The standard used for pool installation and construction has been the Uniform Swimming Pool and Spa code, the 2009 edition. While this document is sufficient for the actual plumbing systems related to pools the Uniform Swimming Pool Code does not address all the ancillary areas related to pool installation including the safety features associated to pool construction whereas the 2018 International Pool Code addresses plumbing along with all the safety features. With concerns over the lack of addressing these safety areas the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code is proposed to replace the previous 2009 Uniform Swimming Pool Code as the standard used for pool installation and construction. The following are new areas the 2018 International Code will address:

1. Safety barriers around pools are now defined in depth including height and how the barriers are installed. With this, automatic pool covers for in-ground swimming pools will now be permitted in place of a vertical barrier.
2. When the occupied structure is used as part of the barrier to the pool, any opening from the structure into the pool area will have an alarm to signal when the door or window is opened.
3. Suction entrapment is now covered with the 2018 International Swimming Code.
4. The ability to have safety handholds along the pool edge is now addressed.
5. Equipment associated with the pool is now addressed such as filters, pumps, diving boards and steps.
6. A section of the 2018 International Swimming Code now addresses above ground pools with how entry to the above ground pool is achieved safely.

There are other safety elements along with the basic pool plumbing systems addressed with the new 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code that will not only assist the public when installing pools but provide Staff with a more concise document to use.