New Pool and Spa Safety Code Now Available

International Swimming Pool and Spa Code is the only comprehensive health and safety code of its kind

The nation’s leading code and pool safety organizations have joined together and published the first comprehensive code to upgrade pool and spa safety, and meet the requirements of the Virginia Graeme Baker Act. The new code is now available in soft cover and as a PDF download.

The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code™ (ISPSC™), published by the International Code Council, uses prescriptive and performance-related provisions to establish minimum safety requirements for public and residential pools, spas and hot tubs. ISPSC was developed with input from a wide range of industry experts, including the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), and was finalized through the Code Council’s governmental consensus process.

In a single publication and online document, the ISPSC effectively combines the relevant provisions of the full set of ICC Codes, (including the International Residential Code, International Building Code, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code) as well as the APSP standards, to serve as the one and only consolidated and fully integrated document for pool and spa safety.

The ISPSC responds to the needs of many jurisdictions that still use the Standard Swimming Pool Code, and integrates the widely used design and safety features of both the APSP standards and the I-Codes. The ISPSC will allow code enforcement officials, health officials, designers and builders to more effectively ensure pools and spas are built safely. Code uniformity also will result in more consistent contractor training and certification, and will be more cost-effective. By adopting the ISPSC, the industry and the public will benefit from nationwide uniformity, advances in safety and technology, and for the first time, unprecedented protection for users of residential and public pools and spas.

“Less than a decade ago, a seven-year-old girl named Virginia Baker—granddaughter of former White House Chief of Staff and Treasury Secretary James Baker—was the victim of a tragic, fatal accident in an in-ground spa,” said Richard P. Weiland, Code Council CEO. “If our pool and spa code can spare even one family from the loss that the Baker’s and thousands of other families have suffered, we will leave a lasting legacy.”

“Through our collaboration with the ICC, the ISPSC has expanded APSP’s standards objective to protect consumers through one code across the 50 states,” said Bill Weber, APSP president and CEO. “Knowing what to expect makes it more efficient for manufacturers and pool contractors to install pools, spas and hot tubs. And what’s more, building code and public health officials now have a comprehensive code to help ensure that pools and spas are built safely. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Benefits of the ISPSC include:

• The only comprehensive model swimming pool and spa code available.
• Coordinated with the widely adopted family of International Codes for seamless integration.
• Meets or exceeds Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act compliance.
• Utilizes time-proven APSP ANSI standards by reference and integration.
• Contains barrier, decking, lighting, circulation system, pump, accessibility, diving, sanitizing equipment, filter, and suction fitting provisions coordinating with the IBC and IRC.
• Covers all types of aquatic vessels including residential and public pools, portable and in-ground spas, water parks, exercise spas, and hot tubs.
• Requires portable spas be certified to latest industry standards, eliminating the need to inspect inaccessible interior components.
• The first swimming pool and spa code to address aquatic recreation facilities.
• The first swimming pool and spa code to include an energy standard for residential portable electric spas and for residential in-ground swimming pools and spas.

APSP is the world’s largest international trade association representing the swimming pool, spa, and hot tub industry. Its mission is to promote consumer safety, and enhance the business success of its members. Members adhere to a code of business ethics and share a commitment to public health and safety in the use of pools, spas and hot tubs. Since 1985, APSP has been accredited by the American National Standards Institute as the recognized Standards Developing Organization to produce the nation’s swimming pool, spa and hot tub standards. APSP member companies include manufacturers, distributors, manufacturers’ agents, designers, builders, installers, suppliers, retailers and service professionals. For more information about the APSP please visit APSP.org.

The International Code Council 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. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes.