INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PLUMBING AND MECHANICAL OFFICIALS MATERIAL AND PROPERTY STANDARD FOR SPECIAL USE SUCTION FITTINGS FOR SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS AND HOT TUBS (FOR SUCTION SIDE AUTOMATIC SWIMMING POOL CLEANERS) IAPMO SPS 4-99a 2000 1. PURPOSE 1.1 The purpose of this standard is to establish a generally acceptable standard for special use suction fittings which are designed to be totally submerged and of suitable material for use in swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs. Its purpose is to serve as a guide for producers, distributors, architects, engineers, contractors, installers, inspectors and users; to promote understanding regarding materials, manufacture and installation; and to provide for identifying fittings that conform to the standard. 1.2 The fitting is intended to provide a safe point of connection of suction for suction side automatic swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs cleaners. It must prevent the vacuum hose from becoming disconnected from the suction supply while the cleaner is in operation, and also when the filter system is turned off. The fitting must provide a means of preventing an open vacuum line to the swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs when the filter system is operating and there is a vacuum of more than 10" Hg being applied to the vacuum line, if the fitting is provided with a latch, and should automatically close at 0" Hg if a latching mechanism is not used. The fitting must lock, or automatically close, when the system is operated without the hose connected to the fitting and 10" or more vacuum is applied to the vacuum line. A tool must be used to reopen the fitting after it has locked (fittings with latch), or is fully closed (fittings with no latch). 1.3 Variations in Design and Operation: A component varying in design and/ or operation may qualify under this standard. Appropriate tests and investigations shall indicate the component performs as well as components complying with this standard. Such components shall meet the requirements for materials, finishes and construction in this standard. 2. SCOPE 2.1 This standard covers dimensions, testing methods and other significant properties in addition to a general description of the final product together with methods of marking and identification. 1 of 4
IAPMO SPS 4-99a 2000 2.2 The fittings, covered by this standard, are identified for use in swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs to provide safety from body and hair entrapment, reflecting the current state of the art of industry testing. 2.3 The provisions of this standard are not intended to prevent the use of any alternate material or method of any construction provided any such alternate meets the intent of the standard. 3. PHYSICAL TESTING 3.1 Point Loading And Deflection For Structural Integrity 3.1.1 Install the fittings(s) in a horizontal position in a device which is capable of supporting it in the same manner as an actual installation. Condition the specimens at 73.4 ± 3 F (23 ± 2 C) for at least two hours before testing. A minimum of three fittings shall be used. 3.1.2 Subject the center of the face of the door (hereinafter referred to as lid) of the fitting(s) to a point loading in a machine capable of reading in 5 lb. increments using a Tup B (2" diameter with a 2-1/2" radius) in accordance with the procedure in ASTM D 2444. 3.1.3 Apply a total of 300 lbs. and record the deflection. It shall not exceed.350". Deflection in any of the three samples in excess of.350" at 300 lbs. shall be deemed a failure. If a failure occurs, three additional fittings shall be tested. Only one failure shall be allowed in the six fittings tested. 3.1.4 Subject the fitting(s) to the loading in 5 lb. increments and record the deflection at each 25 lbs. Continue loading to the point at which the Tup protrudes through the lid to failure/disintegration. Disintegration shall mean the loss of any material from the fittings. Disintegration shall not occur before 500 lbs. 3.2 Vacuum And Point Impact Test 3.2.1 Install the fitting(s) in a horizontal position in a device which is capable of supporting it in the same manner as an actual installation. Condition the specimens at 73.4 ± 3 F (23 ± 2 C) for at least two hours before testing. (a) (b) (c) Close the lid of the fitting to be tested. Verify that the lid is latched in place or closed (refer to definitions - Section 5.1.3). Connect the fitting outlet to a vacuum system and gradually subject it to 28.5" Hg vacuum for 300 ± 10 seconds. Cease the vacuum and impact the center of the lid with 15ft/lbs. using the same Tup B as noted in 3.1.2. Again, verify that the lid of the fitting being tested is latched in place or closed (refer to definitions - Section 5.1.3) and again apply the 28.5" Hg vacuum for 300 ± 10 seconds. 3.2.3 There shall be no cracks, breaks or fractures visible on either the front or back surfaces of 2 of 4
