Do natural gas heaters need to be bonded to newer storable pools?

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Eaglei22

Eaglei22

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Apr 26, 2017
45
IL
Looking into installing a 105,000 btu RayPak natural gas pool heater to my 24ft by 52" Bestway pool (basically same as Intex, Colman, etc. )

Initially I didn't need to bond my pool as the sand filter is an Intex filter and double insulated. The frame uses plastic inserts to at all points to prevent metal to metal contact at each connection, and the legs have plastic bottoms. When I installed the pool 8yrs ago, I needed a permit/inspection and I was told bonding wasn't required for these pools. I purchased another Bestway pool to replace this one, and will be installing it this season, and wanted to add a gas heater to it.

I'm confused however if I add the heater will I need to look into bonding it some how? Or is it not necessary due to the filter being double insulated? For those of you who installed to a storable pool, what was your experience? Thanks!
 
IMO, it goes by the equipment being used. The 'temporary pool' equipment does not need to be bonded, but traditional pool equipment does. If you upgraded to a traditional pool pump, you would need to bond it to every piece of the frame, the metal ladder, etc, for the same reasons you would need to with a traditional pool.

The factory pump does not need to be bonded because it has a requirement to be turned off when using the pool.

Screenshot_20250331_211141_Chrome.jpg

Also IMO. The code people did not expect storable pool people to spend more than the whole pool package, upgrading each piece of equipment. Never underestimate an enthusiast. We are a special breed.
 
Newdude said:
IMO, it goes by the equipment being used. The 'temporary pool' equipment does not need to be bonded, but traditional pool equipment does. If you upgraded to a traditional pool pump, you would need to bond it to every piece of the frame, the metal ladder, etc, for the same reasons you would need to with a traditional pool.

The factory pump does not need to be bonded because it has a requirement to be turned off when using the pool.

View attachment 635419

Also IMO. The code people did not expect storable pool people to spend more than the whole pool package, upgrading each piece of equipment. Never underestimate an enthusiast. We are a special breed.
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Oh yea! I forgot about the details of the warning. Def a cya/catch all disclaimer. I assumed it was because of the pump inlets that could get a kid's long hair or something caught and potential risk of drowning as the double insulation is supposed to protect against any shock risks. I have one of those magnetic intex lights I purchased that goes on the pool wall, and still have yet to use, but wouldn't be surprised if it had a similar disclaimer.

Eventually over the years (8) we had forgotten all about that cautionary statement for running the pump, as I had upgraded to the 3,000 gph intex sand filter that would automatically run on a schedule. So I didn't think twice about it running while in the pool. I actually preferred it. I had also initially added a dedicated circuit for the pool, and had a gfci at the breaker, and used a gfci receptacle for peace of mind, plus it has the built in gfci.

I agree, and def hard to beat the $700 I initially spent on my pool and have it going strong 8yrs later! That's leaving it out year round too with hot summers and very cold winters. I've also grown to like the style and subtle look of the top railings these pools have, and appreciate the budget friendly accessories and parts you can find for them. I was able to pick up a replacement Bestway pool for around $800 end of last season. I could probably have used this pool another couple of years, but I want to be proactive instead of waiting for it to break and send 13,000 gallons water through my cedar fence and neighbors yard, relocating their shed.

Anyways thanks for your input, it'd be a whole lot easier if the pool heater companies would acknowledge that people are using their product on storable pools, and address the topic in the installation instructions.
 
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You may want to check with RayPack for warranty purposes. The unit has a bond and they'll expect it to be used. They'll have an easy out if you need to file a claim.

Also please think your position through. You are Ok with the pump which is double insulated to reduce the risk of shock, but also Ok with the heater which isn't.

Eaglei22 said:
if the pool heater companies would acknowledge that people are using their product on storable pools, and address the topic in the installation instructions.
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The instructions say to bond it. They did their part. Your pool does not require bonding because of the supplied pump. You are changing the equation and thats not on RayPak, Pentair, Hayward, etc. :)
 
Newdude said:
You may want to check with RayPack for warranty purposes. The unit has a bond and they'll expect it to be used. They'll have an easy out if you need to file a claim.

Also please think your position through. You are Ok with the pump which is double insulated to reduce the risk of shock, but also Ok with the heater which isn't.


The instructions say to bond it. They did their part. Your pool does not require bonding because of the supplied pump. You are changing the equation and thats not on RayPak, Pentair, Hayward, etc. :)
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That's the dilemma, there isn't enough information about it to know if it is an issue or not on a storable pool. So looking for other's expirences.
 
Eaglei22 said:
That's the dilemma, there isn't enough information about it to know if it is an issue or not
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Call the heater manufacturer. Use/install their device as intended, or assume your own risk for going rogue.
 
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