Standards

Protect your customers, minimize the risk to your company, and gain a competitive edge by using ANSI/APSP standards, the benchmark for the pool, spa, and hot tub industry.

These standards establish voluntary minimum guidelines that, when adopted by governments and agencies, have the force of law. Based on verifiable data and industry best practices, and developed through the rigorous consensus process of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), these standards are gaining increasing acceptance at the federal, state, and local levels. APSP standards are referenced in the International Residential Code, State building codes, which has been adopted or referenced in 47 states, and are recognized by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The benefits of APSP standards include a system of ratings and tolerances, provision for various technologies without specific design criteria, and nationwide consistency in design, construction, and operation with the goal of producing safe, enjoyable products.

Using ANSI/APSP standards can help strengthen relationships with your local code officials and help to position your business against lawsuits. Your customers will have greater confidence in your products, knowing they follow a national standard.

Familiarity with the ANSI/APSP standards is essential for anyone who manufactures, sells, builds, or services pools or hot tubs. Failure to meet or exceed their minimum provisions can be used against you in court and will give the better-educated competitor a leg up. Don't be left behind.

Did you ever stop to think about the membership value to you of the ANSI/APSP pool and spa standards? The ANSI/APSP standards are a valuable customer resource, both before and after the purchase, as they demonstrate your commitment to your customers' satisfaction. These standards can enhance your image in your local business community and provide you with a competitive edge with potential customers. Many APSP members have already found that APSP standards are a good way to establish and strengthen working relationships with their local building and public health inspectors. And there are many other benefits - not only for your company, but also for the industry as a whole.

APSP has been an accredited ANSI standards developer since 1983. Since that time, APSP has published 10 American National Standards for the pool and spa industry. Because of the voluntary consensus process administered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the standards represent the only national standards governing design, construction, operation, and maintenance of swimming pools and other treated recreational water venues. The third-party ANSI process achieves consensus of a diversified group of national volunteers representing varied viewpoints and interests. Participants in the ANSI consensus process include public health and code officials, architects, regulatory agencies, academia, subject matter experts, safety organizations, consultants, nonprofit organizations, and professionals in the pool and spa industry. The ANSI process ensures that standards have been developed under rigorous third-party procedures, including openness, balance, and due process. There are other standards-developing organizations, but only APSP can make this claim!

So be proud of your APSP membership and the important work APSP does. Be sure to let your customers know that you built or manufactured their pool or spa in accordance with the American National Standard for pools and spas and that your industry trade group was responsible for it.

ANSI Accredited APSP Operating Standards Procedures

APSP Operating Procedures for APSP Standards Committees and Industry Committees

Willingness to Serve Form

What is ANSI?

The American National Standards Process

ANSI Standard	Committee Formation	Standard Being Drafted	Currently in ANSI Process	Recently Published. Awaiting Next Five-Year ANSI Review Cycle	For More Information, Contact 703.838.0083
ANSI-1 2003 Public Pools	X				Jeanette Smith X127
ANSI-2,3,6 1999 Spas			X		Bernice Crenshaw X150
ANSI-4 2007 Aboveground Pools				X	Jeanette Smith X127
ANSI-5 2003 Inground Pools		X			Bernice Crenshaw X150
ANSI-7 2006 Suction Entrapment Avoidance				X	Carvin DiGiovanni X149
ANSI-7 2007 Suction Entrapment Avoidance (New supplement to 2006 edition)		X			Carvin DiGiovanni X149
ANSI-8 2005 Model Barrier Code				X	Bernice Crenshaw X150
ANSI-9 Aquatic Recreation Facilities (Waterparks)				X	Jeanette Smith X127
APSP-10 Pumps (New standard under development)		X			Carvin DiGiovanni X149
APSP-11 Water Chemistry (New standard under development)			X		Jeanette Smith X127
APSP-12 Aquatic Safety and Risk Management (New standard under development)		X			Jeanette Smith X127
APSP-13 Portable Pools (New standard under development)	X				Jeanette Smith X127
APSP-14 Test Standard for Energy Efficiency of Self-Contained Portable Spas (New standard under development)	X				Carvin DiGiovanni X149

ANSI Standards

ANSI/NSPI-1 2003
American National Standard for Public Swimming Pools

SCOPE: This standard covers public swimming pools to be used for bathing and operated by an owner, licensee, or concessionaire, regardless of whether a fee is charged for use. Public swimming pools covered by this standard include Class A pools (pools used for competitive aquatic sports), Class B and Class C pools (pools intended for public or semi-public recreational swimming), and Class F pools (for wading).

