Pool and Hot Tub Products Certification

Since 1960, 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 have your own pool or hot tub or use a public pool, hot tub or water facility, it’s important to make sure that the right equipment is being used to treat the water as well as to prevent potential injuries. NSF’s certification program for pool, hot tub and spa components covers a wide range of products.

Pool and Hot Tub Certification

NSF certifies pools and hot tubs as well as 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 the product was reviewed and certified by NSF to meet applicable American National Standards for design, construction and/or performance.

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

Selecting Pool and Hot Tub Products

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

• 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.
• As a result of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, standards for drain, suction fittings and grates were strengthened to better prevent body parts, fingers, limbs and hair from becoming trapped. 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 either ASTM F2387 or ASME A112.19.17 depending on local building or public health requirements. When properly installed on a public pool, these products sense when a drain is being 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 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 available for disinfecting pool and spa water includes salt chlorinators, copper and copper/silver ion generators and ozone processing equipment.