Designated as an American National Standard, the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code (USPSHTC) is a model code developed by the
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (
IAPMO) to govern the installation and inspection of plumbing systems associated with
swimming pool
A swimming pool, swimming bath, wading pool, paddling pool, or simply pool, is a structure designed to hold water to enable Human swimming, swimming or other leisure activities. Pools can be built into the ground (in-ground pools) or built ...
s,
spa
A spa is a location where mineral-rich spring water (and sometimes seawater) is used to give medicinal baths. Spa towns or spa resorts (including hot springs resorts) typically offer various health treatments, which are also known as balneothe ...
s and
hot tubs as a means of promoting the public's health, safety and welfare.
The USPSHTC is developed using the
American National Standards Institute
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI ) is a private non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States. The organ ...
's consensus development procedures. This process brings together volunteers representing a variety of viewpoints and interests to achieve consensus on plumbing practices.
History
The advantages of a Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code,
[http://iapmostore.org/iapmo/shop/index.php?cPath=5&osCsid=moc2hb9t6blir6bdi6o9ik5235] acceptable in various jurisdictions, had long been recognized, prompting
IAPMO to pass a resolution at its 1975 annual
business conference that directed the president to form a committee to develop a basic swimming pool, spa and hot tub document.
After months of concerted endeavor, this committee, composed of representatives from industry and
public utility
A public utility company (usually just utility) is an organization that maintains the infrastructure for a public service (often also providing a service using that infrastructure). Public utilities are subject to forms of public control and ...
companies, inspectors, plumbers and engineers, successfully completed the first edition of the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, which was officially adopted by
IAPMO in September 1976.
2012 edition
The 2012 USPSHTC is designed as a scientifically sound model code that is supported in an effort to reduce risk and promote safe and healthy recreational water experience through performance standards, while at the same time, allowing latitude for innovation and new technologies.
The 2012 USPSHTC is the second edition developed under the ANSI consensus process. Contributions to the content of the code were made by every segment of the built industry, including such diverse interests as consumers, enforcing authorities, installers/maintainers, labor, manufacturers, research/standards/testing laboratories, special experts and users.
Key changes to the 2012 edition include:
*Two new materials (PE-RT and Polyproplene) approved for building supply and water distribution piping and fittings including their applicable standards.
*Joining methods were added to address material for building supply and water distribution piping and fittings.
*New chapter added for the design, materials and methods of construction, facilities and decks as they pertain to public and private swimming pools, spas and hot tubs including structural design, testing, dimensions for floor and wall slopes, markings, maximum bathing load, public facilities, decks, and lightning protection systems.
*New chapter added for general safety equipment as they pertain to swimming pools, spas and hot tubs including means of entry and exits including steps, ladders, stairs, barrier requirements, safety covers, chemicals, signage and water clarity.
Content
* Chapter 1 - Administration
* Chapter 2 - Definitions
* Chapter 3 - General Requirements
* Chapter 4 - Design, Materials and Methods of Construction
* Chapter 5 - Water Quality
* Chapter 6 - Equipment
* Chapter 7 - Heaters
* Chapter 8 - Safety
* Chapter 9 - Aquatic Recreational Attractions
* Chapter 10 - Referenced Standards
See also
*
IAPMO
*
IAPMO Standards
*
IAPMO R&T
*
Uniform Codes
*
Uniform Plumbing Code
*
Uniform Mechanical Code
*
Uniform Solar Energy and Hydronics Code
Designated as an American National Standard, the Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code (USHGC) is a model code developed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials ( IAPMO) to govern the installation and inspecti ...
*
Building officials
Building officials of developed countries are generally the jurisdictional administrator of building and construction codes, engineering calculation supervision, permits, facilities management, and accepted construction procedures.
Qualification ...
*
Building inspection
A building inspection is an inspection performed by a building inspector, a person who is employed by either a city, township or county and is usually certified in one or more disciplines qualifying them to make professional judgment about whether ...
External links
Uniform Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Spa & Uniform Solar Energy Code
2012 Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code : an American National Standard
References
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Safety codes
Plumbing