Swimming Pool and Spa Building Codes

The new ANSI/APSP-7 standard has been adopted into ICC building codes for both residential and commercial swimming pools. APSP has been working hard to get a standard set of safety codes for the professionals builders in our industry. Finally, we have had success in the adopting of these new safety standards.

Read below the exerpt from Aqua e-news Oct. 2008 edition:

"ICC Recognizes APSP Standard

At its September meeting, the International Code Council voted overwhelmingly to incorporate the ANSI/APSP-7 standard into the body of the 2009 International Building Code and in Appendix G of the 2009 International Residential Code. The standard replaces language for pool and spa entrapment avoidance that was adopted by IBC and IRC committees in February.

This marks the first time an APSP standard will be adopted into the body of the IBC. "Adoption into the ICC codes will greatly facilitate implementation of the ANSI/APSP-7 standard nationwide," said Carvin DiGiovanni, APSP senior technical director, "The IBC code has been adopted by all 50 states and 46 states have adopted the IRC. This victory is a major step for pool and spa safety — and reinforces APSP's safety core value proposition." APSP President & CEO Bill Weber said, "The ICC's decisive action underscores the power of the industry when we speak with one voice, as we did here with the APSP proposals to the ICC. It affirms the integrity of the ANSI consensus process in approving the ANSI/APSP-7 standard. Most of all, it affirms solutions that will truly protect the public from future risk of suction entrapment. It is one of the most significant pool and spa safety advances ever."

The ICC, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most American cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes, building safety codes developed by the ICC. The APSP plans to contact agencies in each state to make them aware of ANSI/APSP-7 and to start developing training programs on the standard for officials and industry professionals."

Source: Aqua E-news 2008