PROPOSED RULES
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 00-22-122.
Title of Rule: Chapter 246-260 WAC, Water recreation facilities.
Purpose: To revise the entire chapter for clarity and update design and operation standards to reflect the latest public health information and advances in technology.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 70.90.120.
Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 70.90 RCW.
Summary: This proposal includes reorganization to improve readability, reduce some detail, and consolidate requirements that are common to all pool types. Significant changes in the rule include:
| • | Improving existing barrier protection at older facilities (built before 1990); |
| • | Modifying requirements for lifeguards at private clubs; and |
| • | Addressing safety hazards for pools with single main drains. |
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Gary Fraser, 7171 Cleanwater Lane, Tumwater, WA, (360) 236-3073; and Enforcement: Maryanne Guichard, 7171 Cleanwater Lane, Tumwater, WA, (360) 236-3391.
Name of Proponent: Department of Health and the State Board of Health, governmental.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: This proposal streamlines and clarifies chapter 246-260 WAC. The proposal also changes the requirements for lifeguards, pool barriers and main drains in order to decrease the risk of injury and drowning. Other requirements have been simplified or relaxed to provide more flexibility for pool operators.
Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: Two sections are amended: WAC 246-260-001 Purpose and authority and 246-260-010 Definitions.
Three sections of the chapter remain the same with no amendments: WAC 246-260-180 Bathing beaches, 246-260-990 Fees, and 246-260-998 Severability.
All the remaining sections of the chapter are repealed and have been reorganized and rewritten.
A small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW.
The regulations for water recreation facilities covered in chapter 246-260 WAC are to ensure a healthy and safe environment for the users of more than 4,000 regulated pool facilities in Washington state. This program is administered jointly by the state and local health jurisdictions.
The proposal repeals most of the existing chapter and reorganizes it to be clearer and easier to use. No changes are proposed for WAC 246-260-180 Bathing beaches, 246-260-990 Fees, and 246-260-998 Severability. For this reason, these sections are not seen in the proposal and are not considered in this analysis.
2. Is a Small Business Economic Impact Statement (SBEIS) Required for this Rule? Yes.
3. Which Industries are Affected by this Rule?
7011: Hotels and Motels
7991: Physical Fitness Facilities
7997: Membership Sports and Recreation Clubs
7999: Amusement and Recreation Services, Not Elsewhere Classified
4. What are the Costs of Complying with this Rule for Small Businesses (Those with Fifty or Fewer Employees) and For the Largest 10% of Businesses Affected? Detailed cost estimates can be found in the accompanying significant analysis document. They indicate the following estimated costs of compliance:
| Rule Component | Estimated Cost |
| Lifeguard requirement (WAC 246-260-131 (5)(a)(iv)) | Cost savings -$50,000/year |
| Barriers (WAC 246-260-031 (4) and (5)) | $0 - $17,500 (one-time) |
| Innovative design (WAC 246-260-021(4)) | Cost savings |
| Main drains (WAC 246-260-031 (8)(e)) | Minor |
| Skimmer line drain grate protection (WAC 246-260-031(8)) | Minor |
| Spa pools--Equipment rooms (WAC 246-260-031(14)) | Cost savings - $600 (one-time) |
| Ton chlorine cylinders (WAC 246-260-031 (17)(h)) | Minor |
| Lockers (WAC 246-260-031 (20)(a)(v)) | $0 - $250 (one-time) |
| Self-closing faucets (WAC 246-260-031 (21)(f)(iv)) | Minor |
| Showers (WAC 246-260-031 (21)(g)(4)) | Cost savings |
| Diaper changing stations (WAC 246-260-031(22)) | $0 - $500 |
| Lighting (WAC 246-260-031(23)) | Minor |
| Diving boards (WAC 246-260-041 (6)(a)(iv)) | Significant cost savings (one-time) |
| Starting blocks (WAC 246-260-041 (6)(b)(ii)) | Cost savings |
| Emergency phone (WAC 246-260-041 (11)(c)) | Minor |