IAPMO SPS 4-99a 2000 the fitting. If a failure occurs, three additional fittings shall be tested. Only one failure shall be allowed in six fittings tested. 3.3 Shear Load Test 3.3.1 Fittings whose horizontal edges extend from vertical wall 1/2 in. or more shall be tested by application of a 150 lb. load applied vertically on the top most surface of the fitting. The six fittings can be tested by inverting Tup B (ASTM D2444) to use the flat surface. 3.4 Body And Hair Entrapment 3.4.1 The structural integrity as required in Sections 3.1 through 3.2.3 is intended to prevent body and hair entrapment. 3.5 Cycle Testing 3.5.1 Install the fitting(s) in a horizontal device which is capable of supporting it in the same manner as an actual installation. Condition the specimens at 73.4 ± 3 F (23 ± 2 C) for at least two hours before testing. A minimum of three new fittings shall be used. 3.5.2 The lid of the fitting(s) shall be fully opened (refer to definition - Section 5.1.1) and closed (refer to definition - Section 5.1.4) two thousand (2,000) times to assure the integrity of the spring. 3.5.3 For those fittings provided with a latch, the lid of the fitting(s) shall be opened (refer to definition - Section 5.1.2) and latched in place (refer to definition - Section 5.1.3) two thousand (2,000) times to assure the integrity of the latching mechanism of the fitting. 3.5.4 For those fittings provided with a latch, an additional test shall be performed to further test the integrity of the latching mechanism of the fittings. This is a two part test as follows: (a) Fitting lid is fully opened (refer to definition - Section 5.1.1) underwater. The lid is released and after it is closed (refer to definition - Section 5.1.4), 10" Hg vacuum shall be applied to the line to ensure that the lid will latch in place. This shall be repeated two thousand (2000) times. There shall be no failures. (b) Fitting lid is fully opened (refer to definition - Section 5.1.1) underwater. 10" Hg vacuum is applied to the open line, and the fitting lid is released. It shall automatically latch in place. This shall be repeated two thousand (2000) times. There shall be no failures. 3.5.5 For fittings without a locking latch, the lid of the fitting(s) shall be fully opened (refer to definition - Section 5.1.1) and allowed to snap fully closed (refer to definition - Section 5.1.3) two thousand (2000) times to assure the integrity of the closing spring, hinge, and lid assembly. There shall be no failures. 4. SPRING STRENGTH AND MATERIAL 3 of 4
IAPMO SPS 4-99a 2000 4.1 The spring shall be fabricated from a material that will maintain its strength and not corrode in a swimming pool, spa and hot tub environment. 4.2 The strength of the spring shall be such that it will automatically cause the lid to close upon removal of the vacuum hose from the fitting. This automatic closing is necessary to prevent any possible body entrapment and will in fact cause the lid to be fully closed or latched in place (refer to definition - Section 5.1.3) with the re-establishment of 10" Hg vacuum, therefore making it necessary to use a tool to re-open the lid. 5. DEFINITIONS 5.1 Definitions as they relate to this Special Use Fitting. 5.1.1 Fully Opened. The lid of the fitting is opened far enough to allow the vacuum hose to be inserted and secured so that it cannot become disconnected while the cleaner is in operation, or when the filter system is turned off 5.1.2 Opened. The lid of the fitting is opened far enough to disengage the latching mechanism (this requires a tool as referred to in Section 5.1). 5.1.3 Latched In Place. The lid is in the fully closed position, and the latching mechanism (if present) is engaged, and requires a tool to re-open. 5.1.4 Closed. The lid is in the closed position, but the latching mechanism is not engaged. 6. DIMENSIONS 6.1 When installed, the fitting(s) shall not protrude from the wall.75" or more when closed without hose being connected. 7. TOOL REQUIREMENTS 7.1 A tool shall be used to open the lid of the fitting after it has been latched in place. 7.2 The fitting shall be such that a tool is required for a removal of the suction fitting or cover. 8. MARKINGS AND IDENTIFICATION 8.1 All fittings shall be permanently marked on the surface, visible after installation, with the following: (a) (b) Manufacturer s name or registered trade mark. Model name or number. Adopted: 1989 Revised: 1999 2000 4 of 4
