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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2009
CONTACTS:
Greta Houlahan
NSF International
Phone: 734-913-5723
Email: houlahan@nsf.org
Kirstin Pires
Association of Pool & Spa Professionals
Phone: 608-260-8290
Email: kpires@apsp.org
New Agreement Focuses on Preventing Recreational Water Injuries and Illnesses
ANN ARBOR, Mich. and ALEXANDRIA, Va. – NSF International and the Association 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 International 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.
Carvin DiGiovanni, APSP’s Senior Director of Technical and Standards stated that, “This agreement will enable APSP to ensure the test methods in APSP standards for pools, spas and components are robust, accurate and repeatable. 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 International has experience and extensive technical expertise in research, testing, standards and certification, and we look forward to working with NSF International going forward.”
NSF International was first asked to develop standards for the recreational water industry nearly 50 years ago. In 1960, the National Spa and Pool Institute (NSPI) and state public health officials requested that NSF International 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 International Vice President of Water Systems, “NSF International 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.”
For more information on NSF International’s Recreational Water Products program please contact Dave Purkiss at 734-827-6855, purkiss@nsf.org or visit the NSF Web site.
About APSP: The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) is the world's largest international trade association and leading industry advocate representing the swimming pool, spa, and hot tub industry, with a mission to enhance the business success of its members. APSP members adhere to a code of business ethics and share a commitment to public health and safety. Its member companies include manufacturers, manufacturers' agents, distributors, designers, builders, installers, retailers, and service professionals. APSP promotes professional best practices through education, certification, standards, research, and safety.
About NSF International: NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit organization, certifies products and writes standards for food, water and consumer goods (www.nsf.org). Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting public health and safety worldwide. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment. NSF tests and certifies products used in pools, spas and recreational facilities including filters, chemical generators, pumps, drains, skimmers and many other products. NSF also provides free pool safety tips for consumers, which can be viewed here. Additional services include safety audits for the food and water industries, management systems registrations delivered through NSF International Strategic Registrations, organic certification provided by Quality Assurance International and education through the NSF Center for Public Health Education.
