A Helpful Analogy For Understanding Equipotential Pool Bonds

I often try to explain pool bonding and how it works, but usually get blank stares in return. I've tried all kinds of examples and analogies, with limited success. I woke up recently with this analogy and I think makes how bonding works crystal clear.

The Water Cycle

Imagine the water cycle: rain falls on mountaintops, flows into rivers, and rushes down to the sea. Eventually, the sun evaporates that water, lifting it back into the sky to fall again as rain. It’s a continuous, never-ending loop.

For centuries, people have harnessed this flowing water with mills—especially at rapids, waterfalls, or dams—where the flow is fastest. Why? Because the greater the difference in height between two points in the river (known as potential), the more energy can be harvested. But with that energy comes danger. Gradual transitions, like a lazy river, are safe for swimming. Sudden drops—like Niagara Falls—are not.

What does this have to do with electricity and bonding?

Electricity works the same way. It flows from high potential to low potential. And like water, it’s only dangerous when you get caught in the flow.

Think back to the water cycle. In electrical systems, the power plant is the sun. The wires are the rivers. And the earth itself acts like the ocean—a massive reservoir that receives the current. Anything you plug in is like a watermill, safely using the flow to do work.

Just like a calm lake or gentle stream, the earth can carry small amounts of current safely—as long as the transitions are gradual.

But what happens if you swim too close to a water fall or the outlet of a dam? That’s where calm water becomes a violent, concentrated current. The full pressure of the lake rushes through that narrow path. If you’re in the way, you become the path. It’s not the water—or the electricity—that’s the problem. It’s the difference in potential and the fact that your body bridges the gap.

This is exactly what can happen in a pool if the electrical bonding isn’t intact.

In a properly bonded pool, all metal parts—ladders, lights, pumps, and even the water—are electrically connected so they stay at the same voltage. Everything stays in the calm "lake" together. No dangerous gradients. No sudden transitions. No difference in potential. And therefore, no flow.

This is why it is called equipotential bonding—and it’s one of the most important safety features of a swimming pool.

When bonding is damaged or corroded, (a big problem in coastal environments or enclosed equipment rooms), different parts of the pool can be at different potentials. This means that if you're wet or in the water and touch two points that aren't properly bonded, you become the outlet—and your body becomes the conductor. Even small voltages can cause great harm when your body is wet. (Google "electroshock drowning")

That’s why bonding matters. It equalizes everything. It removes the drop. It turns dangerous transitions into safe, swimmable spaces. And it helps ensure that even if something goes wrong, the chances of someone getting hurt are greatly reduced.

When was your pool last checked?

Equipotential bonding should be tested at least once per year by a qualified aquatic electrician. It’s a simple check that could prevent a serious injury—or save a life. If you don't know the last time your bond was checked, call today for a free inspection!

Safewater Electric

854-222-3176

info@safewaterelectric.com

PS---If you'd like to know more about how to keep your pool in top shape, ask about our SwimSafe maintenance plans. Or go to www.signupforswimsafe.com for more info.