In Virginia, public swimming pools are regulated by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) under 12VAC5-460 (Tourist Establishment Swimming Pools) and 12VAC5-462 (Public Swimming Pools).
As of April 2, 2026, Virginia passed House Bill 222, which mandates the daily posting of water quality results at all public aquatic facilities, including tourist facilities and HOAs. These results must include current pH, disinfectant concentration, and water temperature.
Under the new 2026 legislation, "Secret-keeping" regarding pool chemistry is no longer allowed.
Daily Postings: Operators must display the current water test results in a conspicuous place.
Standard Chemistry Ranges:
Free Chlorine: Minimum 1.0 ppm (max 3.0 ppm for standard pools; max 10.0 ppm for spas).
pH Levels: Must stay between 7.2 and 7.8.
Temperature: Heated pools and spas are capped at 104°F (40°C).
Clarity: The main drain at the deepest point must be clearly visible. If visibility is impaired, the pool must be closed to prevent drowning risks.
Virginia follows the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC).
Height: The top of the barrier must be at least 4 feet (48 inches) high, measured from the outside.
Gate Security: Must be self-closing and self-latching. Gates must open outward (away from the pool).
Latch Height: To remain child-safe, the latch must be at least 54 inches above the ground.
Ground Clearance: * 2 inches maximum on solid surfaces (concrete).
4 inches maximum on loose surfaces (grass/gravel).
Clear Zone: You must maintain a 3-foot "clear zone" around the outside of the fence—no planters, AC units, or benches that could be used to climb over.
Virginia health department regulations (12VAC5-460-330) require a reliable communication method.
Accessibility: A telephone must be available in the vicinity of the pool, typically within 300 feet of the enclosure. In multi-level hotels, it must be within three floors of the pool level.
Direct Dialing: The phone must be hard-wired and capable of direct dialing 911 (or a non-pay phone where coins are not required for emergency calls).
Required Postings: A weather-resistant display next to the phone must list:
The name and physical address of the pool facility.
Emergency numbers for 911, local police, fire, and ambulance.
Lifeguard Ratios: Generally, at least one lifeguard is required for every 25 bathers in the water. Lifeguards must be at least 15 years old and hold current certifications in Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR/AED.
Breaks: To maintain vigilance, Virginia code (specifically in jurisdictions like Alexandria) often requires lifeguards to take a 10-minute break every hour.
Rescue Gear: Every facility must have a "Lifesaving Unit" containing:
A 12-foot reaching pole with a shepherd’s crook.
A U.S. Coast Guard-approved ring buoy with an attached throw line.
A whistle or audible signaling device for the lifeguard.
Virginia HB 222 (2026 Regular Session): The full text of the 2026 law requiring daily water quality postings.
12VAC5-462 (Public Swimming Pool Regulations): The comprehensive administrative code for all Virginia public pools.
VDH Pool Safety Features Guidance: The official Department of Health landing page for safety compliance.
Virginia Pool Code 2026 Quick Reference: A guide to emergency phone compliance and the shift to cellular landline replacements.
Note for 2026: In Virginia, any Construction or Remodeling of a public pool requires a formal permit and plan review by the local health department. Approval must be granted by the State Health Commissioner in writing before work begins.
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