News

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) has initiated the process of revising the ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 American National Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA) for Use in Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs. This standard is referred to as the drain cover standard under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA). The review is part of the standard’s routine maintenance.

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance is announcing the appointment of the Standard Writing Committee of the ANSI/APSP/ICC-1 American National Standard for Public Swimming Pools, and is requesting input and participation from all interested parties. The APSP-1 Standard will be redesignated as the PHTA/ICC-1 Standard for Public Pool and Spa Design, Construction, and Installation.

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance announces its support of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Reauthorization Act (VGBA), which was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last week by U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25). H.R. 4313 seeks to reauthorize and update 2008 legislation requiring every public pool in the United States to install safe drain covers that prevent suction entrapment, in an effort to decrease drownings in pools and spas.

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is proud to be celebrating 40 years of being an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Accredited Standards Developer. PHTA is the leading industry organization recognized by ANSI to develop and promote national consensus standards for residential and public swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas. Since 1983, PHTA has developed and revised 16 industry standards covering construction, maintenance, safety, energy efficiency, and other important topics. They help ensure the safety and health of consumers, members, and the community.

Over 400 organizations, including the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the IAAPA – the global association for the attractions industry, FMI – the Food Industry Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S. Travel Association, support the resolution introduced last week by Reps. Blake Moore (R-UT), Annie Kuster (D-NH), and Chris Pappas (D-NH). This House resolution reaffirms bipartisan Congressional support of the U.S. Department of State BridgeUSA programs—formerly the Exchange Visitor J-1 Visa Program—and confirms that these programs are vital to the economy and national interests of the United States.

As summer kicks into high gear on Memorial Day weekend, families converge on aquatic centers, pools, waterparks, and open bodies of water. Taking proactive steps to ensure everyone's safety is vital. The National Water Safety Coalition urges families to keep six action steps top of mind this weekend and all summer long to help prevent drownings and water-related injuries.

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) Standards Consensus Committee (SCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Vice Chair and four new Voting Members. The SCC is PHTA’s official consensus voting body, responsible for reviewing and voting on all pool, spa, and hot tub standards to be approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Members of the SCC are classified into one of four interest categories: Producer, User-Government, User-Consumer, or General Interest.

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, today announced a major milestone in its workforce development program as it launched its brand new jobseeker website, WorkInAquatics.com, and robust job board made exclusively for PHTA member companies, careers.WorkInAquatics.com.

May 15 is International Water Safety Day. It's a day designated to spread global awareness of the drowning pandemic and to educate youth in becoming safer in and around the water. On this day, activities are happening in local communities to share drowning awareness and water safety education, including in schools, on swim teams, and more.

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance is pleased to announce that Pentair is returning to its role as Program Sponsor for National Water Safety Month (NWSM) this May. As a leader in the pool, spa, and hot tub industry, Pentair will help the NWSM coalition shine a spotlight on the importance of water safety and safe swimming practices as the country heads into peak swim season.