Water recreation program

Before making changes to your pool to comply with the new Federal requirements you will need to go through plan review. Submit a Water Recreation Facility Plan Review Application, renovation fee and applicable information specified in the Plan Review Checklist for New Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Requirements to Public Health to start the review process.

There are a number of resources available to help you understand these new requirements. Several guidance documents developed by Washington State Department of Health and other resources are listed in related resources under Virginia Graeme Baker Act.

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.
      
    • 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 and Guidance for Preventing COVID-19.
      

Additional Water Recreation information

• Disinfection, pumps, filters, and other equipment changes require plan review with the Health Department. For plan review inquiries, email us at KCPoolPlans@kingcounty.gov
  
  
• Making changes to main drains and suction outlet covers. Before making changes to your pool to comply with the Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act requirements you will need to go through plan review. Submit an Application for Pool Plan Review, renovation fee located in Service fees for pools and spas and applicable information specified in the Plan Review Checklist for Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Requirements to Public Health to start the review process. For plan review inquiries, email us at KCPoolPlans@kingcounty.gov
  
  • If your main drain or suction outlet covers are due for replacement, please read the information regarding ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 (2017) standard requirements. Changes to the standard may require additional work to complete drain cover replacements.
    
    
• 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)

2022 Splash! Newsletter

• 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

2021 Splash! Newsletter

• 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

2020 Splash! Newsletter

• Maintenance
• Renovation/equipment replacement
  
• Is your pool and/or spa Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) compliant?
  
• Staff training

2019 Splash! Newsletter

• 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

2018 Splash! Newsletter

• Pool and spa contact information required
  
• Reporting requirements for injuries and illnesses
  
• VGB compliance plan review and drain cover replacement
  
• And more...

2017 Splash! Newsletter

• 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...

2016 Splash! Newsletter

• 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.

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www.kingcounty.gov/pools