International Code Council and PHTA Release Updated Standard for Public Pool and Spa Operations and Maintenance

The International Code Council (ICC) and the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) have announced the publication of the updated ANSI/PHTA/ICC-2 2026 American National Standard for Public Pool and Spa Operations and Maintenance, following approval by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). 

The revised standard provides updated guidance for the operation and maintenance of public swimming pools, spas and other aquatic facilities. The limited revision was designed to improve consistency and coordination among PHTA standards while streamlining technical requirements. 

One of the key updates removes specific recreational water quality values previously included in the standard. Instead, those requirements are now referenced directly to ANSI/PHTA/ICC-11 American National Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools and Hot Tubs/Spas, which serves as the industry’s authoritative source for water quality criteria. The change eliminates duplication and helps ensure alignment between the two standards. 

The standard reflects engineering principles, scientific tenets and the industry’s standard of care. It was developed with input from a broad cross section of industry professionals, including: 

• Health department officials 
• Building department officials 
• Commercial pool and spa architects, engineers, and designers 
• Commercial pool and spa contractors 
• Commercial pool and spa service companies 
• Commercial pool and spa operators 
• Commercial pool and spa management companies 
• Public pool and spa certification course instructors 

The publication of ANSI/PHTA/ICC-2 2026 reinforces the organizations’ ongoing commitment to advancing safety, operational excellence and consistency in the public pool and spa industry.  

The new standard is available through PHTA and can be accessed online or purchased through the organization’s online store. Additional information is available at www.phta.org/phta-2 or by contacting PHTA’s Standards Department.

About the Standard 

The ANSI/PHTA/ICC-2 2026 standard provides recommended minimum requirements for the operation and maintenance of public pools, spas, and other aquatic venues. It serves as a practical resource for aquatic professionals responsible for managing facility systems, maintaining water quality, and ensuring safe operation for the public. 

ANSI/PHTA/ICC-2 2026 has been accepted into the 2027 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code® (ISPSC®). Integrating this standard serves as a vital resource for maintaining operational safety and health in public pools and aquatic venues.  

About the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code® 

The ISPSC provides requirements for the installation and ongoing use of pools, spas and aquatic recreation facilities. The code sets minimum safeguards for safety, health, property protection and general welfare by regulating how pools and spas are designed, built, installed, located, maintained and used. 

The International Codes® (I-Codes®), developed by ICC establish safeguards to protect public health, safety and welfare within the built environment. This 2027 edition of the ISPSC® provides a comprehensive, coordinated set of model regulations for the design, construction and maintenance of the built environment. Structured for technical precision, the ISPSC delivers enforceable requirements aligned with nationally and internationally recognized standards. The I-Codes serve as a reliable regulatory framework adoptable and adaptable to innovative and evolving technologies, materials and methodologies. 

By committing to the comprehensive guidelines established in the 2027 ISPSC and the ANSI/PHTA/ICC-2 Standard, stakeholders within the pool and spa community can collaborate effectively toward a standard of aquatic enjoyment and health that is not only safer, but also more accountable and consistent.   

The new PHTA-2 standard is available to read here or purchase here. Read the ISPSC text digitally through the ICC Digital Codes Library.  

Learn more about ICC’s PMG resources here.  

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