**Portable Hot Tub Drain Cover Requirements Also Successfully Incorporated**
(ALEXANDRIA, VA) – The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) announces that its American National Standards Institute (ANSI) /APSP-16 Standard for Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs was unanimously approved by the five Commissioners of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on July 29, 2011, as a successor standard to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 19.8 Drain Cover Standard presently referenced in the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA).
This marks the first time an APSP standard has been incorporated into federal law. The rule takes effect September 6, 2011, and as of that date, ANSI/APSP-16 will be the Consumer Product Safety Standard for all submerged suction fittings/drain covers. It represents formal recognition by the Commission of Addenda B of the prior standard which allows for alternative hair entrapment testing for hot tub fittings. This enables hot tub manufacturers to continue to meet important federal safety standards and protect consumers.
APSP is the nation’s only standards writing organization accredited by ANSI for the pool, spa and hot tub industry.
“The incorporation of the ANSI/APSP-16 standard into the VGBA is a momentous occasion for the membership of APSP,” said Carvin DiGiovanni, senior director, Technical & Standards. “For years, APSP has invested countless hours and resources devoted to the safety of consumers through its ANSI consensus standards program. Government recognition of our standard as being in the public interest is just beginning.”
DiGiovanni explained that several other APSP standards have been or are awaiting approval for incorporation in state codes. The ANSI/APSP-7 2006 Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs and Catch Basins was previously adopted into the 2009 and now 2012 International Residential and Building Codes, which will be adopted by most states in due course. Many state and local codes already rely on this standard, as well as ANSI/APSP-3 1999 Standard for Permanently Installed Residential Spas; ANSI/APSP-4 2007 Standard for Aboveground/Onground Residential Swimming Pools; ANSI/APSP-5 2003 Standard for Residential Inground Swimming Pools; and ANSI/APSP-6 1999 Standard for Portable Spas, to protect residential backyard pools, spas and hot tub users.
Florida has adopted ANSI/APSP/ICC -14 2011 Standard for Portable Electric Spa Energy Efficiency and ANSI/APSP/ICC-15 2011 Standard for Residential Swimming Pool & Spa Energy Efficiency into their 2010 code, taking effect March 15, 2012.
In addition, APSP is working with the International Code Council to jointly produce the new International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. The ISPSC will be published in March 2012 and available for state and county adoption. “This means that the ANSI/APSP standards are now at all three levels of government protecting both public and residential users,” said Bill Weber, APSP president and CEO. “This is truly a recognition milestone for all segments of the industry and shows our commitment to protect consumers while they enjoy our industry’s products.”
About APSP
APSP is the world’s largest international trade association representing the swimming pool, spa, and hot tub industry. Its mission is to promote consumer safety, and enhance 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. Since 1985, APSP has been accredited by the American National Standards Institute as the recognized Standards Developing Organization to produce the nation’s swimming pool, spa and hot tub standards. APSP member companies include manufacturers, distributors, manufacturers’ agents, designers, builders, installers, suppliers, retailers and service professionals. For more information about the APSP please visit APSP.org.
