Inflatable pools imported or manufactured for sale in the United States must comply with various safety standards, substance restrictions, labelling, certification, and testing requirements. The specific requirements differ depending on the age group. For example, inflatable pools for children are subject to more stringent requirements.
In this guide, we explain how regulations such as the CPSIA and 16 CFR Part 1450, as well as ASTM and ANSI standards, are relevant to inflatable pools in the United States.
Note that in this guide does not cover electrical components such as pumps that may accompany some inflatable pools.
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CPSC Guidance on Portable Pools
The CPSC guidance page on “portable pools” explains that inflatable pools can come in all sizes, water depths, and shapes. It also explains that such pools can have a diameter as large as 20 feet and carry up to 5,000 gallons of water.
Examples of inflatable pools include pools that:
- Can be inflated
- Can self-rise
- Have soft sides
The CPSC also provides statistics on incidents that arise in pools, concluding that most of these incidents occur in residential pools. It then explains that:
a. It has been working with ASTM to develop a standard for portable pools, which should also include inflatable pools. Note that it is possible that the CPSC is referring to ASTM F2666 – Standard Specification for Aboveground Portable Pools for Residential Use, as the standard was published in 2007 (the same year of publication as the guidance page). However, we do not know this for sure.
b. The ANSI/NSPI-4 standard, which concerns above ground pools, should also cover new models of inflatable pools, which are becoming more and more popular. Examples of such pools include:
- Inflatable-ring pools
- Self-rising pools
- On-ground pools
Note that the latest revision of the ANSI/NSPI-4 standard that we could find is from 2013 (ANSI/APSP/ICC 4). Thus, it is possible that the standard was updated according to CPSC’s recommendation. However, we do not have access to the full text of the standard.
Finally, note that we could not find relevant CPSC regulations that specifically cover portable pools. However, you should still ensure that your pools are safe, and follow relevant regulations and standards, such as ANSI/APSP/ICC 4.
ANSI/APSP/ICC 4 – Aboveground/Onground Residential Swimming Pools
This standard sets requirements regarding the design, manufacture, testing, care, and use of Type-O (onground residential) non-diving swimming pools and their associated components.
It restricts the allowable exposure limit of ozone to a time-weighted average of 0.1 ppm over 8 hours, and a short-term exposure limit of 0.3 ppm over 15 minutes.
ASTM Standards
We found two standards that are relevant to inflatable pools, but other standards for similar products may exist. You should use relevant standards to ensure that your inflatable pools are safe for use and do not cause undue harm to users.
| Standard | Description |
| ASTM F2666 – Standard Specification for Aboveground Portable Pools for Residential Use | This standard applies to above-ground and residential-use portable pools that have inflatable sections. It covers both pools that are equipped with pumps and filters, and pools that do not include pumps or filters.
It sets requirements concerning sanitation, electrical safety, entrapment, and childhood drowning. It also sets guidelines for written instructions, which should contain information such as pool safety, product description, and more. |
| ASTM F2729 – Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Constant Air Inflatable Play Devices for Home Use | This standard applies to home-use play devices that are constant air inflatable, meant for children between 2–12 years of age. The marking and labeling section is also relevant for products that contain water play features.
The standard does not apply to inflatable swimming pools that store air, regardless of their ability to retain water. However, it may still be relevant to accessories used in the pool. |
16 CFR Part 1450 – Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act Regulations
16 CFR Part 1450 establishes requirements for drain covers for swimming pools and spas. Thus, this part is could be relevant to large inflatable swimming pools that have drains.
The regulations incorporate the ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 – Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA) for Use in Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs by reference.
This standard sets requirements regarding the materials, testing, usage, installation, and marking of suction outlet fitting assemblies (SOFA) for pools, spas, and hot tubs. The requirements pertain to the SOFAs that are meant to be fully submerged in pools.
Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)
The CPSIA sets regulatory requirements for products intended for children aged 12 and younger, including inflatable pools. To ensure your inflatable pool for children complies with the CPSIA requirements, you should:
a. Get your product tested by a CPSC-accepted accredited lab against relevant safety standards (e.g. ASTM F2666 or ASTM F2729) and substance restrictions (e.g. lead in paint, phthalates in PVC or other materials).
b. Provide a Children’s Product Certificate.
c. Affix the tracking label (e.g. with product identification information).
d. Affix relevant warning labels.
Lab Testing
You generally need to get your product tested to prove that it complies with the relevant regulations and standards. Some regulations (e.g. the CPSIA) require testing and the subsequent provision of test reports. For others that do not mandate product testing, it may still be necessary to perform the relevant tests, in order to ensure compliance. If the product passes the test, you should receive a report that can be used to prove that the product complies with the necessary requirements
| Regulation | Lab testing |
| ANSI standards | We found two ANSI standards that cover above-ground swimming pools and Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA), respectively.
Above-ground swimming pools should undergo testing to ensure, for instance, that they do not generate ozone over OSHA-permitted limits. Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFAs) should also undergo testing to make sure, for example, that they can be fully submerged in pools as designed |
| ASTM standards | The specific tests would depend on the product. For example, above-ground residential inflatable pools should undergo testing to ensure that they do not break or collapse when subjected to horizontal or vertical forces. |
| Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) | The CPSIA covers children’s products, such as inflatable pools for children. These products should undergo testing to ensure, for example, that they do not contain restricted substances over the limit (e.g. lead), and comply with relevant standards. |
Inflatable pool testing companies
Here are some companies that claim they can test pools against one or more of the regulations and standards listed above:
- IAPMO R&T Lab
- TÜV SÜD
- Eurolab
Additional Requirements
You should also ensure your inflatable pool complies with the substance restrictions set by California Proposition 65, as well as the country of origin requirements, prior to sale.
| Regulation | Description |
| California Proposition 65 | California Proposition 65 restricts the use of certain substances in consumer products.
As such, you should get your inflatable pools tested to ensure their materials (e.g. PVC) do not contain prohibited or restricted substances (e.g. phthalates, lead, cadmium) that are on the Proposition 65 List. If you believe that your product may expose consumers to listed substances, then you should affix a warning label. |
| 16 CFR Part 134 – Country of Origin Marking | A country of origin marking is required for products imported or manufactured in the United States. You should generally affix then information to the product, or onto its packaging.
For example, if the pool is made in China, then the country of origin label could read “Made in China”. |
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