Rhode Island Swimming Pool and Spa Code

Regulation Authority:

R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-100.1.5 and 23.27.3-109.1

Purpose and Reason:

The Building Code Standards Committee (BCSC) is proposing amendments to the Rhode Island Swimming Pool and Spa Code. The current version of this Code adopted the International Code Council’s (ICC) International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) 2018 edition. Currently, these amendments reflect the BCSC’s proposed adoption of the 2021 edition of the ISPSC. The state specific amendments to the ISPSC 2021 model code are for consistency with the other building code regulations in RICR Title 510 and the Fire Safety Codes in RICR Title 450, compliance with RI statutes, and ensure that the model codes align with the needs of this state.

Additionally, all building code regulations being amended in this cycle have been edited for clarity and internal consistency of formatting and style, and to be easily read with the other building code regulations and the model codes that these regulations adopt. Formatting changes include: listing every model code chapter and stating whether each chapter is adopted, adopted with changes or deleted; leading the all changes with the model code section number for quick reference; and focusing on model code numbering to simplify citation and avoid confusion.

§§ 14.1 and 14.2 – Updated and simplified the provisions in these sections. 

Chapter 1 contains the administrative provisions of ISPSC 2021, which are amended for consistency with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3 and other RI building codes within Title 510 and the Rhode Island Fire Safety Codes in RICR Title 450. No change to the status quo. 

Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of ISPSC 2021 are adopted with no changes. No change to the status quo. These chapters in ISPSC 2018 were adopted without changes but not mentioned in the current draft. They are now listed for clarity and completeness. 

All appendices to ISPSC 2021 are deleted. They were not adopted in the current regulation because the regulation is silent on appendices and the ICC states that they must be affirmatively adopted. The only appendix to ISPSC 2021 is about the Board of Appeals, which conflicts with state statutes and is not applicable in RI. No change to status quo.