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PLUMBING AND MECHANICAL OFFICIALS MATERIAL AND PROPERTY STANDARD FOR SPECIAL USE SUCTION FITTINGS FOR SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS AND HOT TUBS (FOR SUCTION SIDE AUTOMATIC SWIMMING POOL CLEANERS) IAPMO SPS 4-2000 1. PURPOSE 1.1 The purpose of this standard is to establish a generally acceptable standard for special use suction fittings which are designed to be totally submerged and of suitable material for use in swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs. Its purpose is to serve as a guide for producers, distributors, architects, engineers, contractors, installers, inspectors and users; to promote understanding regarding materials, manufacture and installation; and to provide for identifying fittings that conform to the standard. 1.2 The fitting is intended to provide a safe point of connection of suction for suction side automatic swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs cleaners. It must prevent the vacuum hose from becoming disconnected from the suction supply while the cleaner is in operation, and also when the filter system is turned off. The fitting must provide a means of preventing an open vacuum line to the swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs when the filter system is operating and there is a vacuum of more than 10" Hg being applied to the vacuum line, if the fitting is provided with a latch, and should automatically close at 0" Hg if a latching mechanism is not used. The fitting must lock, or automatically close, when the system is operated without the hose connected to the fitting and 10" or more vacuum is applied to the vacuum line. A tool must be used to reopen the fitting after it has locked (fittings with latch), or is fully closed (fittings with no latch). 1.3 Variations in Design and Operation: A component varying in design and/ or operation may qualify under this standard. Appropriate tests and investigations shall indicate the component performs as well as components complying with this standard. Such components shall meet the requirements for materials, finishes and construction in this standard. 1 of 5
IAPMO SPS 4-2000 2. SCOPE 2.1 This standard covers dimensions, testing methods and other significant properties in addition to a general description of the final product together with methods of marking and identification. 2.2 The fittings, covered by this standard, are identified for use in swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs to provide safety from body and hair entrapment, reflecting the current state of the art of industry testing. 2.3 The provisions of this standard are not intended to prevent the use of any alternate material or method of any construction provided any such alternate meets the intent of the standard. 3. PHYSICAL TESTING 3.1 Point Loading And Deflection For Structural Integrity 3.1.1 Install the fittings(s) in a horizontal position in a device which is capable of supporting it in the same manner as an actual installation. Condition the specimens at 73.4 ± 3 F (23 ± 2 C) for at least two hours before testing. A minimum of three fittings shall be used. 3.1.2 Subject the center of the face of the door (hereinafter referred to as lid) of the fitting(s) to a point loading in a machine capable of reading in 5 lb. increments using a Tup B (2" diameter with a 2-1/2" radius) in accordance with the procedure in ASTM D 2444. 3.1.3 Apply a total of 300 lbs. and record the deflection. It shall not exceed.350". Deflection in any of the three samples in excess of.350" at 300 lbs. shall be deemed a failure. If a failure occurs, three additional fittings shall be tested. Only one failure shall be allowed in the six fittings tested. 3.1.4 Subject the fitting(s) to the loading in 5 lb. increments and record the deflection at each 25 lbs. Continue loading to the point at which the Tup protrudes through the lid to failure/disintegration. Disintegration shall mean the loss of any material from the fittings. Disintegration shall not occur before 500 lbs. 3.2 Vacuum And Point Impact Test 3.2.1 Install the fitting(s) in a horizontal position in a device which is capable of supporting it in the same manner as an actual installation. Condition the specimens at 73.4 ± 3 F (23 ± 2 C) for at least two hours before testing. (a) Close the lid of the fitting to be tested. Verify that the lid is latched in place or 2 of 5
