Your Pool Won’t Pass Inspection Without This
Here’s the deal: NEC 680.26 requires every permanent above ground pool to be bonded. No bonding = failed electrical inspection. It’s not optional.
I got quotes from two electricians I trust (December 2025): $1,250 to $1,500 just for bonding. That doesn’t even include your pump power service.
That’s crazy money for about an hours work.
So I put together this kit with everything you need to do it yourself — the same materials the electricians use, pre-sized for your specific pool.
What’s In The Kit
- #8 solid bare copper wire — pre-measured for your pool size, plus 30 extra feet for the run to your skimmer, pump, and electrical service
- Skimmer water bonding plate with lug — bonds your pool water
- 4 non-corrosive bonding lugs — for connecting to your pool frame/wall
- Simple instructions — or watch my YouTube video walkthrough
That’s it. No hunting around Home Depot trying to figure out how much wire you need.
How It Works
You’re basically creating a “safety field” around your pool by connecting everything — the water, the pool wall, the earth around the pool, and your equipment — with one continuous loop of copper wire.
Ever seen a bird land on a power line and not get zapped? Same principle. When everything’s at the same electrical potential, current can’t flow through you. That’s what bonding does.
The install:
- Dig a shallow trench (6-8 inches deep) about a foot from your pool wall
- Run the copper wire in a continuous loop, touching the pool wall or wall track in 4 spots
- Connect to your skimmer bonding plate, pump, and electrical service
- Bury the wire
Under an hour if you’re not rushing. I’ve got a full step-by-step guide with photos here: How to Bond an Above Ground Pool →
Which Size Do I Need?
Just pick your pool size from the dropdown. I’ve already calculated the wire length for each size — the formula accounts for:
- Full loop around your pool (1 foot from wall)
- Up and down to the skimmer bonding plate
- To and from the loop to the pool wall 4 times (continuous loop – don’t cut wire)
- Run to your pump and electrical service
- A little extra just in case
Note: This kit assumes your pump/electrical service is within 5-6 feet of the pool. If yours is further away, grab the next size up or shoot me a message.
FAQ
Q: Do I really need this?
A: Yes. It’s code (NEC 680.26) and your pool will fail inspection without it. More importantly, it keeps your family safe.
Q: Can I do this myself or do I need an electrician?
A: You can absolutely do this yourself. The hardest part is digging the trench. The electrical connections are just mechanical lugs — no wire nuts, no splicing. Just shut of the breaker / power to your outlet, before connecting your service ground to your new bonding wire.
Q: What about inground pools?
A:This kit is sized for above ground pools. Inground pools need additional materials (copper mesh for the patio, NPT water bonding fitting). Read my inground bonding guide →
Q: How fast does it ship?
A: In stock, ships within 1-2 business days. Free fast shipping | UPS Ground
Questions?
Use the “Request a Call Back” form on this page or text me at (978) 710-8667. I’m happy to walk my customers through it.
— Mike Kern, MGK Pools
Certified Pool Operator, 30+ years in the industry