This standard provides specifications for the design, equipment, operation, warning signs, installation, sanitation, new construction, and renovation of public swimming pools. This standard permits variations in equipment, materials, and design to accommodate special needs and considerations and advances in technology and to provide the required quality, strength, durability, and safety for the intended use. In this standard, renovation does not include ordinary maintenance. Only those items that are renovated shall adhere to this standard.

For further information on ordering this standard, please contact the APSP Member Services Center.


ANSI/NSPI-2 1999
American National Standard for Public Spas

SCOPE: This standard is intended to cover public spas that are used for bathing and are operated by an owner, licensee, or concessionaire, regardless of whether a fee is charged for use.

The provisions of this specification are not intended to prevent the use of other designs, provided that any variation from the specifications in this standard provide the required quality, strength, durability, and safety for the intended use and are approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

This standard is not meant to cover portable spas, permanently installed residential spas, or other spas, such as those operated for medical treatment, physical therapy, or other purposes.

For further information on ordering this standard, please contact the APSP Member Services Center.


ANSI/NSPI-3 1999
American National Standard for Permanently Installed Residential Spas

SCOPE: This standard is intended to cover permanently installed residential spas that are used for bathing and are operated by an owner.

This standard is meant to cover certain aspects of the design, equipment, operation, installation, new construction, and rehabilitation of spas. This standard shall be met, notwithstanding certain variations in equipment, materials, and design.

This standard is not meant to cover public spas, residential portable spas, or other spas, such as those operated for medical treatment, physical therapy, or other purposes.

For further information on ordering this standard, please contact the APSP Member Services Center.


ANSI/NSPI-4 2007
American National Standard for Aboveground/On-ground Residential Swimming Pools

SCOPE: This standard describes certain criteria for the design, manufacturing, testing, care, and use of aboveground/on-ground residential (Type O) non-diving swimming pools and their components.

Aboveground/on-ground residential swimming pools are for swimming and wading only. No diving boards, slides, or other equipment are to be added to an aboveground/on-ground pool that in any way indicates that an aboveground/on-ground pool may be used or intended for diving purposes.

This standard does not apply to public/commercial pools, permanently installed residential pools, competitive pools, hot tubs, and other pools or spas, such as those operated for medical treatment, physical therapy, or other special purposes.

For further information on ordering this standard, please contact the APSP Member Services Center.


ANSI/NSPI-5 2003
American National Standard for Residential In-ground Swimming Pools

SCOPE: This standard applies to permanently installed residential in-ground swimming pools intended for noncommercial use as a swimming pool by not more than three owner families and their guests and exceeding 24 inches (61 cm) in water depth and having a volume over 3,250 gallons (12,303 L). It covers specifications for new construction and rehabilitation for residential in-ground swimming pools and includes design, equipment, operation, and installation.

This standard permits variations in equipment, materials, and design, including special features such as ledges, beach entries, waterfalls, fountains, bridges, planters, seats, benches, swimouts, pool tables and bar stools, walls over 12 inches (30.5 cm), scuba pools, spas, lap pools, swimspas, spillways, slides, coves, beams, etc., to accommodate special needs consideration and advances in technology. The variations shall consider safety for the intended use and the circulation of the swimming pool water. All work shall be performed in accordance with the 2003 APSP Workmanship standard or the latest revision.

For further information on ordering this standard, please contact the APSP Member Services Center.


ANSI/NSPI-6 1999
American National Standard for Residential Portable Spas

SCOPE: This standard is intended to cover residential portable spas that are used for bathing and are operated by an owner.

This standard is meant to cover certain aspects of the design, equipment, operation, installation, new construction, and rehabilitation of spas. This standard shall be met notwithstanding certain variations in equipment, materials, and design.

This standard is not meant to cover public spas, permanently installed residential spas, or other spas, such as those operated for medical treatment, physical therapy, or other purposes.

For further information on ordering this standard, please contact the APSP Member Services Center.


ANSI/APSP-7 2006
American National Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Catch Basins

SCOPE: This standard covers design and performance criteria for circulation systems, including components, devices, and related technology installed to protect against entrapment hazards in residential and public swimming pools, wading pools, spas, hot tubs, and catch basins. This standard applies to new and, when retrofitting, existing installations. Exception: Commercial water parks and their associated suction systems are outside the scope of this standard.

For further information on ordering this standard, please contact the APSP Member Services Center.


ANSI/IAF-8 2005
Model Barrier Code for Residential Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs

SCOPE: These requirements establish layers of protection for young children against the potential for drowning and near-drowning in residential swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs by limiting or delaying their access to swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs.

For further information on ordering this standard, please contact the APSP Member Services Center.


