Washington · Pools and spas

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

Ch. 246-260 WAC Water Recreation Facilities (pools, spas, wading and spray pools) + ch. 246-262 WAC (water slides, wave pools and similar). Enforced by Local health officers review plans, issue construction and operating permits, inspect and enforce (WAC 246-260-021, -101, -211), with the Department of Health. Checked on the primary source; the state record was last reviewed 2026-11-12.

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Pools and spas in Washington

Checked on the source

In force

Ch. 246-260 WAC Water Recreation Facilities (pools, spas, wading and spray pools) + ch. 246-262 WAC (water slides, wave pools and similar)

Ch. 246-260 WAC (chapter last updated Oct 31, 2025 per the legislature site) excludes single-family and duplex facilities for resident use, therapeutic facilities and saunas. Construction permit needed before building or altering a pool (decision within 30 days; valid 18 months). Slides and wave pools fall under ch. 246-262.

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

Local health officers review plans, issue construction and operating permits, inspect and enforce (WAC 246-260-021, -101, -211), with the Department of Health

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

What changes next

Rulemaking pending

WAC 246-260 re-read Oct 15, 2026 (scope exclusions and 30-day/18-month permit terms confirmed); DOH rulemaking page and Model Aquatic Health Code alignment status not re-read

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.

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 Washington

Which public pool rules apply in Washington today?

Ch. 246-260 WAC Water Recreation Facilities (pools, spas, wading and spray pools) + ch. 246-262 WAC (water slides, wave pools and similar). Ch. 246-260 WAC (chapter last updated Oct 31, 2025 per the legislature site) excludes single-family and duplex facilities for resident use, therapeutic facilities and saunas. Construction permit needed before building or altering a pool (decision within 30 days; valid 18 months). Slides and wave pools fall under ch. 246-262.

Who enforces the public pool and spa rules in Washington?

Local health officers review plans, issue construction and operating permits, inspect and enforce (WAC 246-260-021, -101, -211), with the Department of Health.

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

Rulemaking pending. WAC 246-260 re-read Oct 15, 2026 (scope exclusions and 30-day/18-month permit terms confirmed); DOH rulemaking page and Model Aquatic Health Code alignment status not re-read