Winnipeg Information Bulletin: Pool Bonding Requirements

May 4, 2026

Pool bonding is electrical work and thus requires an electrical permit. Section 68 of the Manitoba Electrical Code (MEC) outlines rules for electrical installations and equipment in or adjacent to pools, tubs, and spas, focusing on reducing the risk of electrical shock in wet environments, and establishing an effective equipotential plane.

A pool shall be deemed to include:

a) permanently installed and storable swimming pools;
b) hydromassage bathtubs;
c) spas and hot tubs;
d) wading pools;
e) baptismal pools;
f) decorative pools; and
g) splash pads.

Bonding requirements MEC Rule 68-058

• Bonding conductors for pools shall be of copper and not smaller than No. 6 AWG.
• Direct earth burial (DB rated) bonding fittings must be used when installed underground.
• The bonding conductor shall be run to the panelboard supplying pool electrical equipment.
• Metal sheaths and raceways shall not be relied upon for bonding.
• Metal parts of the pool, non-current-carrying metal parts of electrical equipment and of other non-electrical equipment within 1.5 m of the pool such as piping, pool reinforcing steel, ladders, diving board supports, and conductive infrastructure shall be bonded together.

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