ANSI/IAF-9 2005
American National Standard for Aquatic Recreation Facilities

SCOPE: This standard provides recommended minimum guidelines for the design, equipment operation, and installation of waterparks. Pools covered by this standard are designed for free-form aquatic play and recreation and differ from those addressed in ANSI/NSPI-1: Standard for Public Swimming Pools. Pools covered by this standard include pools: wave action pools; activity pools; catch pools; leisure rivers; vortex pools; interactive play attractions – water treatment and filtration only.

Contents include design, decks, circulation systems, filters, pumps and motors, return inlets and suction outlets, surface-skimming systems, electrical requirements, heaters, water chemistry, safety features (including handholds and rope and float lines), restrooms, food consumption, operations, entries/exits and stairs, signs, and accessibility.

For more information on ordering this standard, please contact the APSP Member Services Center.


APSP-10
Standard for Performance Rating and Labeling of Pumps and Pump Motors Used on Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, Whirlpool Baths, and Water Features

SCOPE: This standard covers performance and labeling criteria for pumps and pump motors used in circulation systems on residential and public swimming pools, wading pools, spas, hot tubs, whirlpool baths, and water features. This standard applies to new and replacement installations.

The objective of this voluntary standard is to provide a recommended rating procedure for all motors and pumps manufactured for use on public and residential swimming pools, wading pools, spas, hot tubs, whirlpool baths, and water features so designers, installers, service companies, retailers, and end consumers can properly size and specify both new and replacement pumps or motors to match the hydraulic design intent of the circulation systems.

For more information on ordering this standard, please contact the APSP Member Services Center.


APSP-11
Standard for Water Quality for Public Pools and Spas

SCOPE: This standard addresses the need for a national model code for sanitation levels, chemical values, and other chemical operational parameters for public pools and spas.

Contents include "Reasons for Immediate Pool Closure," "EPA-Registered Sanitizers and Systems," "Supplemental Sanitzers," "Water Balance," "Physical/Environmental/Operational,"
"Microbiological," and "Contaminants." An appendix provides readers with explanatory information about the values for the requirements listed in the body of the standard, with references and scientific justification for the values in the body of the standard.

For more information on ordering this standard, please contact the APSP Member Services Center.


APSP-12
Standard for Aquatic Safety and Risk Management

SCOPE: This standard provides recommended minimum guidelines for safety, risk management, and operations at public swimming pools. This standard covers rescue and first aid equipment, lifeguard training, surveillance plans, emergency plans, operator training and qualifications, and recordkeeping.

For more information on ordering this standard, please contact the APSP Member Services Center.


APSP-13
Standard for Soft-Sided Aboveground Residential Swimming Pools

SCOPE: This standard describes certain criteria for the design, manufacturing, testing, care, and use of aboveground residential, soft-sided, non-diving swimming pools (Type O-S) and their components.

Soft-sided aboveground residential Type O-S non-diving pools are defined as pools that are designed with no enclosing structure surrounding and supporting the pool's water containment liner, and that are designed to have a simple and constant water depth throughout the entire pool of no less than 36 inches at the wall.

For more information on ordering this standard, please contact the APSP Member Services Center.


APSP-14
Standard for the Energy Efficiency of Self-Contained Portable Electric Spas and Hot Tubs

SCOPE: This standard is to cover the test procedures and methodology for determining the energy efficiency of self-contained portable electric spas and hot tubs. The intent of the test procedures is to influence the design and construction specifications of portable electric spas to maximize energy efficiency.

For more information on ordering this standard, please contact the APSP Member Services Center.



U.S. Standards

Note: Check with the standard developing organization for the most current edition available.

American Concrete Institute (ACI)
38800 Country Club Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48331, 248.848.3800, www.aci-int.org
• ACI 302.1R-96 (1996), Guide for Concrete Floor and Slab Construction

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
25 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036, 212.642.4900, www.ansi.org
• ANSI Z21.56-2001/CSA 4.7-2001, Gas Fired Pool Heaters
• ANSI Z21.56a (1996), Gas Fired Pool Heaters (supplement)
• ANSI Z124.7-97, Pre-fabricated Plastic Spa Shells
• ANSI Z535, Series of Standards for Safety Signs and Colors

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers Inc. (ASHRAE)
1791 Tullie Circle NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, 404.636.8400, email order@ashrae.org
• ANSI/ASHRAE 62-2001, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
3 Park Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10016, 212.591.8562, www.asme.org
• ANSI/ASME A112.1.2 (2004), Air Gaps in Plumbing Systems
• ANSI/ASME A112.19.8-M (1996), Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Whirlpool Bathtub Appliances
• ANSI/ASME B1.20.1, Pipe Threads, General Purpose (inch)

