Honoring public health officials and departments with $5,000

(Alexandria, Va.) — The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant. The winners will be honored at the PHTA Awards Ceremony at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo in Las Vegas, NV, on October 21, 2025.

Given in the memory of Dr. Robert Neil Lowry, a long-time member of PHTA and the PHTA Recreational Water & Air Quality Committee (RWAQC), this $5,000 grant honors a public health official or department who has made outstanding contributions to advance the public’s health and safe use of recreational water in pools, spas, and waterparks through educational, safety, operational, and technical programs.

“Knowing Neil at the beginning of my career in this industry impacted me in a profound way,” says Jody O’Grady, Chair of the RWAQC. “His knowledge of applying chemistry to keep everyone safe through education was invaluable. I am proud to be chairing the committee that reviews and selects this award so his legacy, through education, will continue.”

To be considered for the Lowry Grant, the public health official or department must describe their planned or proposed program, the service provided and how it benefits public health and safety, the impact of the expected results, and how the grant funds will be used. The nomination deadline is Friday, August 1, 2025.

Past winners of the Lowry Grant include: Central Valley Health District, 2024; Craven County Environmental Health, 2023; Fishers Health Department, 2022; City of North Richland Hills, 2021; Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment, 2019; Arizona Department of Health Services, 2018; Quechan Parks & Recreation, 2017; Riverside County California Department of Health, 2016; Columbus Public Health, 2015; Middlesex-London Health Unit of London, Ontario, 2014; Brevard County Environmental Health Services Department, 2013; Sacramento County Environmental Management Department, 2012; Alexandria Health Department, 2011; City of Houston, 2010; and City of Plano, 2009.

For more information about the grant and to submit a nomination form, visit www.phta.org/lowry-grant.

About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with more than 3,700 members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $36.5B 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 PHTA’s Recreational Water & Air Quality Committee (RWAQC)
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance’s RWAQC develops and maintains verifiable science-based information regarding sanitization technology and chemical products for use in pools, spas, and hot tubs. The committee also has an important role in the development of the chemical and sanitation sections for American National Standards Institute (ANSI) PHTA standards, including the ANSI/APSP/ICC-11 American National Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools and Spas. For a current listing of Committee members or more information, email [email protected].

Swimming pools and spas rely on robust electrical systems to power vital components such as pumps, filters, and lighting. In 2025, California’s electrical requirements for swimming pools continue to evolve, emphasizing safety and efficiency in line with updates to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and state-specific electrical regulations. Below is an overview of the key requirements, recent updates, and anticipated changes in California’s pool safety codes.

Underground Wiring: Keeping Cables Safe

To minimize risks near water, underground wiring is prohibited directly beneath swimming pools or spas. It must be installed at least 5 feet away from the sidewalls unless specific protective measures are in place. If underground wiring is needed within this restricted zone, it must be enclosed in a continuous conduit such as Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC), Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC), or non-metallic conduit.

These conduits require a minimum cover of 6 inches. For non-metallic conduit within 5 feet of the pool, additional encasement in at least 4 inches of concrete is necessary. Alternatively, direct burial cables may be used if rated for such purposes, requiring 18 inches of cover without concrete encasement. These measures ensure that wiring near pools is adequately protected from accidental damage or exposure to water, reducing risks of electrocution or electrical fires.

Overhead Electrical Lines: Maintaining Vertical Clearance

Overhead electrical lines near pools present a unique safety hazard. To ensure safety, communication cables must be installed at least 10 feet above the water’s surface or diving platforms. Utility power lines, which carry higher voltages, must have a minimum clearance of 22.5 feet above the pool or the highest diving platform.

These clearance measurements are taken from the maximum potential water level, including any overflow, to provide consistent safety across varying conditions. Proper vertical clearance minimizes the risk of accidental contact with live wires, which could result in serious injuries or fatalities.

Maintenance Disconnects: A Quick Safety Shutoff

Maintenance disconnects are critical safety features that allow quick and easy shutoff of power to essential pool equipment, such as pumps and filters, during emergencies or routine servicing. These disconnect switches must be installed in clear sight of the pool or spa to ensure they are easily accessible. However, they should not be placed closer than 5 feet from the water’s edge to avoid accidental operation or exposure to moisture.

In certain cases, jurisdictions may permit shorter distances if the disconnects are housed in lockable or specially enclosed panels. By providing a safe method to disable power, maintenance disconnects reduce the risk of electrical accidents during repairs or servicing.

Electrical Outlet Placement: Strategic Safety Standards

The placement of electrical outlets around pools is carefully regulated to prevent potential hazards. General-use outlets that are not protected by Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) must be positioned at least 20 feet away from pools. In contrast, GFCI-protected outlets can be installed as close as 6 feet to the water’s edge, as they offer additional safety by automatically cutting off power when imbalances are detected.

Outlets specifically designated for pumps and motors must be located between 6 and 10 feet from pool walls, equipped with GFCI protection, and covered with weatherproof locking covers to ensure safety in all conditions. For in-ground pools, at least one GFCI-protected outlet must be installed within 6 to 10 feet of the pool edge to meet compliance standards.

