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National Water Quality Standard Begins ANSI Process

APSP is in the process of convening an ANSI consensus voting body for the new draft of the APSP model national standard for water quality in public pools and spas (APSP-11). The members of the ANSI consensus body will review and vote on the draft later this year. The standard has been written by APSP’s Recreational Water Quality (RWQ) Committee. Under ANSI requirements, the draft standard is also open for a public review and comment period.

The ANSI process ensures that standards have been developed under rigorous third-party procedures, including openness, balance, and due process. 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, academia, subject matter experts, safety organizations, consultants, nonprofit organizations, and professionals in the pool and spa industry. Because of the ANSI voluntary consensus process, the ANSI/APSP standards are true national standards governing design, construction, operation, and maintenance of swimming pools, spas, and other treated recreational water venues. APSP has been an accredited ANSI standards developer since 1983. Based on science, verifiable data, and industry best practices, the ANSI/APSP standards are the benchmark for the pool and spa industry.

APSP standards establish voluntary minimum guidelines that, when adopted by state and local government, have the force of law. APSP encourages state and local public health and code officials to adopt APSP-11 into their state laws and local codes. APSP standards are increasingly gaining national recognition and acceptance at the federal, state, and local levels of government. APSP’s residential standards are already referenced in the International Residential Code, which has been adopted or referenced in 47 states.