The newly revised PHTA-4 standard gives recommended minimum guidelines for the design, equipment, operation and installation of above-ground/on-ground residential swimming pools. This document is for the pool and hot tub industry and for manufacturers and producers of above-ground/on-ground residential swimming pools. Consumers who own or are considering installing a pool of this type will find crucial safety requirements within.
“PHTA is proud to have spearheaded the revision of this key standard for the pool industry,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, president and CEO of PHTA. “We are grateful to have the ICC as a partner as we continue to improve the design, operation and safety of above-ground and on-ground residential pools. We could not have accomplished this without the incredible efforts of our volunteers who served on the PHTA-4 Standard Writing Committee and the subject matter experts who provided their insights.”
The changes to the standard include new requirements added with safety features in mind. Pools with a reinforcing strap or belt around the outside must not be designed in a way that it could be used as a foothold for a child to climb into the pool. Detailed content about barriers around the swimming pool was added to correspond with requirements in the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC). Another new safety-related requirement regulates openings and gaps at a certain level below the water surface to avoid underwater entrapment.
“As building codes evolve to incorporate the latest in building science and technology, the standards they reference must also be regularly updated,” says Lisa Reiheld, ICC PMG technical resources. “These updates to PHTA-4 are critical to ensuring that the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code remains effective in providing the highest level of protection for communities.”
According to the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance, federal, state, local and international authorities, along with industry members and consumers, recognize the need for modern, up-to-date standards governing the design, construction, alteration, repair and maintenance of swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and aquatic facilities. Part of the ANSI/PHTA standards development process includes regular review of existing standards to make sure this need is met. The newly revised PHTA-4 standard explains certain criteria for the design, manufacturing, testing, care and use of above-ground/on-ground residential (Type O) non-diving swimming pools and their components.
This standard applies to pool builders, manufacturers, producers, pool service companies, certifying bodies, pool designers, public health and building code officials, local municipalities and pool and spa operators, along with consumers.
The new PHTA-4 standard is available to read here or purchase here. For more information on the standard, visit the PHTA website or email standards@phta.org.
