Are the structures and structural reinforcing steel used in swimming pools permitted to be part of a grounding electrode system?

The answer is that the structures and structural reinforcing steel used in swimming pools are not permitted to be part of a grounding electrode system. This is because the design and construction of swimming pools involve specific safety considerations regarding electrical grounding.

The primary concern is that these structures, if incorporated directly into the grounding system, can create paths for fault currents that may lead to hazardous situations. For instance, if the reinforcing steel becomes energized due to a fault condition, it could create a shock hazard for individuals in or near the pool.

In addition, pools are typically filled with water, which can conduct electricity. If the reinforcing steel is grounded and there is a fault, the entire body of water may become energized, posing serious risks for electric shock or injury. Therefore, the grounding requirements for swimming pools emphasize creating a safe separation between the pool's structural components and the grounding electrode system to ensure occupant safety and mitigate electrical hazards.

Other options, such as allowing this use only for above-ground pools or non-conductive materials, do not adequately address the inherent risks involved with incorporating structural components into the grounding system, reinforcing why the correct stance is that it is not permitted at all.