| Spa pools--Perimeter requirements (WAC 246-260-051(1) and 246-260-061) | Minor |
| Spa pools--Decking (WAC 246-260-051(1) and 246-260-061) | $0 |
| Spa pools--Setback from raised structures (WAC 246-260-051 and 246-260-061) | Cost savings |
| Spa pools--At transient accommodation facilities (WAC 246-260-061) | Cost savings |
| Spa pools--In individual rooms of hotels, etc. (WAC 246-260-061) | Cost savings |
| Wading pools (formerly WAC 246-260-071) | Cost savings |
| Recirculating spray pools (WAC 246-260-081) | Cost savings |
| Spray pools--Maximum velocity (WAC 246-260-081(3)) | Minor |
| Spray pools--Bathrooms, etc. (WAC 246-260-081 and 246-260-031) | $0 |
| Spray pools--Walkway (WAC 246-260-081(1)) | $0 - $1,000 (one-time) |
| Emergency equipment requirements (WAC 246-260-041 (11)(g), 246-260-071(7), and 246-260-081(4)) | $0 - $600 (one-time) |
| Specialty design features (WAC 246-260-091) | Cost savings |
| Water quality--Ozone and copper silver (WAC 246-260-111(3)) | Minor |
| Water quality--Minimum and maximum disinfectant levels (WAC 246-260-111(3)) | Minor |
| Water quality--Testing equipment (WAC 246-260-111 (6)(c)) | Minor |
| Water quality--And air quality (formerly WAC 246-260-070, now WAC 246-260-111(8)) | Minor |
| Water recreation facilities--Not in operation (WAC 246-260-141(2)) | Cost savings |
| Water recreation facilities--Abandoned (WAC 246-260-141(5)) | Cost savings |
| Water recreation facilities--Variances (WAC 246-260-131) | Cost savings |
| Water recreation facilities--Enforcement (WAC 246-260-201 (1)(c)) | Cost savings - $300 |
6. If the Rule Imposes a Disproportionate Impact on Small Businesses, What Efforts Were Taken to Reduce that Impact (or Why Is It Not "Legal and Feasible" To Do So) by
(a) Reducing, Modifying, or Eliminating Substantive Regulatory Requirements? For lifeguarding requirements for private clubs, mitigating efforts include allowing a lower level of training for lifeguarding in shallow waters. There is also an allowance to only have an attendant, rather than a lifeguard.
The requirement for the emergency shut-off switch and audible alarm for single main drain swimming pools, wading pools and recirculating spray pools represents the least costly alternative for improving protection with single main drain pools.
With regard to the final proposal, it is not feasible to reduce, modify, or eliminate substantive regulatory requirements because of their importance for public health: Small facilities need emergency alarms for the same reason that large facilities need them. However, the variance process does provide some flexibility in exceptional circumstances. This process may prove useful, for example, for owners of small spa pools who can demonstrate that they have sufficient access to equipment and do not need an equipment room.
(b) Simplifying, Reducing, or Eliminating Record-Keeping and Reporting Requirements? Monitoring requirements have been simplified and some have been removed including need to monitor all hazardous equipment and daily estimation of the number of users. Water quality monitoring requirements have simplified minimum residuals with a wider range of disinfectant allowed in swimming pools and wading pools.
(c) Reducing the Frequency of Inspections? Local health jurisdictions have taken the responsibility for operating permits across the state at this time. Each department establishes their inspection frequency.
(d) Delaying Compliance Timetables? The sections of the regulation dealing with significant financial impact (barriers and emergency shut-off switches for single main drain pools), provide until June of 2008 for facilities to come into compliance.
(e) Reducing or Modifying Fine Schedules for Noncompliance? While civil penalty provisions exist in the regulations, DOH has not used these to date. The only time civil penalties have been issued by local health jurisdictions is when a pool poses an imminent hazard (e.g., lack of adequate barrier protection, lack of disinfection, etc.) Generally, when civil penalties have been written in the past, they have been removed when compliance is achieved.
