As urban environments increasingly prioritize vertical development, rooftop and podium deck pools and spas have become highly desirable amenities in commercial projects. These elevated water features offer luxury, practicality, and a competitive advantage for hotels, condominiums, and mixed-use developments.
However, their design and implementation require a careful
blend of creativity, engineering, and adherence to regulations, particularly with standards such as ANSI/PHTA/ICC-10 2021 American National Standard for Elevated Pools, Spas and Other Aquatic Venues Integrated into a Building or Structure, more commonly referred to as PHTA-10.
KEY DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Elevated aquatic venues differ significantly from ground-level installations. There are four key considerations that designers must keep in mind.
The first is structural load and engineering. Pools on rooftops and podiums add substantial dead and live loads. Collaboration with structural engineers from the earliest design phase is critical.
The second is waterproofing and drainage. Failure in waterproofing
can lead to costly water intrusion and structural damage. A multi-layered waterproofing system and a redundant drainage plan are essential.
Thirdly, be aware of vibration and movement. Elevated structures move more than ground-level pools. Expansion joints, flexible piping, and shock-absorbing materials must be integrated into the design.
Lastly, keep in mind the need for mechanical access and where the equipment is located. Consider proximity and access to pool equipment for maintenance, minimizing long pipe runs and elevation changes that can affect pump efficiency.
PHTA-10: SETTING THE STANDARD
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) developed the PHTA-10 standard to guide the safe and functional design of elevated pools and spas. The standard covers the construction, alteration, relocation, renovation, replacement, repair, and maintenance of elevated pool and spa structures.
Key information includes structural integrity requirements, such as deflection, freestanding requirements, and fastening; waterproofing specifications, such as secondary containment design, drainage, penetrations, and testing; and access for inspection and maintenance. The standard also includes a dedicated section on stainless steel pools that covers minimum grades, certifications, passivation, and welding.
In addition, PHTA-10 offers several non-mandatory appendices that provide helpful information about chemical operational parameters, mobile crane operations, guidelines for planning critical lift, and shallow water diving warnings.
Following PHTA-10 promotes long- term durability and reduces liability, improves safety for users and adjacent occupancies, supports permit approval with clear engineering criteria, and encourages systematic maintenance planning.
Architects, engineers, facility managers, code inspectors, code officials, and others involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of rooftop or podium pools should familiarize themselves with the contents of this standard.
Adhering to PHTA-10 ensures not only code compliance but also enhances long-term performance, safety, and user experience.
DO’S AND DON’TS
Do involve a multidisciplinary team early. This team should include an architect, a structural engineer, a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineer, a waterproofing consultant, and an aquatic designer.
Do use specialized materials rated for rooftop environments. The materials should be UV-resistant and wind-tested.
Do prioritize water quality management, including automation, chemical storage, and ventilation (especially for spas).
Do build redundancy into your drainage and waterproofing systems.
Don’t underestimate the effect of wind, sun, and weather exposure at elevation.
Don’t treat rooftop pools like ground- level pools — assumptions on loading, access, and durability will fail.
Don’t overlook maintenance access. Rooftop environments can be logistically challenging.
PROS AND CONS
There are many benefits to rooftop and podium pools and spas. They offer a premium guest experience and incredible views; they are space- efficient in dense urban areas; they add real estate and marketing value to the property; and they create a unique architectural feature that residents and visitors can appreciate.
However, there are also some concerns and considerations to keep in mind before electing to take on this type of project. Rooftop and podium pools and spas will have higher construction and engineering costs; maintenance and accessibility can be challenging for the property owners and service technicians; and weather and wind exposure require mitigation.
Most importantly, with elevated pools and spas, waterproofing failures can be truly catastrophic. Leaking water can get into the building’s electrical system, cause water damage to furniture or other belongings in the occupied spaces below, or damage the structural integrity of the building itself — which, in a worst-case scenario, could lead to the building collapsing entirely.
Rooftop and podium deck aquatic design is not just an extension of traditional pool construction — it’s a discipline of its own. Success hinges on detailed planning, collaboration, and adherence to robust standards like PHTA-10.
When done right, these elevated amenities offer unmatched luxury, safety, and structural harmony in the most complex architectural environments.
This article first appeared in the August 2025 issue of AQUA Magazine — the top resource for retailers, builders and service pros in the pool and spa industry. Subscriptions to the print magazine are free to all industry professionals. Click here to subscribe.
