PROGRAMS FOR SOLAR POOL HEATERS

Solar pool heaters are among the most common uses of solar thermal technology in North America. SRCC provides several program options to address the unique needs of these types of solar thermal products.

• OG-100 Solar Collector Certifications: All types of solar thermal collectors used in solar pool heaters can be certified under the OG-100 program. Whether they are unglazed polymeric collectors commonly used for residential pools, PVTs or glazed collectors used for non-residential or multi-family pools, all addressed by the ICC 901/SRCC 100 standard and rated for performance under OG-100. Unglazed pool heating collectors are provided with an OG-100 certificate and ratings that are tailored to the unique needs of pool heating applications (click here to learn more ).
• ICC 902/PHTA 902/SRCC 400 Listings: This standard was created by ICC, SRCC and the Pool and Hot Tub Association (PHTA) in 2017 to ensure that solar pool and spa heaters meet minimum requirements for safety and durability. It sets minimum requirements to provide for the proper integration of solar pool heaters with the wide variety of pool and system designs available today. It covers critical safety topics related to the maintenance of water quality, suction entrapment safety and scald protection. The standard does not provide for performance ratings, so SRCC conducts evaluations to it under its listing program.
• NSF 50 Listings: Many jurisdictions in North America require that pool and spa components installed in some types of aquatic facilities meet the requirements of the NSF/ANSI/CAN 50 Standard for Recreational Water Facilities. It establishes criteria for various components and their materials to protect health and safety, promote durability and protect water quality. Solar water heaters are addressed and solar pool collectors are required to comply with ICC 901/SRCC 100 and other tests and specifications. SRCC provides listings for solar thermal collectors, solar pool heaters and associated components to the NSF 50 standards.
• Pool Code Listings: Model pool codes such as the International Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) published by ICC and the Uniform Swimming Pool Spa & Hot Tub Code and Uniform Solar, Hydronics & Geothermal Code published by IAPMO have provisions relating to solar pool heaters. SRCC provides listings to evaluate the compliance of solar water heaters to these model codes and various applicable local codes.

Building officials look to SRCC's certifications and listings for solar pool heating products to provide proof of compliance with state and local codes and regulations. Codes like the ISPSC and the 2025 California Energy Code require third-party certification to both ICC 901/SRCC 100 and ICC 902/PHTA 902/SRCC 400 for solar pool heaters. Pool designers and consumers value SRCC's certifications and listings as a mark of quality, safety and durability.

Have a custom solar pool heating system design but still need proof of compliance with codes or standards for the project? SRCC can help with this too. SRCC's Site-Specific Evaluations can be used for custom one-off products that aren't expected to be mass-produced. Unlike “traditional” ICC-SRCC certifications and listings, Site-Specific Evaluations are valid only for a specific project and location. But they are assessed to the same standards and codes as traditional certifications and listings. And they provide the third-party assessment needed to satisfy plans examiners and code officials. To learn more and to see if your project can take advantage of Site-Specific Evaluations, contact ICC-SRCC.

Are you a manufacturer of solar pool heaters and ready to learn more or apply? Click here to access our online customer portal to access resources, seek quotes and apply for certification.