In May, The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) concluded Technical Committee Meetings toward the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited development of the 2021 editions of the Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code (USHGC) and Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code (USPSHTC). The meetings were held via teleconference.

The technical committees, consisting of a broad coalition of industry experts — installers, inspection officials, contractors, engineers and manufacturers — considered public comments to amend the USHGC and USPSHTC in advance of the release of the 2021 editions. Their actions to accept, modify, or reject these comments will be electronically balloted to the technical committees for formal voting June 5-26. The results of these votes will be published in the Report on Comments to be published for review in September.

The USHGC Technical Committee met via teleconference and considered public comments seeking to amend the code in such areas as applicable standards for hydronic system components; heat pumps; dual purpose water heaters; protection of potable water supply and applicable standards; pressure testing; discharge piping; expansion tanks and sizing; oxygen permeation; joining methods and connections for hydronic distribution piping and tubing; safety devices; radiant wall and ceiling panels; tube fasteners; tracer wires; solar photovoltaic systems; and applicable equipment standards.

The USHGC is a model code developed by IAPMO to govern the installation and inspection of solar energy systems as a means of promoting the public's health, safety, and welfare.

The USPSHTC Technical Committee met via teleconference and considered public comments seeking to amend the code in such areas as flood resistant design and construction for flood hazard areas; applicable material standards for building supply, water distribution, and circulation system piping and fittings; water supply and circulation system pipe joints and connections; tracer wires; pool lifts and accessibility; slip-resistant walkway surfaces; islands; lazy rivers; bridges; vanishing edge pools; beach entry pools; ventilation of indoor aquatic facilities; water chemistry; heaters; zero-depth entry pools; signage; and secondary entrapment prevention.

The USPSHTC is a model code developed by IAPMO to govern the installation and inspection of both public and private swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs to ensure the safety of their operation. For questions about the USHGC or the USPSHTC, contact Taylor Costea at 909-218-8126 or taylor.costea@iapmo.org.