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Inside CMP: Ongoing Improvements to Spa Industry Standards with APSP-16

This post is Part Two in a series about the Ongoing Improvements to Spa Industry Standards. Read Part One

As the spa industry grows and matures, internal and external forces are leading to important changes to standards and regulation. Two key areas receiving attention in recent years are spa safety requirements and energy standards.  Federal and State requirements in both areas have required the industry to make significant adjustments, while contributing to the national conversation to create standards that are consistent for manufacturers and easier for consumers to understand.


PART 2: HOW PROPOSED CHANGES TO KEY APSP RECOMMENDATIONS IMPACT THE INDUSTRY

APSP 2008 Eagle Award Recipient Angelo Pugliese

Contributing Editor CMP Senior Engineer Angelo Pugliese

Angelo is the current Chairman of APSP-14 Energy Standards Committee. Committee chairpersons are appointed by APSP staff for a term of three years. They may be reappointed for a term of one year following the initial 3-year term. Angelo is also a member of the APSP-16 Committee, UL 1563 Spa Safety Code Committee and the APSP Technical Committee. He is also the recipient of the prestigious APSP 2008 Eagle Award for his work in presenting the association’s hot tub position on the Title 20 energy efficiency standards in California.

What are APSP Standards Committees?

APSP Councils represent the various segments of the pool, spa and hot tub industry. They identify and serve member needs within their industry segments, and provide leadership opportunities as well as a forum for networking and exchanging ideas. APSP Standards Writing and Industry Committees (SWC) are formed from members of each segment. They develop and manage many critical programs and initiatives that advance the organization’s mission and success. Each APSP/ANSI Standard for pools, spas and hot tubs is initially drafted by a writing committee prior to undergoing the ANSI consensus review process.


APSP-16

About APSP-16

APSP-16 is one of the most well known standards in recent years, covering the requirements that have been put into place as part of the the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. ANSI/APSP-16 2011 Standard establishes materials and testing for suction fittings across the industry. The Consumer Product Safety Commission determined the new standard was in the public interest, and incorporated this standard into its regulations.
APSP-16 controls and regulates requirements for:

  • Drain covers and grates
  • Multiple drain requirements
  • Approved flow rates
  • Entrapment protections
  • Sump construction and installation

Understanding the Proposed Changes to APSP-16 for Portable Spas

One of the primary goals of the updates to APSP-16 as it relates to is to improve the regulations as the apply to portable spas. Many of the current standards are primarily written around requirements for swimming pools and in ground spas. Portable electric spas are unique and not the same as in ground built spas. When they are “swept” into the same category the regulations are not written in a way to create the best safety standard for portable spas.
The APSP-16 Committee is working with the Consumer Products Safety Commission to get federal approval on the committees rewrites. The changes are currently out for public comment. Specific updates to the APSP-16 requirements include:

  • Refinements to hair entanglement tests to make the test more consistent and reliable
  • Better definitions in testing requirements
  • New testing for every size pipe and every entry and every configuration in a sump
  • Requirements for field testing of velocity. Current requirements are only for “off the shelf” testing. Field built sumps must meet the 1.5 feet per second flow requirement.
  • Improvements to consistency and reliability in testing requirements for spa suctions

CMP is Committed to Advancing the Pool and Spa Industry

CMP is taking the lead in proactively pushing improvements in our industry. CMP recognizes the growing demands for products that are more “green” and safer. As consumer trust and confidence grows for pool and spa industry products, they “buy in” and make better choices. Happy customers are loyal customers that help grow our industry.

Over the past decade we have seen huge advancements with changes like VBG, variable speed pump requirements and more. Our industry is going to continue improving and legitimizing the need for quality, safe products. CMP will continue being a leader in the drive to further advance the pool and spa industry. Our “everything matters” approach is built around the idea that no stone can be left unturned in our mission to serve up better products that consumers and professionals can trust.

More Resources on APSP-14 and APSP-16

APSP Hot Tub Standards Page

APSP-14 Press Release

Article from Pool & Spa News on swimming pools & plasterers

PoolSafety.gov presentation on APSP-16

Full text of APSP-16

Check-a-drain Press Release referencing APSP-16

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