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

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Pools and spas in Washington

Verified 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)

Covers public and commercial pools, including hotel pools; single-family and duplex resident pools exempt. Construction and operating permits required. Chapter reorganized eff. Oct 31, 2004; definitions last amended Apr 22, 2022.

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; the building view resolves them from your ZIP.

What changes next

Rulemaking pending

DOH revision aligning 246-260/246-262 with the CDC Model Aquatic Health Code is at draft stage (CR-101 Dec 13, 2016); cost-survey comments close Sep 30, 2026; no CR-102 or effective date

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 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). Covers public and commercial pools, including hotel pools; single-family and duplex resident pools exempt. Construction and operating permits required. Chapter reorganized eff. Oct 31, 2004; definitions last amended Apr 22, 2022.

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. DOH revision aligning 246-260/246-262 with the CDC Model Aquatic Health Code is at draft stage (CR-101 Dec 13, 2016); cost-survey comments close Sep 30, 2026; no CR-102 or effective date