Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and International Code Council Publish ANSI/PHTA/ICC-5 2025 American National Standard for Residential Inground Swimming Pools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2025

Media Contacts:
Amy Willer
Director, Content and Communications
703-838-0083, ext. 121 | awiller@phta.org

Donna Campbell
Vice President, Communications
734-660-6518 | dcampbell@iccsafe.org

POOL & HOT TUB ALLIANCE AND INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL PUBLISH ANSI/PHTA/ICC-5 2025 AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD FOR RESIDENTIAL INGROUND SWIMMING POOLS

(Alexandria, Va.) — The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) and the International Code Council (ICC) are pleased to announce the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approval and publication of ANSI/PHTA/ICC-5 2025 American National Standard for Residential Inground Swimming Pools (PHTA-5).

The newly revised PHTA-5 standard provides specifications for new construction and remodeling of residential inground swimming pools and includes design, equipment, operation, and installation. It applies to permanently installed pools intended for noncommercial use as a swimming pool by not more than three owner families and their guests, and exceeding 24 in. (61 cm) in water depth.

"The PHTA-5 standard is an indispensable guideline for so many PHTA members and serves as an important tool for the industry as a whole," says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President & CEO of PHTA. "Thanks to the dedicated PHTA-5 Standard Writing Committee volunteers and subject matter experts, this revised standard will increase the safety and enjoyment of residential inground pools for years to come. PHTA is also thankful to have had the ICC as a strong partner and collaborator throughout this process."

The changes to PHTA-5 include a new section on non-diving pools, clarifying that certain sections of the PHTA-5 standard only apply to pools designed for diving. This new section will help the industry design safer swimming pools by following clear construction provisions.

Additional content for circulation system pipe material standards and circulation system fittings standards was added, and requirements for barriers around the pool are now included. Other revisions include egress requirements in vanishing edge catch basins.

"Enhancing swimming pool safety requires a proactive approach to updating codes and standards in step with new insights and innovations," says Lisa Reiheld, ICC PMG Technical Resources Director. "By continuously refining these guidelines, we not only address emerging risks but also strengthen our commitment to safeguarding public health."

Federal, state, local, and international authorities, as well as industry members and consumers, recognize the need for modern, up-to-date standards governing the design, construction, alteration, repair, and maintenance of swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, aquatic facilities, and other water-containment vessels. Part of the ANSI/PHTA standards development process includes regular review of existing standards to ensure this need is met. The newly revised PHTA-5 standard explains certain criteria for the design, equipment, installation, and use of residential inground swimming pools.

This standard applies to pool builders, installers, building code officials, local municipalities, and consumers who wish to enjoy this type of pool.

The new PHTA-5 standard is available to read here or purchase here. For more information, please visit the PHTA-5 webpage, email standards@phta.org, or call (703) 838-0083.

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About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance:
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with 4,000 members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $62B pool, hot tub, and spa industry. PHTA provides education, advocacy, standards development, research, and market growth initiatives to increase our members' professionalism, knowledge, and profitability. Additionally, PHTA promotes the use of pools by expanding swimming, water safety, and related research and outreach activities aimed at introducing more people to swimming, making swimming environments safer, and keeping pools open to serve communities. For more information, visit www.phta.org.

About the International Code Council:
The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide.