SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5230

BYSenators Stratton, Deccio, Sellar, Kiskaddon and Vognild; by request of Department of Social and Health Services

Modifying provisions governing water recreation.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 29, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5230 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Wojahn, Chairman; Stratton, Vice Chairman; Deccio, Kiskaddon, Kreidler, Tanner.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  February 5, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS, JANUARY 29, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) currently regulates water quality, sanitation, and construction design aspects of public swimming pools larger than 1500 square feet which charge admission fees.  They also regulate swimming pools provided by a hotel, motel or private club.  In addition, 1986 amendments to the law permit DSHS to regulate the water quality, sanitation and construction design of water recreation facilities such as slides, wave pools and water amusement parks.

Currently, neither the water quality, sanitation or safety considerations of public spas, tubs and areas designated for swimming in natural waters with artificial boundaries are covered under law, nor are the safety considerations of swimming pools. Swimming pools and spas are responsible for a growing number of injuries and illnesses and are ideal environments for the growth of micro-organisms.

The coverage under law of swimming pools in multi-residential units is unclear.

SUMMARY:

The regulation of water recreation facilities is expanded to include the water quality, sanitation and safety aspects of public spas, tubs and areas designated for swimming in natural waters with artificial boundaries, as well as aspects of swimming pools.  Exemptions are provided for water recreation facilities for residents and invited guests at single family residents, therapeutic water facilities, steam baths and saunas.  Water recreation facilities located in multi-residential complexes of less than 15 units are exempt from construction design reviews, routine inspections and permit or fee requirements, though they must conform to water quality, sanitation and safety standards.  Rule-making authority is transferred to the State Board of Health for spas and swimming pools.

Local governments also have the authority to regulate water recreation facilities.  Such facilities are made subject to requirements for construction permits, operating permits, immunity from liability for government officers, and reporting of injuries and disease for recreational water contact facilities.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Existing in-ground recreational facilities are exempt from design and construction requirements established by the State Board of Health but not from water quality, sanitation and safety standards.  The Department or local board of health is required to issue or deny permits for construction or modification of water recreation facilities within 30 days of submittal.  The dealers of spa pools and tubs are required to furnish to the purchaser operating instructions for proper treatment of water, and appropriate warnings about possible rashes associated with their use.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Eric Slagle, Department of Social and Health Services; Pat Malloy, Washington Parks and Recreation Association; John Thayer, Washington State Environmental Health Directors; Jeanette Robinson, Tacoma Parks Department