New standard puts energy consumption labels on hot tubs
A new standard has been announced by APSP which will put a comprehensive energy label on hot tubs, enabling consumers to use a unit's energy consumption in choosing a hot tub to purchase. States that adopt the new standard will require such labeling on all hot tubs sold.
Hot tub manufacturers are embracing the new Standard for Portable Electric Spa Energy Efficiency, promulgated through the efforts of APSP, ANSI and the ICC. (All acronyms listed at bottom.)
According to Mike McCague, compliance engineer for Watkins Manufacturing and APSP-14 Committee Member, and chairman of APSP’s International Hot Tub Association Engineering Committee, “In 2014, the CEC approached the industry looking to increase the energy saving provided by the appliance energy efficiency language in Title 20. Using ANSI/APSP/ICC-14 2012 as a baseline, APSP, CEC and interested parties worked together to improve the energy position of portable electric spas by updating the standard.”
Individuals taking the lead in writing the standard included McCague; Angelo Pugliese, Sr. of Custom Molded Products; and Nathan Coelho of Master Spas along with 19 other portable spa manufacturers and related interested parties.
From the sales, service, and maintenance perspective, manufacturers must indicate which hot tub specific covers meet the test requirements so that the spa continues to perform at peak cost savings efficiency over its life. The maximum energy limit was also closely reviewed to ensure that energy usage and operating costs were kept low for all models.
“Working with the CEC and adding to the ANSI/APSP suite of energy efficiency standards for hot tubs and pools demonstrate that the industry is committed to safe, efficient products,” said APSP Vice President of Technical & Standards Carvin DiGiovanni. “And with easy to understand labeling, we’re taking it one step further and empowering consumers to make a more informed and environmentally conscious decision.”
APSP - Association of Pool and Spa Professionals
ICC - International Code Council
ANSI - American National Standards Institute
CEC - California Energy Commission
