ANSI/APSP-7 Suction Entrapment Avoidance Standard Adopted by International Code Council

On September 21, 2008, in Minneapolis, MN, code official members of the International Code Council (ICC) overwhelmingly approved the adoption of the ANSI/APSP-7 suction entrapment avoidance standard for the 2009 editions of the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). The ANSI/APSP-7 standard will be incorporated into the body (mandatory) of the 2009 IBC and in Appendix G of the 2009 IRC. Both are scheduled for publication in early 2009. While other existing ANSI/APSP standards are referenced in Appendix G of the IRC, this will be the first time an Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) standard will be adopted into the body of the IBC.

The ANSI/APSP-7 standard brings the I-Codes in line with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. This is one of the most significant pool and spa safety advances ever because most U.S. cities, counties, and states choose the International Codes developed by the ICC. The IBC code (public pools and spas) has been adopted by all 50 states and 46 states have adopted the IRC (residential pools and spas). APSP will be going out to code officials around the country to urge that their state adopt the ANSI/APSP-7 standard now even if they are not yet ready for adoption of the 2009 ICC code revisions.

How the ANSI/APSP-7 Standard Strengthens the ICC Codes

APSP Press Release, Adoption of ANSI/APSP-7 into IBC, IRC

ICC Press Release, Adoption of ANSI/APSP-7 into IBC, IRC

Comparison of the Virginia Graeme Baker Act and ANSI/APSP-7 Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance

ANSI/APSP-7 Fact Sheet