Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Launches Task Force on Above-ground Pool Ladder Safety
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Technical Advisory Committee has authorized the formation of a task force on above-ground swimming pool ladder safety following recent action by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which granted Petition CP 25-2 regarding child-resistant pool ladders.
The task force will evaluate safety risks associated with above-ground and on-ground pool ladders, including how children under 5 may gain unsupervised access to swimming pools by climbing pool ladders. The group will explore the development of child-resistant performance requirements and consider enhancements to consumer warnings that encourage proper use of existing ladder safety features.
“Preventing childhood drownings requires continuous evaluation of safety measures and collaboration across the industry. This task force will bring together diverse stakeholders to examine available data and identify opportunities to further strengthen ladder safety,” says Sabeena Hickman, president and CEO of PHTA.
The Task Force will review existing industry standards, including the ANSI/PHTA/ICC-4 2025 American National Standard for Above-ground/On-ground Residential Swimming Pools and ASTM F2666-16 Standard Specification for Above-ground Portable Pools for Residential Use. The group will also review CPSC data and other research to better understand risks and identify opportunities to strengthen safety requirements intended to reduce childhood drowning incidents.
PHTA intends for the task force to include a balanced representation of stakeholders with expertise in pool and ladder safety, including manufacturers, technical experts, safety consultants, testing organizations, public safety professionals and government representatives.
Individuals and organizations interested in serving on the task force or contributing relevant data, research or technical expertise can contact Greg Ceton, PHTA’s senior director of standards and codes, at gceton@phta.org.
