International Swimming Pool and Spa Code(TM) optimizes safety.
Press Release Summary:
In collaboration with Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, International Code Council has published International Swimming Pool and Spa Code(TM), which uses prescriptive and performance-related provisions to establish minimum safety requirements for public and residential pools, spas, and hot tubs. It is first to address aquatic recreation facilities as well as first to include ANSI/APSP energy standards for residential portable electric spas and residential in-ground pools and spas.
Original Press Release:
New Comprehensive Pool and Spa Safety Code Combines International Code Council and ANSI/APSP Pool & Spa Standards
In collaboration with the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), the International Code Council (ICC) has published a comprehensive code to enhance pool and spa safety. The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code(TM) (ISPSC(TM)) uses prescriptive and performance-related provisions to establish minimum safety requirements for public and residential pools, spas, and hot tubs. ICC and APSP are members and accredited standards developers of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
The ISPSC combines the relevant provisions of the full set of ICC Codes (including the International Residential Code, International Building Code, International Plumbing Code, and International Mechanical Code) with the ANSI/APSP pool and spa standards to serve as the first comprehensive code to address all aspects of pool and spa safety.
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, signed into law in 2007, is named after the 7-year-old granddaughter of former Secretary of State James Baker III, who drowned in June 2002 when the suction from a spa drain entrapped her under water.
The Act's goals are to enhance the safety of public and private pools and spas; reduce child drownings; reduce the number of suction entrapment incidents, injuries, and deaths; and educate the public on the importance of constant supervision of children in and around water.
The ISPSC meets or exceeds all aspects of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, and enables code enforcement officials, health officials, designers, and builders to more effectively ensure pools and spas are built safely. It covers all types of aquatic vessels including residential and public pools, portable and in-ground spas, water parks, exercise spas, and hot tubs, and is the first pool and spa code to address aquatic recreation facilities. It is also the first to include ANSI/APSP energy standards for residential portable electric spas and for residential in-ground pools and spas.
By adopting the ISPSC, the industry and the public will benefit from nationwide uniformity and advances in safety, technology, and energy efficiency. The document is available here.
ICC is a member-focused association dedicated to helping the building safety community and construction industry provide safe and sustainable construction through the development of codes and standards used in the design, build, and compliance process. The ICC's Plumbing, Mechanical, and Fuel Gas (PMG) Group is devoted exclusively to providing PMG products and support to jurisdictions and construction industry professionals across the country and around the globe. For technical questions or more information, email PmgResourceCenter@iccsafe.org.
APSP is the world's largest international trade association for the swimming pool, spa, and hot tub industry. Its mission is to promote consumer safety and enjoyment of industry products while enhancing the business success of its members, which include manufacturers, distributors, manufacturers' agents, designers, builders, installers, suppliers, retailers, and service professionals.