(f) Any Other Mitigation Techniques? Other mitigations include:
| • | Removed the fifteen foot setback requirement for second floor balconies, etc, for spa and wading pools. |
| • | Skimmer outlets are provided with a wider range for operation, making placement simpler. |
| • | Details for sizing for equipment rooms have been simplified with removal of minimum square foot of surface area. For spas at transient accommodations serving fewer than fifteen living units, the requirement has been removed. |
| • | Details for filtration have been relaxed and will defer to third party for application rates for filters. |
| • | Many lighting level requirements have been reduced or eliminated. |
| • | Some items in emergency equipment requirements have been reduced: Including size of first-aid kits, blankets, and requirements for reaching pools have been changed to only apply to nonlifeguarded pools. |
| • | Spa pool requirements for smaller motel/hotel/B&B serving fewer than fifteen living units have been reduced. |
| • | Spray pool designs will now be allowed that recirculate, without having to be attached to a swimming pool 30,000 gallons more in volume. |
| • | Facilities that are abandoned have an additional option of providing a safety cover rather than just filling the pool. |
| • | The variance process will only require going to either the state or local health agency, but not require written concurrence. |
Other small business owner groups, including those representing hotel, motel association, and mobile home park owners, participated in the committee. Others from the apartment owners and condominium owners were invited to attend, but they chose not to participate.
A copy of the statement may be obtained by writing to Gary Fraser, Environmental Health Division, P.O. Box 47825, Tumwater, WA 98504, e-mail gary.fraser@doh.wa.gov, phone (360) 236-3073.
RCW 34.05.328 applies to this rule adoption. Portions of this rule making qualify as "significant legislative rules" and the analysis required by RCW 34.05.328 has been prepared. A draft copy is available by contacting Gary Fraser at the address listed above.
Hearing Location: State Board of Health, Skamania Lodge, 1131 S.W. Skamania Lodge Way, Stevenson, WA 98648, on May 12, 2004, at 11:15 a.m.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Gary Fraser by May 5, 2004, TDD (800) 833-6388 or (360) 236-2250.
Submit Written Comments to: Gary Fraser, Environmental Health Division, P.O. Box 47825, Tumwater, WA 98504, by May 7, 2004.
Date of Intended Adoption: May 12, 2004.
April 5, 2004
Craig McLaughlin
Acting Executive Director
OTS-6670.5
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 124B, filed 12/27/90,
effective 1/31/91)
WAC 246-260-001
Purpose and authority.
(1) The purpose
of this chapter is to protect the health, safety, and welfare
of users of water recreation facilities (WRF). This chapter
is established per RCW 70.90.120.
(2) This chapter does not apply to:
(a) Any water recreation facility for the sole use of residents and invited guests at a single-family dwelling;
(b) Any water recreation facility for the sole use of residents and invited guests of a duplex owned by the residents;
(c) Therapeutic water facilities operated exclusively for physical therapy or rehabilitation under the supervision of a licensed medical practitioner; and
(d) Steam baths and saunas.
(3) Requirements for recreational water contact facilities, including water slides, speed slides and wave pools are contained in chapter 246-262 WAC.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-260-001, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.90.120. 90-07-010 (Order 042), § 248-98-003, filed 3/12/90, effective 4/12/90.]
(((a))) "CPR" means cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
"DE" means diatomaceous earth;
(((b))) "F" means Fahrenheit;
"fps" means feet per second;
(((c))) "gpm" means gallons per minute;
(((d))) "mg/l" means milligrams per liter. When
requirements in this regulation specify limits for liquid
volume measurements using mg/l or ppm, either may be used
depending on the type of testing equipment available;
(((e))) "ppm" means parts per million. See notation
under mg/l for use;
(((f))) "TU" means turbidity unit as measured by the
nephelometric method.
(2) (("ANSI" means American National Standards Institute.
(3) "APHA" means American Public Health Association.
