From HVAC and plumbing systems to roofs and facades, institutional and commercial facilities are filled with equipment and operations that require specialized knowledge to ensure their safe, reliable and efficient performance. In many facilities, including public schools and universities, maintenance and engineering managers also must devote time and energy to effectively maintaining pools and spas to ensure the safety of users.
Recently, the International Code Council (ICC) and the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) published the ANSI/PHTA/ICC-2 2023 American National Standard for Public Pool and Spa Operations and Maintenance (PHTA-2). The new aquatics standard provides public health officials, industry professionals and code officials with an easily adoptable set of guidelines for the operation and maintenance of all types of public aquatic venues.
“This new standard will play an important role in keeping our public pools and spas safe for all communities,” says Dominic Sims, ICC chief executive officer.
PHTA-2 focuses on critical areas, including inspections, operating permits, water quality, hygiene facilities and indoor and outdoor environments. It is based on engineering principles, scientific tenets and industry standards of care.
Dan Hounsell is senior editor of the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.
