The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has formally bestowed the designation of American National Standard upon the 2009 Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code® (USPSHTC). Developed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), the USPSHTC is the only model code governing the installation, inspection and maintenance of swimming pool, spa and hot tub systems and their component products to be designated as such.
The USPSHTC joins the 2009 editions of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC®), Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC®) and Uniform Solar Energy Code (USEC) as the only codes of their kind to be designated American National Standards. The UPC and UMC first earned the designation in 2003 and again in 2006; the USEC was recognized as such for the first time earlier this month.
At its 1975 education and business conference, IAPMO passed a resolution to form the committee that would develop the first ever comprehensive swimming pool, spa and hot tub code language, acceptable in various jurisdictions as a means of promoting public health, safety and welfare in relation to these systems. After several months of effort, the committee, comprised of representatives from industry and public utility companies, inspectors, plumbers and engineers, successfully completed the first edition of the USPSHTC, which was officially adopted by IAPMO in September 1976.
Key provisions of the 2009 USPSHTC and changes from the 2006 edition include:
• New specific provisions in Chapter 1: Administration to include structures, materials, equipment, appurtenances and other associated components for swimming pool, spa and hot tub systems.
• New definitions were added that specifically address terms used with the code, such as: abrasion hazard, acid, acid wash, acrylic, action pool, air channel, air switch system, ancillary facility, aquatic playgrounds, backwash, break in grade, catch pool, cavitation, coping and various types of swimming pools.
• New provisions referencing American National Standards for the installation of public swimming pools, private inground swimming pools, private aboveground/onground swimming pools, public spas, private permanently installed spas and private portable spas, including structural design requirements.
• Specific language addressing maximum water velocity in branch suction piping and suction piping velocities based on various materials.
• Revised language to include specific safety provisions in accordance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act regarding anti-body and hair entrapment. Also added safety provisions for vacuum release systems to conform to American National Standards.
“Having each of IAPMO’s four codes designated as American National Standards is the ultimate tribute to the tireless efforts of our member volunteers, who willingly give so much of their time and expertise to ensure consensus development and the strongest codes our industry could produce,” said Gaby Davis, IAPMO senior director of Worldwide Operations.
The 2009 editions of the USPSHTC and USEC will be published and available for adoption later this month. For more information on IAPMO’s ANSI-accredited consensus code development process and the specific provisions of the USPSHTC, please contact Lynne Simnick, director of Code Development at lynne.simnick@iapmo.org or (909) 472-4110.
Sponsor of the Uniform Codes, IAPMO – The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials – works in concert with government and industry for safe, sanitary plumbing, mechanical and solar energy systems. Learn more about IAPMO at www.iapmo.org.
Last modified: November 10, 2009