(4))) Acronyms:
(a) "ALTI" means Advanced Lifeguard Training International;
(b) "ANSI" means American National Standards Institute;
(c) "APHA" means American Public Health Association;
(d) "ARC" means American Red Cross;
(e) "ASA" means American Standards Association;
(f) "ASHRAE" means American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers;
(g) "ASTM" means American Society for Testing and Materials;
(h) "AWWA" means American Waterworks Association;
(i) "E&A" means Ellis and Associates;
(j) "CPSC" means U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission;
(k) "EPA" means U.S. Environmental Protection Agency;
(l) "FINA" means Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur;
(m) "IAPMO" means International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials;
(n) "NAUI" means National Association of Underwater Instructors;
(o) "NSF" means National Sanitation Foundation;
(p) "NSPI" means National Spa and Pool Institute;
(q) "PADI" means Professional Association of Diving Instructors;
(r) "UBC" means Uniform Building Code;
(s) "UL" means Underwriters' Laboratories;
(t) "WRF" means water recreation facility;
(u) "WRPA" means Washington Recreation and Parks Association;
(v) "WSDA" means Washington state department of agriculture; and
(w) "YMCA" means Young Men's Christian Association.
(3) Definitions:
"Approved" means the department or local health officer
has stated in writing that the design plans and specifications
are in accordance with this chapter ((246-260 WAC.
(5) "ARC" means American Red Cross)).
(((6))) "Architect" means a registered architect
currently licensed under chapter 18.08 RCW in Washington
state.
(((7) "ASHRAE" means American Society of Heating,
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers.
(8) "Assistant lifeguard" means a person appointed by the owner or manager meeting the training requirements of this chapter actively assisting lifeguards (under direct lifeguard supervision) for the purpose of ensuring bather safety.
(9))) "Attendant" means a person appointed by the owner
or manager meeting the training requirements of this
chapter((, monitoring)) who monitors activities and conditions
for the purpose of ensuring bather safety.
(((10))) "Bathing beach" means a bathing place, together
with buildings and appurtenances ((used in connection
therewith)), on a natural pond, lake, stream, or other body of
fresh or salt water((, which)) that is open to the public for
bathing by express permission of the owner, ((or which is))
operated for a fee, or openly advertised as a place for
bathing by the public.
(((11))) "Board" means the state board of health.
(((12) "CNCA" means Council for National Cooperation in
Aquatics.
(13) "CPSC" means Consumer Product Safety Commission (U.S.).
(14))) "Commercial strength ammonia" means ammonia having a strength of twenty-six degrees Baume'.
"Communication system" means any combination of devices
permitting the passage of ((or exchange of)) messages between
personnel and/or personnel and bathers. Systems can include
but are not limited to two-way radios, hard wired intercoms,
horns, whistles, hand signals, direct voice, signs, or
equivalent.
(((15))) "Contaminant" means any physical, chemical, or
biological substance present in the WRF water which may
adversely affect the health or safety of the bather ((and/))or
the quality of the water.
(((16))) "Cross-connection" means any physical
arrangement connecting ((a)):
(a) Potable water system directly or indirectly, with anything other than another potable water system; or
(b) WRF pool to any ((potable or nonpotable)) water
source capable of contaminating either the WRF pool, its
components, or potable water source as a result of backflow.
(((17))) "Department" means the state department of
health.
(((18))) "Deep water" means water greater than five feet
in depth.
"Diving envelope" means the minimum dimensions of an area within the pool necessary to provide entry from a diving board, platform, or pool decking intended for users to dive.
(((19))) "Engineer" means a registered professional
engineer currently licensed under chapter 18.43 RCW ((in
Washington state)).
(((20) "FINA" means Federation Internationale de Natation
Amateur.
(21))) "Fall zones" mean the areas under and around play toys where a person playing on them could fall. These areas should be free of obstacles or other equipment so that there's plenty of room. Basic guidelines include the following:
(a) Fall zones should extend a minimum of six feet in all directions from the perimeter of the play toy equipment.
(b) If the height of an adjacent play toy is thirty inches or more, the minimum distance between pieces of play equipment should be at least nine feet.
"General use pool" means any swimming, spa, wading, or
spray pool regulated by this chapter not meeting the
definition of a "limited use pool." ((If limited-use pools
provide organized programs (as noted in limited use
definition), the limited use pools shall conform with the
general-use pool requirements during periods of such activity.
(22))) "Handhold" means a structure not over twelve inches above the water line around the perimeter of the pool wall, affording physical means for the bather to grasp the pool sides.
