Pool Rules - Create Your Own Pool Safety Signs

Regulated pool owners must provide users with signage stating pool rules and safety information, see WAC 246-260-131 (5) for the state's rules. The signage must be placed in an easily seen area of the pool with readable lettering - all of the text must be at least three-eighths of an inch high.

Create your own signs using the suggested following pool safety rules. You are encouraged to add your own logo or artwork to further enhance your safety message. You may alter wording as long as the original intent and meaning is still communicated to pool users.

Swimming Pool Rules

  • When lifeguards are not present:
    • Children under age 13 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
    • Children ages 13-17 cannot use pool alone.
  • Everyone must take a cleansing shower before using pool.
  • If you have a disease that can be transmitted by water or have been ill with diarrhea or vomiting in the last 2 weeks, don't use the pool.
  • Diapers must be changed in the designated changing area and must have a tight-fitting protective covering.
  • People with seizure, heart, or circulatory problems should not swim alone.
  • No running or rough playing.
  • No food or drink allowed in the pool.
  • Don't use pool when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • If you don't follow the rules, you may be removed from the premises.
  • In an Emergency, call 911.
  • Emergency phone is located at [insert facility information].
  • First-Aid Kit is located at [insert facility information].

Spa Pool Rules

  • When lifeguards are not present:
    • Children under age 13 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
    • Children ages 13-17 cannot use spa alone.
  • Children under age 6 should not use the spa.
  • Everyone must take a cleansing shower before using spa.
  • Limit any one session in spa to 15 minutes.
  • Maximum number of people allowed in spa is [insert number].
  • People with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and women who are or may be pregnant are advised to consult a physician before using spa.
  • People with seizure, heart, or circulatory problems should not swim alone.
  • If you have a disease that can be transmitted by water or have been ill with diarrhea or vomiting in the last 2 weeks, don't use the spa.
  • Diapers must be changed in the designated changing area and must have a tight-fitting protective covering.
  • No running or rough playing.
  • No food or drink allowed in the spa.
  • Don't use spa when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • If you don't follow the rules, you may be removed from the premises.
  • In an Emergency, call 911.
  • Emergency phone is located at [insert facility information].
  • First-Aid Kit is located at [insert facility information].

Wading Pool Rules

  • When lifeguards are not present:
    • Children under age 13 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
    • Children ages 13-17 cannot use pool alone.
  • Everyone must take a cleansing shower before using pool.
  • If you have a disease that can be transmitted by water or have been ill with diarrhea or vomiting in the last 2 weeks, don't use the pool.
  • People with seizure, heart, or circulatory problems should not swim alone.
  • Diapers must be changed in the designated changing area and must have a tight-fitting protective covering.
  • No running or rough playing.
  • No food or drink allowed in pool.
  • Don't use pool when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • If you don't follow the rules, you may be removed from the premises.
  • In an Emergency, call 911.
  • Emergency phone is located at [insert facility information].
  • First-Aid Kit is located at [insert facility information].

Spray Pool Rules

  • Everyone must take a cleansing shower before using pool.
  • Diapers must be changed in the designated changing area and must have a tight-fitting protective covering.
  • If you have a disease that can be transmitted by water or have been ill with diarrhea or vomiting in the last 2 weeks, don't use the pool.
  • No running or rough playing.
  • No food or drink allowed in pool.
  • Don't use pool when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • If you don't follow the rules, you may be removed from the premises.
  • In an Emergency, call 911.
  • Emergency phone is located at [insert facility information].
  • First-Aid Kit is located at [insert facility information].

Diving Board Rules

A sign with diving board safety rules is required. The following are some ideas for pool owners and managers to consider.

  • You must must pass a swim test before being allowed to dive.
  • No running dives.
  • One person at a time allowed on the diving board.
  • No cartwheels, handstands, or hanging off the diving board.
  • Divers must swim directly to the nearest ladder and leave the diving area.
  • No swimming or playing in diving area when diving boards are being used.
  • Only one bounce on the board is allowed before diving (unless you are in a diving class with your instructor).
  • Wait until the previous diver has cleared the landing area before you dive.
  • Adjustments of the diving board fulcrum may only be made at the discretion of aquatic staff.
  • The pool manager may restrict certain dives based on safety concerns.