Keeping Your Commercial Pool Healthy and Safe with the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code

Are you a commercial property owner with a pool on your premises? Then, you must know that customer safety is paramount. Ensuring the safety of your clients is an ethical responsibility that needs to be taken seriously. Fortunately, the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) has been established to help regulate pool safety matters worldwide.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the latest ISPSC of 2021 and how it can help you keep your commercial pool healthy and safe. Additionally, we will also emphasize why commercial facilities must ensure their pools meet these codes for customer safety. At Millennium Pool & Spas, we always meet international standard, and we understand that as a commercial pool owner, you need to be informed.

What is the ISPSC?

The International Code Council’s International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) is a comprehensive, voluntary guidance document that regulates the minimum requirements for designing, constructing, altering, repairing, and maintaining swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and other aquatic facilities.

The 2021 ISPSC code covers a broad range of pool-related safety measures. These include equipment, permits, barriers, circulation systems, covers, chemical handling, and more. The primary focus of the code is to ensure adequate safety measures are in place to prevent injuries and illnesses to swimmers.

In addition, the ISPSC code aims to prevent mechanical failures that could cause pool-related accidents. The code stipulates that commercial pools need to undergo regular inspection to ensure they are up to standards. This means that as a commercial pool owner, you need to schedule regular maintenance checks with a reputable pool maintenance company.

Not Just a Recommendation – It’s the Law

It’s important to note that the ISPSC code is not just a recommendation. Commercial pool owners are legally obligated to comply with these standards. Failing to do so could lead to hefty fines, lawsuits, and possibly even a shutdown of your facility. By ensuring compliance with these safety codes, you protect your clients and your business against such legal repercussions. The ISPSC has been adopted in 21 states, including Maryland and Virginia.

Adherence to International Codes Prevents Pool Incidents

Beyond ensuring compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act and all International Codes, complying with the ISPSC can help you prevent incidents at your commercial pool, including:

• Drowning
• Injuries
• Waterborne illnesses
• Closings due to public health hazards
• Pool water contamination

Virginia Graeme Baker Act Requirements

As a commercial pool owner, you are probably familiar with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. This legislation is named after the tragic death of a seven-year-old girl who was entrapped by the powerful suction of a hot tub drain, which made it impossible to resurface for air.

The incident, which was declared “drowning by entrapment,” occurred in 2002, and the Virginia Graeme Baker Act became law in 2007. The act requires all public pools and spas, both new and existing, to have drain covers that prevent suction entrapment. Adhering to the ISPSC ensures your pool meets or exceeds this federally mandated safety code.

Millennium Pools & Spa can design, build, and maintain your commercial pool according to the latest health and safety guidelines from the ICC.

Our Dedication to Safety

At Millennium Pool & Spas, we understand the gravity of safety matters when it comes to commercial pools. That’s why we put in place stringent safety measures to ensure the protection of your clients and we always meet the international standard. Our team can design, build, and maintain your commercial pool according to the latest health and safety guidelines from the ICC. Please call us today in Frederick, MD or Springfield, VA to request an estimate.