Virginia · Pools and spas

The public pool and spa rules in force in Virginia now.

12VAC5-460 Regulations Governing Tourist Establishment Swimming Pools and Other Public Pools (last amended eff. Oct 17, 2019) + 12VAC5-462 water-quality posting rules; Code of Va. 32.1-248.1 as amended 2026 c. 53 (HB222). Enforced by Virginia Department of Health with local health departments (tourist-establishment permits and inspections); State Board of Health adopts rules. Checked on the primary source; the state record was last reviewed 2026-11-12.

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Pools and spas in Virginia

Checked on the source

In force

12VAC5-460 Regulations Governing Tourist Establishment Swimming Pools and Other Public Pools (last amended eff. Oct 17, 2019) + 12VAC5-462 water-quality posting rules; Code of Va. 32.1-248.1 as amended 2026 c. 53 (HB222)

12VAC5-460 governs design, disinfection, filtration, records and lifeguards for pools at tourist establishments such as hotels. Amended 32.1-248.1 requires Board of Health rules for public-use pools and water recreation facilities; structure design stays under USBC.

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

Virginia Department of Health with local health departments (tourist-establishment permits and inspections); State Board of Health adopts rules

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; confirm the local office for the address.

What changes next

Rule repeal and replace pending

NOIRA (Action 7113) to repeal and replace 12VAC5-460 and 12VAC5-462 with 12VAC5-461: Governor's review completed Oct 20, 2026; Virginia Register publication scheduled Nov 16, 2026 (Vol. 43, Issue 7); comment forum Nov 16 to Dec 16, 2026 (Town Hall stage page read Oct 26, 2026). No proposed text yet; current rules stay in force

The federal layer

The federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (drain covers and anti-entrapment) applies to every public pool alongside the state rule below.

Dated items

Next 24 months

Nov 16, 2026

Virginia Register scheduled to publish the Notice of Intended Regulatory Action to repeal and replace the tourist-establishment and public pool rules (12VAC5-460, 12VAC5-462) with a new chapter 12VAC5-461; the public comment forum opens the same dayVirginia State Board of Health / Virginia Department of Health

Confirmed date

Dec 16, 2026

Public comment closes on the Notice of Intended Regulatory Action to repeal and replace the pool rules 12VAC5-460 and 12VAC5-462 with 12VAC5-461; no proposed text has been publishedVirginia State Board of Health / Virginia Department of Health

Confirmed date

What a building has to do

1 recurring duties

These apply when the building has the equipment or fits the type named. The frequency is the standard one; your local official can set a stricter one, so confirm it for the address.

Annual

Public pool or spa: operating permit and health inspectionsState or county pool rules · Health department · Not yet checked line by line against the source.

Questions about the public pool and spa rules in Virginia

Which public pool rules apply in Virginia today?

12VAC5-460 Regulations Governing Tourist Establishment Swimming Pools and Other Public Pools (last amended eff. Oct 17, 2019) + 12VAC5-462 water-quality posting rules; Code of Va. 32.1-248.1 as amended 2026 c. 53 (HB222). 12VAC5-460 governs design, disinfection, filtration, records and lifeguards for pools at tourist establishments such as hotels. Amended 32.1-248.1 requires Board of Health rules for public-use pools and water recreation facilities; structure design stays under USBC.

Who enforces the public pool and spa rules in Virginia?

Virginia Department of Health with local health departments (tourist-establishment permits and inspections); State Board of Health adopts rules.

What changes next for the public pool and spa rules in Virginia?

Rule repeal and replace pending. NOIRA (Action 7113) to repeal and replace 12VAC5-460 and 12VAC5-462 with 12VAC5-461: Governor's review completed Oct 20, 2026; Virginia Register publication scheduled Nov 16, 2026 (Vol. 43, Issue 7); comment forum Nov 16 to Dec 16, 2026 (Town Hall stage page read Oct 26, 2026). No proposed text yet; current rules stay in force