Scope of Electrical Spa Standard Expanded to Cover Cold Tubs

For many years, people have been enjoying the experience and benefits of soaking in hot tubs and spas, whether at home or in a commercial environment such as at hotels and resorts, health spas, and public pools. UL 1563, the Standard for Electric Spas, Equipment Assemblies, and Associated Equipment, published since 1981, has provided guidance supporting the manufacture, installation and use of hot tubs in a safe manner.

In recent years, the availability and marketing of cold tubs and ice baths has increased dramatically. This growth is fueled by the need to address consumer demands for the experience of immersion in cooled water, along with the claimed health benefits that cold water immersion (CWI) may provide. An effort was undertaken via the UL Standards & Engagement Collaborative Standards Development System (CSDS) process to propose revisions to UL 1563 to add appropriate requirements to address these newer product types so that safety requirements continue to address the risks of these products, whether the spa or tub is intended to be used for immersion in heated or cooled water or both.

To this effect, on January 13, 2025, the scope of UL 1563 was expanded.

Changes and clarifications cover testing requirements for:

• Electrically powered cold tubs and Ice baths.
• Combination hot tubs and spas that both heat and cool the water.

New and revised requirements include:

• Testing requirements for the cooling function of tubs and spas.
• Requirements for major components (e.g., heat pumps) that may provide cooling function.
• Marking and Instructions requirements to address the specific risks associated with immersion in chilled water.

The following safety requirements from the original scope of UL 1563 remain unchanged:

• Basic requirements for risk of electric shock associated with use of a spa-type product.
• Basic requirements for risk of fire.
• Requirements and tests for controlling the heating functions to reduce the risk of injury due to heated water.
• Requirements for suction openings and fittings — i.e., suction outlet fitting assemblies (SOFA and skimmers) — when provided with spa or cold tubs equipped with jet pumps and water jets.
• Instructions and markings to address the specific risks associated with immersion in heated water.

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