(((23))) "Illness or injury report" means the written
record of all facts regarding an injury or illness associated
with the WRF.
(((24))) "Innovative design feature" means a design
feature, equipment, device, or operative procedure not
specifically covered by these rules or chapter 246-262 WAC.
"Licensed medical practitioner" includes medical doctor, osteopath, chiropractor, naturopath, and medical therapist currently licensed in Washington state.
"Lifeguard" means a person meeting the training
requirements of these rules appointed by the owner or manager
to maintain surveillance over the bathers on the deck or in
the pool and to supervise bather safety. ((The lifeguard
shall meet the training requirements of this chapter.
(25))) "Lifeguard station" means designated work station of a lifeguard.
(((26))) "Lifesaving equipment" means emergency equipment
and barrier protection.
(((27))) "Lifesaving Society" means the organization in
Canada that establishes training requirements and standards
for Lifeguard training.
"Limited use pool" means any swimming, spa, wading, or
spray pool regulated by this chapter at an apartment, boarding
home, condominium, fraternity, home owners association, hotel,
mobile home park, motel, recreational vehicle park, sorority
or rental housing unit ((and is)) for the use of the persons
living or residing at ((these facilities)) the facility and
((the)) their resident's invited guests. ((If such pool
provides organized programs at the facility (that is, formal
instructional lessons for swimming or diving, swim meets,
exercise classes, or other activities planned for users
besides those specified under the limited use pool category),
the pool facility shall conform with the general use pool
requirements during periods of such activity.
(28))) When organized programs are provided at the facility (including, but not limited to, formal swimming or diving lessons, swim meets, or exercise classes), for users besides those specified under the limited use category, the pool facility shall be considered to be a general use pool during periods of such activity.
"Local health officer" means the health officer of the city, county, or city-county department or district or a representative authorized by the local health officer.
(((29) "NSF" means National Sanitation Foundation.
(30) "NSPI" means National Spa and Pool Institute.
(31) "Operations" means all aspects of a WRF which must be controlled to make the facility safe, healthy, and usable for the purpose intended.
(32))) "Owner" means a person owning and responsible for a WRF or their authorized agent.
(((33))) "Person" means an individual, firm, partnership,
copartnership, corporation, company, association, club,
government entity, or organization of any kind.
(((34))) "Physical plant" refers to pool shell, piping,
lighting, ventilation, locker rooms, chemical storage rooms,
mechanical rooms, or other structural facility components that
are not readily modified. It does not include pumps, filters
or disinfection systems.
"Play toy" is a water feature added to a pool for use by bathers that provides activity or action that enhances the overall use of the water environment. Such feature may include, but not be limited to, fixed stationary features, inflatable or floatable equipment, or other equipment with the intent to invite bathers to play on or around the feature.
"Pool" means swimming pool, wading pool, spray pool, or spa pool or the like.
(((35) "Plummet" means a line perpendicular to water
surface and extending vertically to a point located at the
front end of the diving board and at the center line directly
in front of the diving board.
(36) "Primary zone of visual coverage" means the area assigned to a lifeguard or attendant for primary visual surveillance of user activity.
(37))) "Private club" means a group or organization requiring membership enrollment.
"Radius of curvature" means the radius arc denoting the curved surface from the point of departure from the springline (vertical sidewall) of the pool to the pool bottom.
(((38))) "Response time" means time between bather
distress and initiation of rescue assistance contact by a
lifeguard in facilities providing lifeguards.
(((39))) "Recreational water contact facility" means an
artificial water associated facility with design and
operational features that provide patron recreational activity
which is different from that associated with a conventional
swimming pool and purposefully involves immersion of the body
partially or totally in the water, and that includes but is
not limited to water slides, wave pools, and water lagoons.
These facilities are regulated by chapter 246-262 WAC.
(((40) "RLSSC" means the Royal Life Saving Society of
Canada.
(41))) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department of health.
(((42))) "Serious injury" means any injury:
(a) Requiring emergency service response where a person
requires medical treatment as determined by the emergency
medical response personnel; ((and/))or
(b) Resulting in a person seeking medical attention at a medical facility, hospital emergency room or admittance to a hospital.
