Hydromassage Bathtubs

[bmcdonald]

Are bathtubs with an air bubbling system that
does not circulate water required to have the
hot and cold water pipes bonded with the circuit
grounding wire.The motor is below the tub that
circulates the air,is this a hydromassage bathtub

 

[tom baker]

Re: Hydromassage Bathtubs

I would start with the definition of a hudromassage tube in Art 680. Do you feel your application meets that definition, or more importantly, the intent of the definition of a hydromassage tub?

 

[bphgravity]

Re: Hydromassage Bathtubs

I do not believe you have a hydromassage tub. A hydromassage tub circulates water not air.

I do not feel additional bonding is required as there is no contact potential issues. GFCI protection would be determined by manufacturer's instructions. I would guess gfci protection is required.

(EDIT) I think what I wrote above may be incorrect. According to the UL NCHX.GuideInfo, "A hydromassage bathtub consists of a drainable tub, a recirculating pump and optional equipment such as lights, a heater, a control and an air blower. A bathtub may also be provided with an air-blower and no recirculating pump or with an integral shower unit."

This indicates to me that your unit can and should be considered a hydromassage tub and the requirements of PArt VII of Artcile 680 need to be followed.

[ November 29, 2004, 12:31 PM: Message edited by: bphgravity ]

 

[vinny]

Re: Hydromassage Bathtubs

mike,
as i understand the definition of a hydromassage bathtub, the three key elements are a recirculating piping system, pump, andassociated equipment. If you take do not have a recirculating system and pump to circulate the water does that not change the the definition of the tub?

thanks