Pool and Hot Tub Products Certification

Since 1960, the NSF has been helping consumers, public health officials, and aquatic facility managers who are concerned about the quality and safety of products used in public and private pools and other recreational water settings.

Whether you own your pool or hot tub or use a public pool, hot tub, or water facility, it is essential to ensure that the right equipment is used to treat the water and prevent potential injuries. NSF’s certification program for pool, hot tub and spa components covers many products.

Pool and Hot Tub Certification

NSF certifies pools, hot tubs, chemicals, and equipment used in these products, including filters, drain covers, pumps, and disinfection equipment. Our certification program includes laboratory testing along with audits of production facilities.

The NSF certification mark on a pool, spa, or hot tub component means that NSF reviewed and certified the product to meet applicable American National Standards for design, construction, and/or performance. For pool chemicals, the product meets the necessary health effects criteria for use in pools and spas.

We also conduct annual audits at each authorized production facility and regular re-testing of certified products to confirm that they comply with all certification requirements. We also verify that the labeling and product literature regarding NSF certification claims are true and accurate.

Selecting Pool and Hot Tub Products

Many products in and around pools and hot tubs can help increase your comfort and safety. When shopping for your pool and hot tub components, ensure they have been certified by NSF to meet applicable product design and performance standards and health and safety standards for pool chemicals.

Pool and barrier alarms were developed to help alert homeowners if an unauthorized person attempts to enter the area surrounding their pool or spa. The four major types of pool/barrier alarms are aboveground, floating, submerged, and wristband alarms.

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act strengthened standards for drains, suction fittings, and grates to prevent body parts, fingers, limbs, and hair from trapping. Most of these products are evaluated against ANSI/APSP—16, and certification to this standard will be noted on the visible surface of the cover.

Safety vacuum release systems (SVRS) should be tested and certified to ASTM F2387 or ASME A112.19.17, depending on local building or public health requirements. When properly installed in a public pool, these products sense when a drain is blocked and help release vacuum pressure or shut down the whole circulation system.

Disinfection systems for pools, spas and hot tubs are eligible for testing under NSF/ANSI/CAN 50: Pool Equipment, an American National Standard that establishes minimum design, construction, material, and performance requirements for products used in pool and spa applications. In addition to chlorine and bromine feeders, additional equipment for disinfecting pool and spa water includes salt chlorinators, copper and copper/silver ion generators, and ozone processing equipment.