ASTM International
100 Barr Harbor Drive W., Conshohocken, PA 19428, 610.832.9585, www.astm.org
• ASTM A53-96a, Specification for Pipe, Steel Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded, and Seamless
• ASTM-A240, Type 316 Stainless Steel
• ASTM B 88-96, Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube
• ASTM B 88 447-84, Specification for Welded Copper Tube
• ASTM C 564-95-A, Specification for Rubber Gaskets for Cast Iron Soil Pipe and Fittings
• ASTM D 1527-77 (1995), Specification for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
• ASTM D 1785-95, Specification for Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Plastic Pipe, Schedules 40, 80, and 120
• ASTM D 2235-95, Specification for Solvent Cements for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Plastic Pipe and Fittings
• ASTM D 2564-95, Specification for Solvent Cements for Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride (CPVC) Plastic Pipe and Fittings
• ASTM D 2846-95A, Specification for Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride (CPVC) Plastic Hot and Cold Water Distribution Systems
• ASTM D3309-95-A, Specification for Polybutylene (PB) Plastic Hot Water Distribution Systems
• ASTM F493-95, Specification for Solvent Cements for Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride (CPVC) Plastic Pipe and Fittings
• ASTM F1346-91 (2003), Standard Performance Specification for Safety Covers and Labeling Requirements for All Covers for Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs
• ASTM F2208-02, Standard Specification for Pool Alarms

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
5001 E. Philadelphia Street, Ontario, CA 91761-2816, 909.472.1000, www.iapmo.org
• IAPMO IS-2-90, Tile Lined Roman Bathtubs
• IAPMO IS 3-93, Installation Standard for Copper Plumbing Tube & Fittings
• IAPMO IS 21-89, Installation Standard for Copper and Copper Alloy Welded Water Tube Copper Tube Handbook, CDA
• IAPMO PS-33-93, Specification for Flexible Hose for Pools, Hot Tubs, Spas, and Jetted Bathtubs
• IAPMO SPS-4 2000, Special Use Suction Fittings for Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs (for Suction Side Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaners)

APSP Technical Standards Department
P.O. Box 4038, Alexandria, VA 22303
To order, contact: Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), 2111 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22314, 703.838.0083, ext. 301, www.APSP.org
• ANSI/NSPI-1, 2003 Standard for Public Swimming Pools
• ANSI/NSPI-2, 1999 Standard for Public Spas
• ANSI/NSPI-3, 1999 Standard for Permanently Installed Residential Spas
• ANSI/NSPI-4, 1999 Standard for Aboveground/On-ground Residential Swimming Pools
• ANSI/NSPI-5, 2003 Standard for Residential In-ground Swimming Pools
• ANSI/NSPI-6, 1999 Standard for Residential Portable Spas
• ANSI/IAF-8, 2005 Model Barrier Code for Residential Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs
• ANSI/IAF-9, 2005 Aquatic Recreation Facilities
• NSPI Workmanship Guidelines and Practices for Residential Inground Swimming Pools and Spas, 2004

International Code Council (ICC)
International Code Council Headquarters, 5203 Leesburg Pike, Suite 600, Falls Church, VA 22041, 703.931.4533, www.iccsafe.org
• CC/ANSI A117.1 (2003), Standard on Accessible and Useable Buildings and Facilities

National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
1300 N. 17th Street, Suite 1847, Rosslyn, VA 22209, 703.841.3200, www.nema.org
• ANSI/NEMA MG1, Motors and Generators

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269, 617.770.3000, www.nfpa.org
• ANSI/NFPA 54-2002, National Fuel Gas Code
• ANSI/NFPA 70-2002, National Electric Code

NSF International
789 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48113, 734.769.8010, www.nsf.org
• NSF/ANSI 14 (2003), Plastics Piping System Components and Related Materials
• NSF/ANSI 50 (2004), Circulation System Components and Related Materials for Swimming Pools, Spas/Hot Tubs

National Spa & Pool Institute (see Association of Pool & Spa Professionals)

Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062, 847.272.8800, www.ul.com
• ANSI/UL 1081, Swimming Pool Pumps, Filters, and Chlorinators
• ANSI/UL 1261 (2001), Electric Water Heaters for Pools and Tubs
• ANSI/UL 1563, Electric Hot Tubs, Spas, and Associated Equipment
• ANSI/UL 1995 (1999), Standard for Heating and Cooling Equipment

U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
1331 F Street NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004, 202.272.0080, www.access-board.gov
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities; Recreation Facilities


International Standards

U.K.
http://bsonline.techindex.co.uk


Germany
http://www.normas.com/DIN/indexes/


France
http://www.frenchentree.com/fe-lavie/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=271


Australia
http://www.frenchentree.com/fe-lavie/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=271