The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the International Code Council (ICC), and the National Plasterers Council (NPC) are pleased to announce the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approval and publication of ANSI/APSP/ICC/NPC-12 2025 American National Standard for the Plastering of Swimming Pools and Spas (PHTA-12).
The newly revised benchmark PHTA-12 standard addresses the cementitious interior finish of swimming pools, spas, and other aquatic facilities, both public and residential. This is an essential document for anyone developing specifications for swimming pools.
“Receiving ANSI approval for the revised PHTA-12 standard is a testament to the dedication of volunteers, staff, and subject matter experts to further PHTA’s mission to elevate the industry,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President and CEO of PHTA. “This is an essential resource for so many in the pool and spa industry and plays a key role in helping to ensure product quality. PHTA is so appreciative of the continued partnership with ICC and the NPC to produce this standard.”
The changes to the standard include corrections, updates, and revisions to clarify the language used to standardize the plastering of swimming pools and spas. Many of the changes were developed in coordination with NPC members. New content was added to ensure the standard reflects current industry practices and requirements. The PHTA Standard Writing Committee also clarified some sections, including those on applicability to public and/or residential pools and spas.
“Collaboration among standards development organizations is essential to driving advancements in public safety,” says Lisa Reiheld, Director, PMG Technical Resources at ICC. “Building codes, and the standards referenced within them, are routinely updated to reflect the latest building sciences. Updates to the PHTA-12 standard will help ensure that the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code® continues to protect at the highest level.”
Federal, state, local, and international authorities, as well as industry members and consumers, recognize the need for modern, up-to-date standards governing the design, construction, alteration, repair, and maintenance of swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, aquatic facilities, and other water-containment vessels. Part of the ANSI/PHTA standards development process includes regular review of existing standards to ensure this need is met. The newly revised PHTA-12 standard sets forth the identification and stipulation of non-structural cementitious finish coating materials for usage in plastering, the application and finishing methodologies based on common accepted trade practices, and the installation of non-structural cementitious interior finish coatings for inground swimming pools or other cementitious water-containment vessels.
“This initiative reflects a strategy of continuous improvement and a commitment to excellence,” says Shaun Goldberg, Chairman of the NPC. “Through the partnership of PHTA, NPC, and ICC, it is our shared goal to be positioned at the forefront of our industry helping to meet expectations and drive innovation. The NPC would especially like to thank PHTA for the hard work and dedication that made this possible. Special thanks goes to the voting and non-voting members of the Standard Writing Committee and all of the industry experts who contributed to this significant milestone.”
This standard applies to pool builders, manufacturers, plastering companies, pool service companies, testing laboratories, certifying bodies, pool designers, public health and building code officials, local municipalities, and pool and spa operators, as well as consumers who use this type of pool.
The new PHTA-12 standard is available to read here or purchase here. For more information, please visit the PHTA-12 webpage, email [email protected], or call (703) 838-0083.
