool type | In-ground, above-ground, resin pool, all resin pool, saltwater pool, storable pool |
| Pool components | Pool light, pool basket, pool wall, pool panel, pool pump, pool motor, power supply ground, pump strainer basket, pump skimmer basket, pump housing, skimmer housing, skimmer kit, skimmer depth, skimmer body |
| Installation | Drill a hole, tighten nuts, apply silicone, attach copper bonding wire, attach bonding wire, attach screw, attach nut, attach bonding loop, attach lug, attach O-ring or gasket, attach copper mechanical lug, attach drain plug, attach bonding kit |
| Standards and guidelines | NEC pool bonding guidelines, ETL Certified to UL and CSA standards, National Electric Code, local electrical code, national code |
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What You'll Learn
Drilling a hole in the skimmer
Drilling a hole in a plastic skimmer requires careful attention to avoid damaging the plastic. To achieve a clean hole without cracks, it is important to control the temperature of the plastic and the drill bit. Drilling slowly will prevent the bit from overheating and damaging the plastic. Short bursts at high speed can also be effective. It is important to avoid applying too much pressure and instead allow the drill bit to cut through the plastic without force.
To manage the temperature, it is recommended to keep the drill bit cool by using ice water or plain cool water. Keeping the drill bit wet while drilling can reduce friction and heat transfer to the plastic. Some people also suggest warming the plastic with hot water before drilling to make the material easier to cut.
It is also beneficial to finish drilling from the other side of the plastic to ensure a clean exit for the drill bit. Using masking tape on the exit side can help prevent chipping. Additionally, there are special drill bits designed for drilling holes in acrylic or plastic that can reduce the risk of cracking. These bits are specially cut to prevent grabbing and cracking the material.
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Using a copper bonding wire
Bonding a plastic skimmer is a safety measure to prevent accidental electrocution or serious injury. A plastic skimmer with nicheless lighting or plastic niches that has not been properly bonded is unsafe.
To bond a plastic skimmer using a copper bonding wire, you will need to determine how much #8 bare solid copper wire you will require for the job and how many bonding lugs. For round pools, take the diameter of your pool and add two feet, then multiply by 3.14, and finally, add 25 feet to that. If you have a metal deck, consider adding another 20 feet to touch it in two to three spots. The skimmer bonding plate and the pump come with bonding lugs, so you may only need four more to connect to the pool frame or wall.
Dig a trench 12 inches from the pool wall and 6 inches deep to lay the bonding wire. You will need to drill holes to attach the lugs as they do not come with hardware. Use a bolt and nut to attach the lug to the frame or pool wall.
One end of the copper bonding wire should be attached to the pool skimmer and then passed into the ground around the pool. The other end of the copper bonding wire should be attached to a metal screw affixed to the skimmer body. The copper wire should be embedded and run safely behind the skimmer basket to the bottom of the skimmer body.
The copper bonding wire helps to create a field around the pool, preventing those in or around the pool from reaching a different potential and creating a path for conductivity.
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Water bond plates
The code requirements for pool water bonding, as outlined in 680.26(C), mandate a minimum conductive surface area of 5800 mm2 (9 square inches) in constant contact with the pool water. This requirement can be fulfilled by utilising a stainless-steel pool water bonding plate, such as the Pool Defender Water Bond Skimmer, which features a built-in stainless steel plate mounted behind the pool basket. This plate ensures that all metallic components and pool equipment are at the same electrical potential, protecting swimmers from voltage differences.
It is important to note that the bonding method must also be corrosion-resistant, as per the 2014 NEC® updates. This eliminates the possibility of using isolated sections of copper piping or removable stainless steel fixtures as the bonding method.
When bonding a plastic skimmer, it is crucial to ensure that any bonding connections are made to metallic or electrical components. Simply connecting a bonding screw to the plastic base of a cartridge or sand filter is insufficient. Therefore, when working with a plastic skimmer, it is advisable to utilise a water bond plate that is properly installed in the pump skimmer basket, ensuring compliance with safety standards and maintaining a safe pool environment.
