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. Verified on the primary source, re-checked weekly.

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Pools and spas in Virginia

Verified 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; the building view resolves them from your ZIP.

What changes next

Rule repeal and replace pending

NOIRA to repeal 12VAC5-460 and 12VAC5-462 and replace them with new 12VAC5-461 (HB222 mandate) is in DPB review; no proposed text or date yet

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.

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 to repeal 12VAC5-460 and 12VAC5-462 and replace them with new 12VAC5-461 (HB222 mandate) is in DPB review; no proposed text or date yet