Builders Council News
ICC Adopts ANSI/APSP-7 Anti-Entrapment Standard
On September 21 in Minneapolis, MN, code official members of the International Code Council (ICC) overwhelmingly approved the proposal of APSP to incorporate the ANSI/APSP-7 Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance into both the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC).
APSP senior technical director Carvin DiGiovanni said, “This victory is a major step for pool and spa safety, and it reinforces APSP‘s safety core value proposition. Adoption into the ICC codes will greatly facilitate implementation of the ANSI/APSP-7 standard nationwide. The IBC code (public pools and spas) has been adopted by all 50 states and 46 states have adopted the IRC (residential pool and spas).”
"The ICC's action is the culmination of a great deal of effort by APSP staff and many dedicated APSP volunteers over a long period of time,” adds APSP President & CEO, Bill Weber. “It 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-standard. And, most of all, it affirms what will truly protect the public from future risk of suction entrapment. It is one of the most significant pool and spa safety advances ever!"
Click HEREto view a press release on the ICC decision.
Builders Council publishes brochure “Choosing a Professional Pool Builder”
The APSP Builders Council has prepared an informational brochure to distribute to your clients/prospective clients, which emphasizes the importance of using an APSP member builder for pool and spa construction. These brochures are available in packets of 25 for $55.00. You can purchase your packets by contacting the APSP office at 703.883.0083 or by visiting the APSP online store. These professionally produced four–color brochures emphasize the importance of using APSP members for pool and spa building, highlighting professional certifications, ethics and continuing education for APSP members. In addition, the brochure addresses family, lifestyle and investment decisions. This must–have marketing piece will set you apart form the non–member competition. Don’t delay — Order your packets today while supplies last! Click here for a sample copy.
Gary Equipment Announces ASME-Compliant Covers
APSP member San Antonio Gary Equipment Company, San Antonio, TX, has reported the approval of a suction outlet (drain) cover in compliance with the ASME A112.19.8.2007 standard, Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs, as required by the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.
Click here for more information
Important New Interpretation from U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for Residential Pool Requirements under Virginia Graeme Baker Act
On September 16, 2008, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a revised Staff Draft Technical Guidance document in connection with section 1406, residential pool and spa requirements under the state grant program, of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. The CPSC advised that the revised Staff Draft Technical Guidance document, which can be accessed at www.cpsc.govunder “What’s Hot,” was issued to correct technical inaccuracies that were found in the prior Draft Interpretation of Section 1406. The revised draft makes clear that, to comply with the Act, states do not need to require SVRS devices or other shut-off devices on multiple drain residential pools. APSP is preparing comments to the CPSC to address suction entrapment interpretations for portable residential hot tubs.