PHTA-16 Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA) for Use in Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs - Draft in Development

This standard establishes materials, testing, use, installation, and marking requirements for new or replacement bather-accessible Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFAs), other than maintenance drains, that are designed to be fully submerged for use in swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, portable spas, non-portable wading pools, or other aquatic venues intended for swimming or recreational bathing. Skimmers and vacuum connection covers are excluded from the scope of this standard.

Stakeholders: Manufacturers, builders, designers, retailers, U.S. public health and code officials, local municipalities, pool and spa operators, and service companies, including storable pool manufacturers and their retail users.

Revision in Process: To update existing standard in accordance with latest testing, technology, and research on suction entrapment avoidance. Additional language on Storable Pool Integral Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFAs) is included in this revision of the ANS.

Current Version: ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 American National Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA) for Use in Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs
See clarification statement on the current APSP-16 below.

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Upcoming PHTA-16 Standard Writing Committee Meetings:

• July 28
• August 25
• September 22
• October 27

Interested in attending PHTA-16 Standard Writing Committee meetings? Complete this form and you will be emailed the meeting link. You only need to submit the guest form once per year per standard.

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Pool & Hot Tub Alliance ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 American National Standard for Drain Covers (VGBA) Clarifications and Certification Authority Guidelines

July 1, 2025

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) issues this bulletin to clarify the current status of the ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 American National Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA) for Use in Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs.

Overview:

This bulletin clarifies three key topics regarding the ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 Standard:

1. Expiration of the APSP-16 Provisional Amendment (PA) regarding SOFAs intended for storable pools.
2. Testing and Certification of Manufactured SOFAs versus Registered Design Professional (RDP) SOFAs
3. The Standard's position regarding tee (T) location in dual-drain suction systems

1. APSP-16 Provisional Amendment Clarification:

Effective Immediately: A Provisional Amendment issued in 2021, modifying labeling and documentation requirements for SOFAs in storable pools, was not adopted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and has expired. All testing and certification of manufactured SOFAs must be in accordance with the ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 Standard.

Compliance: All manufactured SOFA tested and certified in accordance with the ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 Standard remain valid and compliant. If the certification or listing cites the Standard with the Provisional Amendment (APSP-16 2017 (PA)), it should be revised at the next opportunity to reference the ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 Standard instead (without the letters "PA"). This is merely an updating of product certification. NO recalls, retesting, or relabeling is required.

2. Certification Authority and Flow Rating Determination:

All Certifications must identify the SOFA as either Manufactured or Designed by a Registered Design Professional (RDP) to ensure compliance with ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017.

A. Manufactured SOFAs

Testing and Certification Requirements: Must be tested by an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory. Must be certified by an ISO 17065-accredited certification body.

Flow Rating Determination: Flow ratings must be exclusively based on laboratory test results per ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 §1.3.7. Flow ratings determined through RDP calculation methods (ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 §3.9) are not permitted for Manufactured SOFA certification.

B. Registered Design Professional (RDP) SOFAs

Certification Requirements: Must be designed, installed, and certified by a Registered Design Professional as defined in the Standard. ISO 17025 or ISO 17065 accreditation is not required for RDP-certified SOFAs.

Flow Rating Determination: RDPs may determine flow ratings by calculation methods explicitly described in ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 §3.9. Such calculation-based flow ratings are permitted exclusively for RDP-certified SOFAs.

3. Policy Clarification on Tee Location for Dual Drains:

Because all manufactured SOFAs intended for multiple drain use are tested as single outlets, the ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 Standard and the ANSI/PHTA/ICC-7 2020 American National Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance In Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs and Catch Basins does NOT specify or require any specific location for the tee in a two-outlet configuration. Any location between the two outlets is permitted. All SOFA manufacturer instructions must also be followed. A tee placed within the 16-inch hair-reach zone is compliant.

Questions and Further Information:

For additional details and frequently asked questions, visit phta.org/standards. Direct specific inquiries to standards@phta.org.