The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance issued a call for participation in the redesignation and revision of the ANSI/APSP/ICC-7 2013 Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance In Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs and Catch Basins. PHTA is seeking member participation on the PHTA-7 Standard Writing Committee.
The provisions of the PHTA-7 Standard apply to the design and performance criteria for circulation systems including components, devices and related technology installed to protect against entrapment hazards in residential and public swimming pools, wading pools, inground spas, infinity edge basins (infinity edge type pools), catch pools and aquatic recreation facilities.
“Believe it or not, it has been seven long years since we last updated the PHTA/ICC/ANSI-7 entrapment avoidance standard,” says PHTA-7 SWC chair Kenneth Gregory of Pentair Water Quality Systems. “At one time, entrapment accidents seemed to be happening every day. This standard has almost completely eliminated these types of accidents. Keeping our standards current is one of the most important things PHTA does for all of us and this standard has had the most impact on safety than any other standard.”
“PHTA is looking for qualified individuals including subject matter experts who are willing to share their industry experience and knowledge to complete the draft revisions of these standards,” says Susan J. Hilaski, PHTA director of standards promotion and adoption. “We invite anyone to apply for these committees who can commit to this process and wants to help shape current and future standards for the commercial pool and hot tub industry.”
Those encouraged to participate on the PHTA-7 SWC include:
- Designers, builders, installers and operators of swimming pools, wading pools, spas, hot tubs and catch basins
- Professionals of vacuum limiting systems
- Manufacturers of safety vacuum release devices/systems
- Manufacturers of swimming pool and spa circulation devices/components, swimming pool and spa pumps, automatic pump shut-off devices/systems
- Service companies, test labs and test lab engineers
- Parties interested in entrapment avoidance issues
- Building and health code officials
- Consumers
Application forms are due to PHTA on July 10, 2020 and may be sent to standards@phta.org. For more information, email PHTA Director of Standards Promotion and Adoption, Susan J. Hilaski at shilaski@phta.org.