IAPMO SPS 4-2000 closed (refer to definitions - Section 5.1.3). Connect the fitting outlet to a vacuum system and gradually subject it to 28.5" Hg vacuum for 300 ± 10 seconds. (b) (c) Cease the vacuum and impact the center of the lid with 15ft/lbs. using the same Tup B as noted in 3.1.2. Again, verify that the lid of the fitting being tested is latched in place or closed (refer to definitions - Section 5.1.3) and again apply the 28.5" Hg vacuum for 300 ± 10 seconds. 3.2.3 There shall be no cracks, breaks or fractures visible on either the front or back surfaces of the fitting. If a failure occurs, three additional fittings shall be tested. Only one failure shall be allowed in six fittings tested. 3.3 Shear Load Test 3.3.1 Fittings whose horizontal edges extend from vertical wall 1/2 in. or more shall be tested by application of a 150 lb. load applied vertically on the top most surface of the fitting. The six fittings can be tested by inverting Tup B (ASTM D2444) to use the flat surface. 3.4 Body And Hair Entrapment 3.4.1 The structural integrity as required in Sections 3.1 through 3.2.3 is intended to prevent body and hair entrapment. 3.5 Cycle Testing 3.5.1 Install the fitting(s) in a horizontal device which is capable of supporting it in the same manner as an actual installation. Condition the specimens at 73.4 ± 3 F (23 ± 2 C) for at least two hours before testing. A minimum of three new fittings shall be used. 3.5.2 The lid of the fitting(s) shall be fully opened (refer to definition - Section 5.1.1) and closed (refer to definition - Section 5.1.4) two thousand (2,000) times to assure the integrity of the spring. 3.5.3 For those fittings provided with a latch, the lid of the fitting(s) shall be opened (refer to definition - Section 5.1.2) and latched in place (refer to definition - Section 5.1.3) two thousand (2,000) times to assure the integrity of the latching mechanism of the fitting. 3.5.4 For those fittings provided with a latch, an additional test shall be performed to further test the integrity of the latching mechanism of the fittings. This is a two part test as follows: (a) Fitting lid is fully opened (refer to definition - Section 5.1.1) underwater. The lid is released and after it is closed (refer to definition - Section 5.1.4), 10" Hg vacuum shall be applied to the line to ensure that the lid will latch in place. This shall be 3 of 5
IAPMO SPS 4-2000 repeated two thousand (2000) times. There shall be no failures. (b) Fitting lid is fully opened (refer to definition - Section 5.1.1) underwater. 10" Hg vacuum is applied to the open line, and the fitting lid is released. It shall automatically latch in place. This shall be repeated two thousand (2000) times. There shall be no failures. 3.5.5 For fittings without a locking latch, the lid of the fitting(s) shall be fully opened (refer to definition - Section 5.1.1) and allowed to snap fully closed (refer to definition - Section 5.1.3) two thousand (2000) times to assure the integrity of the closing spring, hinge, and lid assembly. There shall be no failures. 4. SPRING STRENGTH AND MATERIAL 4.1 The spring shall be fabricated from a material that will maintain its strength and not corrode in a swimming pool, spa and hot tub environment. 4.2 The strength of the spring shall be such that it will automatically cause the lid to close upon removal of the vacuum hose from the fitting. This automatic closing is necessary to prevent any possible body entrapment and will in fact cause the lid to be fully closed or latched in place (refer to definition - Section 5.1.3) with the re-establishment of 10" Hg vacuum, therefore making it necessary to use a tool to re-open the lid. 5. DEFINITIONS 5.1 Definitions as they relate to this Special Use Fitting. 5.1.1 Fully Opened. The lid of the fitting is opened far enough to allow the vacuum hose to be inserted and secured so that it cannot become disconnected while the cleaner is in operation, or when the filter system is turned off 5.1.2 Opened. The lid of the fitting is opened far enough to disengage the latching mechanism (this requires a tool as referred to in Section 5.1). 5.1.3 Latched In Place. The lid is in the fully closed position, and the latching mechanism (if present) is engaged, and requires a tool to re-open. 5.1.4 Closed. The lid is in the closed position, but the latching mechanism is not engaged. 6. DIMENSIONS 6.1 When installed, the fitting(s) shall not protrude from the wall.75" or more when closed without hose being connected. 7. TOOL REQUIREMENTS 7.1 A tool shall be used to open the lid of the fitting after it has been latched in place. 7.2 The fitting shall be such that a tool is required for a removal of the suction fitting or cover. 4 of 5
IAPMO SPS 4-2000 8. MARKINGS AND IDENTIFICATION 8.1 All fittings shall be permanently marked on the surface, visible after installation, with the following: (a) (b) Manufacturer s name or registered trade mark. Model name or number. Adopted: 1989 Revised: 2000 Suction Fitting Wall Vacuum Hose Figure included in this Standard is provided to show, in general, the type of product described in the Standard and are not intended to convey mandatory requirements not stated in the text. 5 of 5