Washington State Regulations
Most of these rules pertain to the construction and maintenance of regulated recreational water facilities such as swimming pools, spas, water parks, and wading pools. Regulated facilities include pools at athletic or private clubs, municipal or park facilities, hotels, motels, apartments, condominiums, mobile home parks, RV parks, and homeowner association communities. Single-family homes are not regulated by these rules, but must follow city or county building code requirements.
Water Recreation Facilities, Chapter 246-260 WAC
Recreational Water Contact Facilities, Chapter 246-262 WAC
Rule Revision
Water Recreation Facilities Rule Revision
Floatation System Guidelines
Float Tanks: Guidelines for Regulating Floatation Systems as Special Use Pools (PDF)
Float Tank Facility Construction Permit
Barrier Guidelines
Barrier Design - Guidelines for Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, and Spas (PDF) – Preventing unauthorized people from gaining access to pools and spas is a key component in drowning prevention.
Designated Swim Area Guidelines
Washington State Designated Swim Area Guidelines (PDF) – Guidance for designated open water swim areas developed by Seattle Children's Hospital and the Department of Health.
More Guidelines and Resources
Suction Outlets Variance/Substitution Request Form (Word) – Provision to allow the use of equipment that meets ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017.
Single Main Drains - Guidelines for Pools (PDF) – Guidelines to meet state and federal requirements. Entrapment accidents can be prevented by applying current design standards.
Single Unblockable Drain Ruling Reversed (PDF)
Resources for Pool Operators and Builders
Pool Facility Owners and Operators
Pool Facility Designers and Builders
Email Updates - Subscribe to Water Recreation Facility Information
Content Source: Water Recreation Program