Industry Experts Announce Solar Pool Heating Standard Initiative

Industry Experts Announce Solar Pool Heating Standard Initiative

Call for Development Committee Members for New Pool Solar Water Heating & Cooling Standard

The International Code Council (ICC), Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) and Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) announce an initiative to develop a new standard addressing solar pool heating and cooling systems and are now accepting applications for Standard Development Committee members.  The new standard will be developed through ICC’s ANSI accredited standards development process. It will address minimum performance and rating methods for solar pool heating and cooling systems commonly used to heat residential and commercial pools.

The new standard, SRCC 400/APSP/ICC 902, Pool Solar Heating and Cooling Standard, will build on SRCC’s widely-used Standard 100 and 300 documents, addressing solar thermal collectors and systems. These standards, developed nearly 30 years ago, are widely cited in many incentive programs, regulations, legislation throughout the country, the federal tax code and ENERGY STAR^® product specifications. Standard 100 addresses a wide range of solar thermal collectors, including the unglazed collectors commonly used in pool heating systems. However, SRCC Standard 300 does not address solar pool heating systems.

The new standard will establish procedures for rating the performance of these solar pool heating systems based on both climate data and the type of pool where it is installed. This will provide a performance rating for each system, allowing consumers to directly compare the performance of various systems for their climate and pool type. Like Standard 300 does for solar domestic water heating systems, the new standard will allow incentive programs to set minimum ratings for systems to be eligible for rebates and incentives.

“We’re seeing more and more interest in solar pool heating systems by incentive program managers and regulators in many states like California, New York and Massachusetts,” said SRCC Executive Director Eileen Prado. “They are recognizing that these systems can dramatically cut, or even eliminate, the fossil fuels used to heat pools and spas and are looking for opportunities to promote their use. SRCC is the industry leader in solar heating and cooling system standards and certifications. It makes sense to bring our expertise and proven rating systems to these products, as well.”

“Interest in using solar pool heaters to save on fossil fuels and electricity is growing around the country,” stated APSP’s Vice President, Technical and Standards, Carvin DiGiovanni. “Solar pool heaters allow people to comfortably enjoy the use of outdoor pools earlier and later in the season, both economically and sustainably.”

This development comes on the heels of SRCC joining the ICC Family of Companies in November 2014. It is the latest of several joint projects between ICC and SRCC relating to solar energy systems. ICC and SRCC released the 2015 International Solar Energy Provisions in March 2015; a compendium of all solar-related provisions in the 2015 International Family of Codes; along with updates to SRCC Standards 100 and 300 that are scheduled for release in the coming months.

ICC and APSP also have a long history of collaboration as partners in the development of the International Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) and numerous pool and spa standards. The ISPSC was released in 2012 and was updated during the 2015 code development cycle. It is being updated again as part of the 2018 code cycle that is currently underway.

“We’re very pleased to bring together SRCC’s unparalleled solar heating and cooling expertise with APSP’s pool and spa knowledge on this project,” said ICC CEO Dominic Sims, CBO. “We are confident that the result will be a standard that raises the bar for the industry and gives consumers and installers the objective, unbiased information they need to select solar pool heating systems that deliver the best performance for their unique needs.”

The deadline to apply for the Solar Thermal Standard Committee is May 29. Applications are available by clicking here. All meetings and calls of the Standards Committee and task groups will be open to the public. Anyone interested or for more information should contact ICC’s Shawn Martin, 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233), ext. 7736.

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About us: The International Code Council is a member-focused association. It is dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes.

The Solar Rating & Certification Corporation was incorporated in 1980 as a non-profit organization whose primary purpose was the development and implementation of national rating standards and certification programs for solar energy equipment. SRCC is unique in that it is the only national certification program established solely for solar heating and cooling products and is also the only national certification organization whose programs are the direct result of the combined efforts of state organizations and an industry association involved in the administration of standards. SRCC joined ICC as a member of the ICC Family of Companies in November 2014.

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) is the world’s largest international trade association representing the swimming pool, spa and hot tub industry. APSP’s mission is promoting consumer safety and enhancing 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. APSP member companies include manufacturers, distributors, manufacturers’ agents, designers, builders, installers, retailers and service professionals. For more information, visit www.APSP.org.