General Overview:
The International Code Council's International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) is a model code that regulates the minimum requirements for the design, construction, alteration, repair and maintenance of swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and aquatic facilities. This includes public swimming pools, public spas, public exercise spas, aquatic recreation facilities, unground storable residential pools, permanent unground residential pools, permanent residential spas, permanent residential exercise spas, portable residential spas and portable residential exercise spas.
The ISPSC is the only comprehensive swimming pool code coordinated with the I-Codes and APSP Standards. The ISPSC contains minimum regulations for public and residential pools, spas and hot tubs using prescriptive and performance related provisions.
Benefits of the ISPSC include:
Meets or exceeds Virginia Graeme Baker Act requirements
Contains APSP-7 Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance
Includes provisions for waterparks, diving, barriers, general design and water quality safety
Covers fencing, decks, lighting, heaters, circulation systems, pumps, accessibility, diving, sanitizing equipment, filters and suction fittings
Background Information:
The ICC’s International Swimming Pool & Spa Code (ISPSC) was launched in July 2009 by the ICC Board in an effort to develop the first comprehensive swimming pool code coordinated with the current requirements to meet the rules of the Virginia Graeme Baker Act to upgrade pool safety. ISPSC will encompass the design, installation and inspection of aquatic facilities based on the current ANSI (APSP) standards, technology and code provisions.
The ISPSC is being developed by the Swimming Pool Code Drafting Committee (SPCDC). Ten chapters are planned covering general compliance, public pools, residential pools and spas.
Useful Links:
To purchase the 2021 International Swimming Pool & Spa code,
click here.
The International Swimming Pool & Spa Code (ISPSC) is in use or adopted in 26 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To view a map of the United States that shows where the ISPSC has been adopted,
click here