NSF Intl. and the Assn. of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) recently signed an agreement to pursue research and testing opportunities that will advance health and safety in the recreational water industry.
Under the terms of the agreement, NSF Intl. will provide research and testing services to develop and maintain APSP standards, as well as research for the recreational water industry, all of which focus on preventing injuries and recreational water illnesses, such as Cryptosporidium, norovirus and E. coli. This research and testing should help reduce such tragedies by providing the technical and safety expertise to support new anti-entrapment legislation. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act requires that all public pools and spas have ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007-compliant drain covers installed and a second anti-entrapment provision when there is a single main drain other than an unblockable drain.
“This agreement will enable APSP to ensure the test methods in APSP standards for pools, spas and components are robust, accurate and repeatable,” said Carvin DiGiovanni, APSP’s senior director of technical and standards. “This comes at a very important time when APSP is assuming stewardship of product safety standards for suction fittings and safety vacuum release systems. NSF Intl. has experience and extensive technical expertise in research, testing, standards and certification; and we look forward to working with NSF Intl. going forward.”
NSF Intl. was first asked to develop standards for the recreational water industry almost 50 years ago. In 1960, the National Spa and Pool Institute and state public health officials requested that NSF Intl. develop standards, conduct testing and research to improve the health and safety of swimmers.
“We are pleased to be working with APSP on these important initiatives,” said Bob Ferguson, NSF Intl. vice president of water systems. “NSF Intl. has been testing and certifying pool and spa equipment since 1963, developing protocols for products ranging from UV systems to water quality test kits. This agreement represents another step forward in our ongoing efforts to help the recreational water industry and the overall advancement of public health and safety.”
Source: NSF Intl., APSP
