The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is inviting all corners of the pool, spa, and hot tub industry to help shape the future of spa safety and performance. The PHTA has announced the revision of two key American National Standards: •ANSI/APSP/ICC-3 2014 (R2023) for Permanently Installed Residential Spas and Swim Spas, and
•ANSI/APSP/ICC-6 2013 (R2023) for Residential Portable Spas and Swim Spas.
Both standards serve as foundational guides for how residential spas and swim spas are designed, built, equipped, and operated. They also provide essential frameworks for local jurisdictions and regulatory bodies to establish health, safety, and performance criteria.
To lead this effort, PHTA is forming two new Standard Writing Committees (SWCs): PHTA-3 for permanently installed residential spas, and PHTA-6 for residential portable spas. The organization is calling on subject matter experts (SMEs), stakeholders, and industry professionals to join these committees and help drive the next generation of spa standards.
What’s Changing in the Standards
ANSI/APSP/ICC-3 – Permanently Installed Residential Spas, Swim Spas This standard provides minimum guidelines for the design, equipment, operation, and installation of permanently installed residential spas and swim spas. It supports builders, designers, and regulatory officials in creating safe and efficient spa environments.
The standard is used to:
• Guide the construction and configuration of in-ground and other non-portable spas and swim spas.
• Inform building codes and regulations across jurisdictions.
• Help manufacturers and service professionals ensure safe, consistent installations.
ANSI/APSP/ICC-6 – Residential Portable Spas and Swim Spas This standard outlines recommended practices for the design, equipment, installation, and use of residential portable spas, exercise spas, and swim spas.
It applies to:
• Factory-built, self-contained spas typically delivered pre-assembled.
• Models that plug into residential power sources or are hardwired.
• Components including circulation systems, control systems, heaters, and safety devices.
Both standards play a critical role in promoting safe, energy-efficient, and high-performing spa products for the residential market. Regular updates ensure alignment with emerging technologies, new safety research, and evolving consumer expectations.
Committee Participation
Each SWC—PHTA-3 and PHTA6 — will operate under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) periodic maintenance process, with an expected timeline of approximately one year.
PHTA is committed to building diverse and balanced committees that represent a wide range of interests — including designers, builders, manufacturers, engineers, code officials, and consumers. While preference may be given to applicants with direct experience applying or enforcing the APSP-3 or APSP-6 standards, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
Committee members should have familiarity with the existing standard and be prepared to contribute to the language drafting and revision process.
Deadlines to apply:
https://www.phta.org/standards-and-codes/phta-standards/ mailto:bpavlik%40phta.org.%20?subject=
mailto:bpavlik%40phta.org.%20?subject=
• PHTA-6 SWC (Portable Spas): July 11, 2025.
• PHTA-3 SWC (Permanent Spas): August 8, 2025.
Apply to join at phta.org/standards or contact Blake Pavlik at bpavlik@phta.org.
Even those who are not committee members can still participate by:
• Attending meetings as observers throughout the revision process.
• Submitting formal change requests to either standard.
Submit a Change Request Stakeholders who wish to suggest updates, corrections, or new provisions can submit change requests for consideration by the appropriate SWC.
Change request deadlines:
• APSP-6 Standard: Submit by August 31, 2025.
• APSP-3 Standard: Submit by September 12, 2025.
PHTAstandards help shape national safety regulations, industry best practices, and consumer protections for millions of residential spa users across the country. Revising these standards ensures that our industry continues to lead with innovation, responsibility, and collaboration.
This is a unique opportunity to have a direct impact on how spas and swim spas are built, operated, and regulated in the years to come.
Help define the future of spa safety and performance — get involved today.
