March 5, 2008

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ANSI-7 Suction Entrapment Standard Referenced in Updated WV Regulations
West Virginia’s 2007 updated regulations for recreational water facilities incorporate, through reference, the ANSI-7 2006 suction entrapment standard plus three other ANSI/APSP standards. The 2007 West Virginia Code of State Rules requires that all recreational water facilities designed, constructed, or renovated after the effective date of April 18, 2007, comply with the ANSI/APSP-1 2003 standard for public swimming pools, ANSI/APSP-2 standard for public spas, ANSI/APSP-9 standard for water parks, and ANSI/APSP-7. Click here for a copy of the rule.

The new legislative rule (Title 64, Bureau for Public Health, Series 16, Recreational Water Facilities”) was passed during the 2007 legislative session. The rule became effective on April 18, 2007 and repeals the July 1, 2002, rule. The new rule references APSP standards in the following sections.

6.1. A recreational water facility that is designed, constructed, or renovated after the effective date of this rule shall comply with the National Spa and Pool Institute ANSI/NSPI-1 2003 Standard for Public Swimming Pools, ANSI/NSPI-2 1999 Standard for Public Spas, ANSI/IAF-9 2005 Standard for Public Water Parks and ANSI/APSP-7 2006 National Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spa, Hot Tubs, and Catch Basins.

10.12.a. Pools with single suction outlets must meet National Spa and Pool Institute ANSI/NSPI-1 2003 Standard for Public Swimming Pools, public spa suction outlets must meet ANSI/NSPI-2 1999 Standard for Public Spas, and Public Water Park suction outlets must meet ANSI/IAF-9 2005 Standard for Public Water Parks and ANSI/APSP-7 2006 National Standards for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spa, Hot Tubs, and Catch Basins. These standards are available through the internet at: http://www.nspi.org/home.

10.14. The patron load shall be determined by the National Spa and Pool Institute ANSI/NSPI-1 2003 Standard for Public Swimming Pools or the most current design standard.
The code broadly defines recreational water facilities. Facilities covered by the code include bathing beaches; swimming, wading, and diving pools; water slides, spray pools, lazy rivers, and wave pools; spas, hot tubs, therapeutic pools, and facilities operated by subdivisions, apartment complexes, condominiums, clubs, camps, and schools.
To obtain a copy of the new Recreational Water Facilities Rule (64 CSR 16) or to search the WV Code of State Rules, go to:
http://www.wvsos.com/csr/
To view a copy of rule 64-16, Recreational Water Facilities:
Select “Search”
On the next page, select “Title/Series” and enter “64-16.”
Under “Rule Name” select the link for Recreational Water Facilities

For a copy of the complete West Virginia Code go to the legislature’s web page: www.legis.state.wv.us/

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