GFCI Protection: A Life-Saving Technology

GFCI devices are integral to pool safety, as they prevent electrical shocks by shutting off power when they detect an imbalance. Heading into 2025, GFCI protection is required for all underwater pool lights exceeding 15 volts, electrical outlets within 20 feet of pools or spas, and light fixtures located within 10 feet of the water’s edge unless they are elevated at least 5 feet above the waterline.

Pool cover motors and other electrical equipment, such as pump motors, are also required to have GFCI protection. With advancements in safety standards, California is expanding the application of GFCIs, further enhancing protection for pool users and maintenance personnel.

Self-Contained Spas and Hot Tubs: Special Rules

Spas and hot tubs have unique electrical requirements due to their compact design and proximity to water. Ceiling fixtures above spas must be installed at least 12 feet from the water’s surface. However, fixtures equipped with GFCI protection may be placed as low as 10 feet. Wall switches must remain at least 5 feet away from the spa waterline to prevent accidental contact with water.

Electrical outlets serving spas must also adhere to strict guidelines. Outlets within 10 feet of the spa require GFCI protection, while those placed closer than 6 feet must utilize specially approved barriers or enclosures to ensure safety.

California-Specific Updates and Legislative Actions

California’s pool safety regulations have undergone several legislative updates in recent years. SB-442, enacted in 2018, requires residential pools to implement safety measures such as fences, alarms, or self-closing gates. These requirements were extended in 2022 to cover all single-family homes, eliminating previous municipal opt-outs.

Additionally, California enforces federal standards for drain covers to prevent entrapment hazards, ensuring that all pools and spas utilize compliant equipment. Looking ahead, California’s Title 24 Building Standards Code is expected to incorporate updates from the 2023 NEC, potentially bringing additional GFCI requirements and energy efficiency measures. Contractors and homeowners should monitor these changes closely, as they may take effect as early as 2025 in some jurisdictions.

NEC Adoption Trends Across the U.S.

While California remains on the 2017 NEC, other states are progressively adopting newer editions of the code. The 2020 NEC has been implemented in states like Texas, Washington, and Colorado, while some jurisdictions still adhere to older versions, such as the 2014 NEC. Arizona, Illinois, and Missouri, which do not mandate statewide NEC adoption, rely on local jurisdictions for electrical standards. As more states transition to the 2023 NEC, pool builders and electricians operating across state lines must stay informed about regional variations to ensure compliance.

Electrical Regulations for Swimming Pools in California

Below is a data table organizing the key points by category for the electrical regulations for swimming pools in California (2025):

Key Takeaways for 2025

As safety rules for swimming pools and spas continue to evolve, compliance with California’s stringent electrical regulations is essential. Planning construction projects with anticipated code changes in mind can save time and ensure future compliance. Homeowners and contractors should work with licensed electricians who are knowledgeable about the latest NEC updates and local amendments. Additionally, staying informed about upcoming changes to California’s Title 24 and other safety standards is crucial for maintaining compliance. By adhering to these guidelines, pool owners and industry professionals can create safer, more reliable pool environments that meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

References

1. California Building Standards Commission (CBSC)
   https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC
2. California Electrical Code (CEC)
   https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/
3. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) – 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC)
   https://www.nfpa.org/NEC
4. California Department of General Services (DGS)
   https://www.dgs.ca.gov/

(Clemson, SC)— Tile Council of North America (TCNA) has been selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to receive $2.2M in grant funding to reduce embodied carbon emissions in construction materials and products. In support of the Inflation Reduction Act, the goal of this grant program is to assist businesses that manufacture construction materials and products to develop and verify Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), as well as support businesses, universities, and nonprofit organizations that facilitate these efforts.

Public Building Service Commissioner Elliot Doomes and EPA’s Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pollution Prevention, Jennie R. Romer, Esq. recognized TCNA as a selectee for the funding at the inaugural Flooring Sustainability Summit in Washington, DC, last month.  “We’ve set a goal of reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving a net zero emissions economy by 2050,” said Romer, “To achieve those goals, we’ll need to reduce embodied carbon emissions from the infrastructure sector.” 

The EPA program seeks to improve transparency and disclosure of embodied carbon emissions data associated with construction materials and products to facilitate the procurement of lower embodied carbon construction materials throughout the U.S.

TCNA is one of 38 organizations selected to receive a total of $160M. TCNA’s project will expand the number of available industry-wide and product-specific EPDs for ceramic tile and related installation materials, improve PCRs to better differentiate between different types of ceramic tile, and develop a tile industry-specific software program that will streamline valid EPD delivery.

“Ceramic tile is among the top 15 common building materials in cradle-to-gate embodied carbon emissions in federal building projects,” noted Bill Griese, TCNA Deputy Executive Director. “We’re eager to leverage our leadership role in the ceramic tile industry to advance the work of EPD development and provide data well-beyond the gate so that full lifecycle embodied carbon factors can more readily be taken into consideration. Our project is of paramount importance to government procurement officials as they increase the quantity, robustness, and organization of EPD data, thus facilitating optimized selection of low-embodied carbon ceramic tile products.”