[jmarlia]

I am installing a pool deck handrail at my existing in-ground pool built around 2001. I cut into and excavated a hole in the cement deck where I hoped to access the pool deck bonding wire. As shown in the attached picture, I see what I think is cement support wire mesh. However, not finding any other evidence of pool bonding wire, I measured the resistance to the equipment bonding ~15 feet away to be ~66 Ohms.

Is is possible that this mesh is bonded and is it sufficient to bound the S.R. Smith AS-100B-SS Wedge Anchors too for my hand rail?

If not, what other options should I consider.

Thanks,

John

 

[brric]

The mesh should be bonded but it may not be.

 

[jmarlia]

Thanks brric.

Is there anything I can do to confirm if it is bonded.

Or any suggestions as to what alternatives I can do to safely bond the handrail?

 

[brric]

Normally one would tether the rail cups to the equipotential bonding ring which is bonded to the mesh as well other metallic surfaces and equipment such as the pump motor. Continuity testing from the mesh to bonding wire at the pump could indicate whether the mesh is bonded.

 

[Fishbulb28]

Is is possible that this mesh is bonded and is it sufficient to bound the S.R. Smith AS-100B-SS Wedge Anchors too for my hand rail?

It's unlikely to be bonded and wouldn't be sufficient for bonding the anchors even if it was.

At the time the pool was installed there was no requirement for bonding the perimeter around the pool. You won't find anything suitable for bonding the anchors in the area unless you run across a bonding conductor by chance.

If not, what other options should I consider.

Cutting concrete or boring through the ground (if even feasible in the location) are pretty much your only options. If you don't want to do any of that look into Saftron or similar handrails and anchors. They don't require bonding to the grid.

 

[jmarlia]

Cutting concrete or boring through the ground (if even feasible in the location) are pretty much your only options.


Thank you. A cut line in the concrete is the direction I will go. I have some seems that I can route the bonding wire without upsetting the aesthetics too much. (and I'm not particularly tied to the look of the existing concrete deck and a cut line might motivate me to install some flagstone. :biggrin2

One last question: Does the #8 wire need to be solid copper or is stranded (which I happen to have some) an option?

 

[Fishbulb28]

One last question: Does the #8 wire need to be solid copper or is stranded (which I happen to have some) an option?

Solid only.

 

[jmarlia]

Just wanted to say thanks to the forum consultants and show the results. I ran a solid copper wire through cuts in the cement deck seems to bound directly to the equipment bounding. I sleep easy knowing my family won't get a shock when using the hand rail. :biggrin2:

 

[bob22]

Nice job!