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Safety guidelines
The safety of a swimming pool is paramount, and ensuring proper bonding of the skimmer is a key part of this. Bonding a plastic skimmer requires careful attention to detail and a methodical approach to ensure the safety of all swimmers.
Firstly, it is important to understand the purpose of bonding. Bonding a pool skimmer is not just a recommendation but a requirement to ensure the pool's safety. The bonding process ensures that any stray electrical currents are safely diverted into the ground, reducing the risk of electric shock for swimmers.
Secondly, when bonding a plastic skimmer, it is crucial to follow the National Electric Code (NEC) guidelines. These guidelines specify that a minimum of nine square inches of conductive material must be in constant contact with the water, and a secure connection must be maintained. This requirement is essential for maintaining a proper bond and ensuring swimmer safety.
Thirdly, the use of appropriate materials is vital. Copper bonding wire, for instance, is a key component in the bonding process. The wire should be connected to the bonding lug, with particular attention paid to avoiding any silicone-covered areas. Additionally, stainless steel bonding plates are recommended as they provide a secure and durable connection.
Finally, periodic inspections and maintenance are essential. Over time, corrosion can weaken the bonding connection, compromising safety. Regular inspections and maintenance help identify any issues, such as corrosion, and ensure that the integrity of the bonding connection is maintained, keeping the pool safe for swimmers.
By following these guidelines and paying close attention to safety standards, you can effectively bond a plastic skimmer, creating a safer environment for all swimmers to enjoy.
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Plastic skimmer bonding methods
Plastic skimmer bonding is essential for maintaining pool safety. Proper bonding ensures that electricity is separated from the water, preventing potential hazards. Here are some detailed methods for effectively bonding a plastic skimmer:
Drilling and Screwing Method:
- This method involves drilling a hole in the plastic skimmer. It is recommended to cover the outside of the hole with waterproof silicone before proceeding.
- After applying the silicone, tighten the nuts and then cover them again with more silicone. Ensure that the silicone does not come into contact with the area where the bonding wire will be attached.
- Liberally apply silicone around the PVC skimmer body and the area where the threads emerge.
- Proceed by attaching the bonding wire, ensuring it is connected securely.
- Finish the installation by connecting the copper bonding wire or loop around the pool to the unit.
Water Bond Plate Installation:
- The water bond plate can be installed in either the pool skimmer or the pump basket, depending on the specific setup.
- Ensure that there is a constant water connection between the plate and the pool water.
- This method provides a cleaner installation compared to installing the plate in the pool skimmer.
Pool Defender Water Bond Skimmer:
- This method involves using a product specifically designed for water bonding in pools, such as the Pool Defender Water Bond Skimmer.
- The skimmer features a built-in stainless steel plate that is mounted safely behind the pool basket.
- It includes an embedded copper wire that exits the back of the skimmer, allowing for a convenient connection to the pool bonding wire or grid.
- Multiple models are available to accommodate different pool skimmer requirements.
It is important to follow safety guidelines and local electrical codes when performing any installation or bonding work. If you are unsure, it is recommended to consult an electrician familiar with pool installations to ensure a safe and proper setup.
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Frequently asked questions
Pool bonding is an essential safety measure that keeps people and electricity separate. It involves ensuring that any metal components of a pool are properly bonded.
A plastic skimmer is a device used to remove debris from the surface of a pool. It is often made of plastic to prevent corrosion and increase durability.
To bond a plastic skimmer, you must first drill a hole in the skimmer. Then, you attach a bonding screw or plate to the skimmer from the inside, tightening the nut on the outside. You may need to dry off any water that leaks during installation. Finally, you connect the copper bonding wire around the pool to the skimmer, ensuring that it does not come into contact with any silicone used during installation.
A water bond plate is a device used to bond the pool water. It can be installed in the pool skimmer or pump basket and provides a convenient connection point for the bonding wire.
Yes, there are several products on the market that can assist with pool bonding. For example, the Pool Defender Water Bond Skimmer is a popular option for new construction pools, as it has a built-in stainless steel plate that simplifies the bonding process.
