PHTA & International Code Council Publish ANSI/PHTA/ICC-11 2026

American National Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools and Hot Tubs/Spas

(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-11 2026 American National Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools and Hot Tubs/Spas (PHTA-11).

The newly revised PHTA-11 standard provides recommended minimum guidelines for water quality in public pools and hot tubs/spas, intended to minimize health and safety hazards for bathers. This standard provides specifications for water quality parameters, but it does not specify the technologies needed to achieve these values. It is an essential set of specifications for public health officials as well as service and operations management companies.

“The PHTA-11 standard is a vital document for the industry—not just as a standalone guide, but because of its impact on other industry standards and codes,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President & CEO of PHTA. “We are grateful to the PHTA-11 Standard Writing Committee members and other subject matter experts who ensured this document is accurate and comprehensive. We also appreciate our continued partnership with the ICC to align industry resources that protect pool and spa professionals as well as end users.”

The changes to the standard include a reorganization of content, most notably in Section 5 Parameters Impacting Disinfection and Public Health and in Section 6 Parameters Impacting Physical Properties of the Venue. Significant updates and clarification of scientific terms were made for the definitions for “contaminant,” “oocyst,” “protozoa,” and more.

“The ANSI/PHTA/ICC-11 standard provides necessary guidance to pool and spa operators to ensure that they are providing a safe and healthy water environment to pool and spa users of all ages,” says Lisa Reiheld, Director, PMG Technical Resources, ICC. “Additionally, it provides consistency from one facility to another and leaves the guesswork out of maintaining the pool water quality for both the operator and the health department that is overseeing the health of the community.”

This standard covers public swimming pools and hot tubs/spas. In this case, the term “public” includes pools and hot tubs/spas to be used for bathing and operated by an owner, licensee, or concessionaire, regardless of whether a fee is charged for use. More details about the classes of commercial/public swimming pools covered by this standard are included in the Definitions section. Pools designed for interaction with marine life are not covered.

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 PHTA-11 standard applies to pool service companies, certifying bodies, pool designers, public health and building code officials, local municipalities, and pool and spa operators.

The new PHTA-11 standard is available to read here or purchase here. For more information, please visit the PHTA-11 webpage, email standards@phta.org, or call (703) 838-0083.

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. ICC codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide.