Isn't a spa similar to a bath tub? both are vessels containing water. Water and juice don't mix. lose your balance, reach out and touch metal that is ungrounded and what happens?
The code treats a bathtubs different. Pools, Spas, and hot tubs usually have a higher chance of drowning after you get a electrical shock because they are deeper than a tub. Otherwise you would not be able to have a metal window frame, sink, faucet or any receptacles in your small bathroom.
#7 in the IRC:
E4204.2 Bonded parts. The parts of pools, spas, and hot tubs
specified in Items 1 through 7 shall be bonded together using
insulated, covered or bare solid copper conductors not smaller
than 8 AWG or using rigid metal conduit of brass or other
identified corrosion-resistant metal...............
7. All fixed metal parts including, but not limited to,
metal-sheathed cables and raceways, metal piping,
metal awnings, metal fences and metal door and window
frames. [680.26(B)(7)]
Exceptions:
1. Those separated from the
pool by a permanent
barrier that prevents contact by a person shall
not be required to be bonded. [680.26(B)(7)
Exception No. 1]
2. Those greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally
from the inside walls of the
pool shall not
be required to be bonded. [680.26(B)(7)
Exception No. 2]
3. Those greater than 12 feet (3658 mm) measured
vertically above the maximum water
level of the
pool, or as measured vertically
above any observation stands, towers, or platforms,
or any diving structures, shall not be
required to be bonded. [680.26(B)(7) Exception
No. 3]
When the code use the word
pool in the exceptions I think the code also means spas and hot tubs too. Can anyone verity this?