What is the main purpose of bonding in swimming pools and spas?

The primary purpose of bonding in swimming pools and spas is to reduce the risk of electric shock. Bonding is a safety measure that connects various conductive parts of the pool or spa to establish a common electrical potential. This prevents any significant difference in voltage that could occur between different metal parts, such as ladders, rails, and the pool structure itself.

By ensuring that all metal elements are at the same electrical potential, bonding minimizes the chance of electrical current creating a path through the water or through a person using the pool, which could lead to electrical shock. This safety measure is crucial for protecting swimmers and anyone present around the pool area, hence contributing significantly to overall safety standards in such environments.

While bonding may have other benefits, such as complying with building codes or even potentially contributing to aesthetic considerations, its fundamental role centers around enhancing safety by mitigating electrical hazards.