In Washington, public swimming pools and spas are regulated by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) under Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-260.
As of January 1, 2026, several local health jurisdictions (such as Grant County) have updated their ordinances to include stricter fee schedules and enforcement for reinspections, emphasizing that public safety compliance is a non-negotiable requirement for an annual operating permit.
Washington categorizes facilities into General Use (municipal/schools) and Limited Use (hotels/apartments/HOAs).
Water Chemistry (Standard Ranges):
Free Chlorine: Minimum 1.0 ppm (Maximum 10.0 ppm).
pH Levels: Must be strictly maintained between 7.2 and 8.0.
Clarity: The "Main Drain" must be clearly visible. If you cannot see the bottom at the deepest point, the pool must close immediately.
Flow Rates: General use pools must have a turnover rate of 6 hours or less; spas must turn over every 30 minutes.
Daily Logs: Operators must record pH, disinfectant levels, and bather load daily. These records must be kept for at least 3 years.
Washington's barrier design guidelines (WAC 246-260-031) are specific about preventing "ladder effects" for children.
Height:
Limited Use (HOA/Hotel): Minimum 5 feet (60 inches).
General Use (Public): Minimum 6 feet (72 inches).
Gate Security: Must open outward, be self-closing, and self-latching.
Latch Height: The latch must be at least 60 inches above the ground. If lower, it must be behind a shielded gate or require a key/code.
Gaps: No opening may allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through. The gap between the bottom of the fence and a solid surface cannot exceed 4 inches (2 inches for grass).
Lifeguard Mandatory: Required for all General Use pools.
Limited Use Pools: Lifeguards are not required, but strict rules apply:
Children <12: Must be accompanied by a responsible adult (18+) on the pool deck at all times.
Youth (13–17): Must swim with at least one other person (buddy system).
Adults: Only those 18+ are permitted to swim alone.
"No Lifeguard" Signage: Must be posted in 4-inch letters if a guard is not provided.
Washington is very strict about the "direct connection" standard (WAC 246-260-041).
Hard-Wired Direct Line: A functioning emergency telephone must be available whenever the facility is open.
Location: Must be in the immediate vicinity of the pool (within a 300-foot walking distance). At multi-level facilities, it must be within three floors of the pool.
Signage: Must display the facility address, name, and emergency dialing instructions.
2026 Update: While many facilities are moving to cellular-based landline replacements, the device must still allow "direct connection" (no switchboards) and must function during a power failure.
Every pool must have a dedicated "lifesaving unit" including:
A non-conductive reaching pole (shepherd’s crook) at least 12 feet long.
A U.S. Coast Guard-approved ring buoy with a throw line (1.5x the pool width).
A First Aid Kit (as specified in WAC 246-260-99902).
Backboard: Required for all pools with lifeguards.
WAC 246-260 (Full Official Rules): The primary administrative code for water recreation facilities in Washington.
Washington DOH - Water Recreation Portal: The central hub for construction permits, illness reporting, and CPO resources.
King County Public Pool Regulations: Specific local guidance for the Seattle area, including local permit fees.
2026 Northwest Lifeguard Test Dates: Official schedule for lifeguard certification in the Pacific Northwest.
Note for 2026: Washington State Law requires that any serious injury or illness associated with a pool facility be reported to the local health jurisdiction within 48 hours. Failure to report can result in immediate permit suspension.
5170A Timberlea Blvd.