Standards

Learn about NSF/ANSI Standard 50 development and growth by viewing the NSF Standards, Recreational Water Facility home page. If you have questions about the standards site, please contact Richard Martin at martin@nsf.org or Lorna Badman at badman@nsf.org.

Read more about the standard in depth below.

NSF/ANSI Standard 50 – Equipment for Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Other Recreational Water Facilities (2011)

Evaluation criteria for materials, components, products, equipment, and systems for use at recreational water facilities is continually evolving and incorporating requirements from other standards. The standard works to enable a comprehensive product evaluation for health effects safety, performance validation, and safety for factors such as burst, sustained pressure, cyclic pressure, head loss, UV resistance, tensile strength, impact, and load testing, turbidity reduction, filtration efficacy, bacterial disinfection efficacy, cyst inactivation (Cryptosporidium parvum), durability or life testing, chemical resistance, corrosion resistance, energy efficiency, and electrical safety.

NSF Standard 50 applies to various filter media diatomite and other pre-coat media filters, granular media filters, cartridge filters, skimmers, pumps, valves, suction fittings or main drains, pool alarms, pool and spa covers, safety vacuum release systems (SVRS), flexible pool and spa hose, mechanical and flow-through chemical feeding equipment, automatic controllers (AC), and pool and spa water quality testing devices for pH, Cl, Br, Hardess, Alkalinity, CYA, etc. (WQTD) and process equipment, including: in-line and brine type electrolytic chlorinators; copper/silver and copper ion generators; UV systems; ozone generators, and energy efficiency testing of pumps, spas, and other products. The components and materials are intended to be used specifically for swimming pool, spa, or hot tub water circulation and treatment in both public (aka commercial) and private (aka residential) applications.

If your product type does not currently have detailed evaluation criteria within NSF/ANSI Standard 50, requirements may be taken from NSF 50 and other narrow scope standards and criteria (see a partial list below) and incorporated into a comprehensive evaluation for your product type. NSF is continually developing detailed criteria for inclusion into Standard 50. For example, current NSF Standard 50 Task Group activities include development of requirements for heaters, pressure, flow, and temperature meters, chloramine reduction requirements, cryptosporidium inactivation and removal requirements, pump sound emission, and filter media testing, "green" product claims, spa and hot tub testing, water return fittings, deck drain fittings, and swim current generators/exercise equipment.

Changes and development of NSF 50 are managed by an equally balanced, voting group of public health officials (federal, state, and county), product users (engineering firms, aquatic facility operators, trade associations), and product manufacturers. NSF's standards development process and comprehensive scope is unique, as no other standard in the world has such complete evaluation criteria for the many pool, spa, and waterpark products. This approach and structure is what makes the NSF/ANSI Standard 50 special and why it is so often referenced in pool and spa as well as public health codes, bid specifications, and other documents. It's also why, when people consider purchase of a pool/spa product, they ask, "Is it NSF Certifed to Standard 50?" They know that NSF Standard 50 Certification addresses the critical aspects of health safety and product function and provides peace of mind that the product is robust and will function suitably.

NSF uses other standards as appropriate to evaluate pool and spa products that don't currently have detailed testing criteria within NSF Standard 50. Through this process, NSF is able to offer third-party testing and certification services to meet the needs of manufacturers, users, and public health officials. Some examples of frequently referenced standards and documents include:

  • ANSI/ASME B40.100 - Pressure Gauge and Gauge Attachments
  • ANSI/NSPI-1 American National Standard for Public Swimming Pools
  • ANSI/NSPI-2 American National Standard for Public Spas
  • ANSI/NSPI-3 American National Standard for Permanently Installed Residential Spas
  • ANSI/APSP-4 American National Standard for Aboveground/On-ground Residential Swimming Pools
  • ANSI/NSPI-5 American National Standard for Residential In-ground Swimming Pools
  • ANSI/NSPI-6 American National Standard for Residential Portable Spas
  • ANSI/APSP-7 American National Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Catch Basins
  • ANSI/IAF-8 Model Barrier Code for Residential Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs
  • ANSI/IAF-9 American National Standard for Aquatic Recreation Facilities
  • ANSI/APSP-11 Standard for Water Quality for Public Pools and Spas
  • APSP-10 Standard for Performance Rating and Labeling of Pumps and Pump Motors Used on Swimming Pools, Wading Pools and Water Features
  • APSP-14 - Standard for Portable Electric Spa Energy Effeciency
  • APSP-16 - Standard Suction Fittings for use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs
  • APHA - Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, twentieth edition
  • ASME A112.19.8 - Suction Fittings for Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas & Hot Tubs
  • ASME A112.19.17 - Manufacturerd Safety Vacuum Release Systems (SVRS) for Residential & Commercial Swimming Pool, Spa, Hot Tub, Wading Pool Suction System
  • ASME A112.19.7 – Hydromassage Bathtub Systems
  • ASTM C136 - Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
  • ASTM D256 - Standard Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastics
  • ASTM D570 - Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics
  • ASTM D638 - Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
  • ASTM D2387 - Standard Specification for Manufactured Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS) for Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs
  • ASTM D3739 - Standard Practice for Calculation and Adjustment of the Langelier Saturation Index for Reverse Osmosis
  • ASTM E11 - Standard Specification for Wire Cloth Sieves for Testing Purposes
  • ASTM F462 - Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Slip-Resistant Bathing Facilities
  • ASTM F698 - Specification for Physical Information to be Provided for Amusement Rides and Devices
  • ASTM F747 - Terminology Relating to Amusement Rides and Devices
  • ASTM F770 - Practice for Operation Procedures for Amusement Rides and Devices
  • ASTM F790 - Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
  • ASTM F846 - Guide for Testing Performance of Amusement Rides and Devices
  • ASTM F853 - Practice for Maintenance Procedures for Amusement Rides and Devices
  • ASTM F893 - Guide for Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
  • ASTM F1193 - Practice for Amusement Ride and Device Manufacturer Quality Assurance Program and Manufacturing Requirements
  • ASTM F1292 - Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment
  • ASTM F1305 - Guide for Classification of Amusement Ride and Device Related Injuries and Illnesses
  • ASTM F1346 - Standard Performance Specification for Safety Covers and Labeling Requirements for All Covers for Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs
  • ASTM F1908 - Guide for Fences for Residential Outdoor Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, and Spas
  • ASTM F2208 - Standard Safety Specification for Residential Pool Alarms
  • ASTM F2286 - Design and Performance Specification for Removable Mesh Fencing for Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, and Spas
  • ASTM F2291 - Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices
  • ASTM F2376 - Standard Practice for Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction, and Operation of Water Slide Systems
  • ASTM F2518 - Standard Guide for Use of a Residential Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Safety Audit to Prevent Unintentional Drowning
  • ASTM F2666 - Standard Specification for Aboveground Portable Pools for Residential Use
  • ASTM F2707 - Standard Safety Performance Specification for Safe Design and Installation of Field Fabricated Suction-Limiting Vent Systems for Suction Entrapment Prevention in Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Wading Pools
  • ASTM G154 - Standard Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
  • APSP-15 Standard for Pool and Spa Energy Efficiency
  • APSP-17 Manufactured Safety Vacuum Release Systems (SVRS) for Residential and Commercial Swimming Pool, Spa, Hot Tub and Wading Pool Suction Systems
  • CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 218.1 - Spas, Hot Tubs and Associated Equipment
  • CEC-400-2010, Title 20, California Energy Commission
  • DVGW W294-1, -2, and -3 - 2006 UV Disinfection Devices for Drinking Water Supply Requirements and Testing. German Gas and Water Management Union (DVGW), Bonn, Germany
  • FDA 21 CFR 170-199 - Code of Federal Regulations
  • FDA 21 CFR Subchapter A, Part 58-Code of Federal Regulations
  • IAPMO PS 31 - Backflow Prevention Assemblies
  • IAPMO PS 87 - Diverter and Shut-Off Valves for Pool/Spas
  • IAPMO PS 101 - Suction Relief Valves
  • IAPMO SPS-3 - Skimmers (Spas, Hot Tubs and Swimming Pools)
  • IAPMO SPS-4 - Special Use Suction Fittings for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs (For Suctions Side Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaners)
  • IAPMO PS 33 - Flexible PVC Hose for Pools, Hot Tubs, Spas and Jetted Bathtubs
  • NSF/ANSI 14 - Plastics Piping System Components and Related Materials
  • NSF/ANSI 42 - Drinking Water Treatment Units - Aesthetic Effects
  • NSF/ANSI 51 - Food Equipment Materials
  • NSF/ANSI 50 - Equipment for Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Other Recreational Water Facilities
  • NSF/ANSI 60 - Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals - Health Effects
  • NSF/ANSI 61 - Drinking Water System Components - Health Effects
  • NSF/ANSI Protocol P181 - Residential Portable Electrical Spas
  • NSF/ANSI Protocol 222 – Ozone Generators
  • NSF Protocol P182 - Pipeless Hydrotherapy Jets
  • NSF/EPA ETV - Generic Protocol for Development of Test / Quality Assurance Plans for Validation of Ultraviolet (UV) Reactors
  • ÖNORM M 5873-1 - Installations for the Disinfection of Water Using Ultraviolet Radiation - Requirements and Testing - Systems with Low-pressure Mercury Vapor
  • UL499 - Electric Heating Appliance
  • UL873 - Temperature Indicating and Regulating Equipment
  • UL979 - Water Treatment Appliances
  • UL1081 - Standard for Swimming Pool Pumps, Filters, and Chlorinators
  • UL1261 - Electric Water Heaters for Pools and Tubs
  • UL1563 - Standard for Electric Spas, Equipment Assemblies, and Associated Equipment
  • UL1598 - Luminaires
  • UL 1795 - Standard for Hydromassage Bathtubs
  • UL1951 - Electric Plumbing Accessories
  • UL 2017 - Standard for Safety General-Purpose Signaling Devices and Systems
  • UL 61010A-1 - Electric Equipment for Laboratory Use
  • USEPA Ultraviolet Disinfection Guidance Manual for the Final Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, November 2006
  • USEPA, 1993 - Methods for the Determination of Inorganic Substances in Environmental Samples
  • USEPA, 1990 - Methods for the Determination of Organic Compounds in Drinking Water Supplement
  • USEPA-600/4-79-020 - Methods for the Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes
  • USEPA National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations, 40 CFR Part 143
  • USEPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, 40 CFR Part 14
  • USEPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, 40 CFR Part 136

For more information on certification of products and components used in pools, spas and hot tubs, contact NSF at 1-800-NSF-MARK (800-673-6275), 734.769.8010 or pools@nsf.org.