E-259 - Pool Nation Podcast Understanding Pool Bonding: FSPA’s Groundbreaking Study

In Episode 259 of Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and John "JJ Flawless" dive deep into a critical safety topic in the pool industry: Equipotential Bonding. They’re joined by Dallas Thiesen from the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) and John Ritenour, VP of Engineering at SunSmart Engineering, to break down the findings from a landmark bonding study conducted by the Pool Industry Council.

Learn the difference between bonding and grounding, explore the two main methods of bonding (copper wire vs. copper grid), and understand why this topic matters to pool service techs, builders, and inspectors alike. The episode covers safety implications, real-world retrofit challenges, and how this research could affect upcoming National Electric Code changes.

Whether you're a pool pro servicing backyards daily or a builder navigating evolving code standards, this episode is packed with practical tips, technical insights, and industry updates that could impact your work.

👉 Access the full study: PoolBondingStudy.com

⏱️ Timestamps:

• 00:00–02:00 – Intro, shout-out to sponsors, and setup for the podcast

• 02:01–05:00 – Florida heat, location confusion, and pool pro banter

• 05:01–07:00 – Edgar introduces guests Dallas (FSPA) and John (SunSmart Engineering)

• 07:01–09:00 – What is equipotential bonding and why it matters

• 09:01–14:00 – Bonding vs grounding, stray voltage explained

• 14:01–18:00 – How bonding wires connect to pool shells and equipment

• 18:01–21:00 – Risks of severed bonds and retrofit challenges in older pools

• 21:01–25:00 – How techs can test bonding continuity in the field

• 25:01–28:00 – Retrofit cost shock: why grids are problematic for renovations

• 28:01–33:00 – Details of the FSPA bonding study setup and testing methods

• 33:01–35:00 – Study results: Copper grid vs copper wire performance

• 35:01–39:00 – Real-world impact and code implications for pool pros

• 39:01–42:00 – Risks of unbonded pools and shocking stories

• 42:01–45:00 – Safety statistics: bonding rarely fails when installed correctly

• 45:01–48:00 – How pool pros can get involved and push back on code changes

• 48:01–51:00 – Final takeaways, where to find the study, and podcast wrap-up

🙏 Thank You to Our Visionary Sponsors:

We'd like to give a huge thank you to the visionary sponsors who make this podcast possible:

• SPPA – Insurance for Pool Pros

• BluRay XL – The real mineral purifier

• AquaStar Pool Products – Innovation in safety and efficiency

• Natural Chemistry – Simplifying pool care

• Raypak – Industry-leading heaters

• Heritage Pool Supply – Supporting pool professionals nationwide

• Hayward Pool Products – Leading pool and spa innovation

• Poolside Tech – Smart automation

• Pool Brain – Service business automation

• US Motors – Neptune variable-speed motors for energy savings