Water recreation program
Swimming pool and spa permits, guidelines and resources
All Water Recreational Facilities can re-open
- On June 30, 2021, the State of Washington removed most COVID-19 restrictions. Most businesses and organizations may choose to operate as they did before the COVID-19 pandemic with no capacity limits or physical distancing requirements. See Governor Inslee's re-opening guidance.
- If managers and operators have determined it is safe to re-open and operate the water recreational facility the following is required:
- Have a current operating permit issued by Public Health — Seattle & King County. Check portal for expired permits by viewing permit status at View permit status.
- Operate under the requirements of Administrative Code (WAC) 246-260 and (WAC) 246-262.
- Beginning March 1, 2022, the vaccine verification requirement will no longer be in effect in King County. Water recreational businesses and organizations can still choose to implement their own vaccine verification policies. For more information see Vaccination verification - King County.
- Masks are only required in limited settings in King County (see the link Wearing a mask). However, wearing a mask in high-risk settings (such as crowded places) helps to protect everyone. It's especially important to protect people that can't get the full protection from the vaccine, such as young children and people with medical conditions who are less able to fight the virus.
- Employees at water recreational facilities must follow L & I requirements at Workplace Hazard.
- Have a current operating permit issued by Public Health — Seattle & King County. Check portal for expired permits by viewing permit status at View permit status.
- If managers and operators have determined it is safe to re-open and operate the water recreational facility the following is required:
Additional Water Recreation information
- Chemical shortage: chlorinated disinfection products and cyanuric acid could be in limited supply in 2022. Safety and water quality issues are of great concern. For your health and safety, please review both important Chemical Shortage and Chemical Safety Guidance found at:
- Disinfection equipment changes: If you are considering switching disinfection equipment, plan review is required. For plan review inquiries, email us at KCPoolPlans@kingcounty.gov.
- If your pool or spa remains closed, you will want to keep it in good condition.
- See the 2020 Splash! Newsletter for information on caring for closed pools
- Extended Hot Tub/Spa Closures, CDC
- Take steps to prevent algae growth (PDF)
- Wearing a mask in high-risk settings (such as crowded places) helps to protect everyone. It's especially important to protect people that can't get the full protection from the vaccine, such as young children and people with medical conditions who are less able to fight the virus.
- Summer is around the corner
- Preparing the pool facility to open
- Expect continued chlorine, chemical and equipment shortages in 2022
- Report all drownings, non-fatal drownings, serious injuries, and illness to the Health Department
- Keeping your pool from going green
- Conditions that require actions by your facility to keep your pool safe and avoid a closure plus reinspection by Public Health
- Water Quality Tables
- Steps to take before reopening your pool or spa
- VGB compliance plan review and drain cover replacement
- Making other pool changes
- Have a safe year at your pool
- Conditions that require actions by your facility to keep your pool safe and avoid a closure plus reinspection by Public Health
- Maintenance
- Renovation/equipment replacement
- Is your pool and/or spa Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) compliant?
- Staff training
- Know when to close your pool
- Report drownings, near drowings and injuries to Health Dept.
- Renovating and remodling requirements
- Online portal services
- Operating pool equipment, training and water quality logs
- Water quality standards
- Pool and spa contact information required
- Reporting requirements for injuries and illnesses
- VGB compliance plan review and drain cover replacement
- And more...
- Planning a pool party to open the apartment or condo pool this summer?
- Tips to keep your pool safe and avoid health department closure/re-inspection fees
- Tips for preparing for seasonal pool openings
- And more...
- Pool operating permits
- Understanding when you need to close your pool
- Promoting a safer summer swimming season
- And more...
Plan review process and service fees Forms and documentation Posters and guidelines Barriers compliance Flood preparedness Illness transmission from pool use External links
When pool and spa inspections are performed by Public Health
Two routine inspections are done each year. Tests of pool water for free chlorine residual, pH, alkalinity and when necessary cyanuric acid are done at each inspection. The routine inspections also include a safety evaluation of the walking surfaces, access doors and fences, recirculation equipment, safety and emergency equipment.
A Plan Review is required of all public and semi-public pools and spas prior to their construction, alteration or renovation. All plans are reviewed to ensure compliance with the King County Board of Health, Title 14 and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-260, (WAC) 246-262 and The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.
Water Recreation Program
Environmental Health Division
401 - 5th Ave, Suite 1100
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-263-9566
Email: KCPoolPlans@kingcounty.gov
Hours:
- Mon. Wed. Fri: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Tues. and Thurs: 10:30 am to 3:00 pm
- Phones are answered until 3:00 pm
To request inspection reports for a pool, please call us and include the facility name and address of where the pool is located.
Link/share our site at
www.kingcounty.gov/pools