The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has authorized the formation of a Task Force on Aboveground Swimming Pool Ladder Safety following recent action by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which granted Petition CP 25-2 regarding child-resistant pool ladders.
The Task Force reflects PHTA's ongoing commitment to advancing pool safety through collaboration, research, and the development of consensus-based industry standards.
The Task Force will evaluate safety risks associated with aboveground and on-ground pool ladders, including how children under the age of five may gain unsupervised access to swimming pools by climbing pool ladders. The group will explore the development of child-resistant performance requirements and consider enhancements to consumer warnings that encourage proper use of existing ladder safety features.
As part of its work, the Task Force will review existing industry standards, including the ANSI/PHTA/ICC-4 2025 American National Standard for Aboveground/Onground Residential Swimming Pools and ASTM F2666-16 Standard Specification for Aboveground Portable Pools for Residential Use. The group will also review CPSC data and other available research to better understand current risks and identify opportunities to strengthen safety requirements intended to help reduce childhood drowning incidents.
PHTA intends for the Task Force to include a balanced representation of stakeholders with expertise in pool and ladder safety, including manufacturers, technical experts, safety consultants, testing organizations, public safety professionals, and government representatives.
Individuals and organizations interested in serving on the Task Force or contributing relevant data, research, or technical expertise are encouraged to contact Greg Ceton, PHTA's Senior Director of Standards and Codes, at [email protected].