(((43))) "Shallow water" means water equal to or less
than five feet in depth.
"Shallow water lifeguard" means a person appointed by the owner or manager to supervise bather safety in water depths not exceeding five feet who meets the training requirements of this chapter.
"Spa pool" means a pool designed for relaxation or
recreational use where the user is usually sitting, reclining,
or at rest and the pool is not drained, cleaned, ((or)) and
refilled for each user. The spa pool may include, but not be
limited to, hydrojet circulation, hot water, cold water,
mineral baths, air induction bubbles in any combination.
(((44))) "Spray pool" means a pool or artificially
constructed depression for use by bathers in which water is
sprayed, but is not allowed to pond((,)) in the bottom of the
pool.
(((45))) "Springline" means the point where the pool wall
breaks from vertical and begins its arc in the radius of
curvature (for cove construction) to the bottom of the pool.
(((46))) "Swimming pool" means any structure, basin,
chamber, or tank containing an artificial body of water for
swimming, diving, relaxation, or recreational bathing and
having a depth of two feet or more at any point and including
all associated facilities.
(((47))) "Swim spa" means a type of spa pool used
primarily for stationary swimming.
"Turnover time" means the minimum time necessary to circulate the entire volume of the pool facility through the treatment system.
(((48))) "Wading pool" means any artificial pool of water
equal to or less than two feet deep and intended for wading
purposes.
(((49))) "Walking surface" means any surface used as a
direct access surface for a pool area and the walking
surface's change room facilities where the user is barefoot.
(((50))) "Water treatment operator" means the appointed
person operating the physical and mechanical equipment and
performing related water quality monitoring and associated
record keeping for proper operation of the physical facility.
(((51))) "Water recreation facility (WRF)" means any
artificial basin or other structure containing water used or
intended to be used for recreation, bathing, relaxation or
swimming, where body contact with the water occurs or is
intended to occur and includes auxiliary buildings and
appurtenances. The term includes, but is not limited to:
(a) Conventional swimming pools, wading pools, and spray pools;
(b) Recreational water contact facilities as defined under RCW 70.90.110 and regulated under chapter 246-262 WAC;
(c) Spa pools and tubs using hot water, cold water, mineral water, air induction, or hydrojets; and
(d) Any area designated for swimming in natural waters with artificial boundaries within the waters.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.90.120. 92-02-020 (Order 226B), § 246-260-010, filed 12/23/91, effective 1/23/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-260-010, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.90.120. 90-07-010 (Order 042), § 248-98-001, filed 3/12/90, effective 4/12/90; Regulation .98.001, effective 3/11/60.]
(a) A completed construction permit application form obtained from the department or local health officer; and
(b) Three sets of plans and specifications prepared, stamped and signed by an engineer or architect.
(2) Plans must be drawn to scale and in sufficient detail to completely illustrate that construction is in compliance with this chapter. The plans shall include:
(a) One plan view;
(b) One or more cross-sections through the main drain;
(c) Overall plan showing the pool in relation to other facilities in the area;
(d) Detailed view of the equipment layout and the associated room or location;
(e) A piping schematic showing piping configuration, pipe size, valves, inlets, main drains, over flow outlets, make-up water, and backwash from the filter;
(f) Dimensional drawings of pool bottom and sidewalls;
(g) Specifications of all required components; and
(h) Other information requested by the department or local health officer.
(3) Only applications and plans that the department or local health officer determines are complete may be considered for permit approval or denial. The department or the local health officer shall approve or deny a complete application within thirty days.
(4) Owners may submit a construction permit application proposing a WRF that incorporates innovative design features not specifically covered by these regulations or chapter 246-262 WAC. At least thirty days prior to development of final plans and specifications, the owner shall present their proposal at a preliminary design conference with the department or local health officer. The owners or their architects or engineers shall address the health and safety issues, including maintenance and operation of the proposed innovative design, and good engineering practice. The department or local health officer may require additional information and additional review or justification by a safety engineer or other qualified individual before approving or denying the application. An application for a construction permit for a water recreation facility may not be approved unless, notwithstanding a noncompliant design, the health and safety purposes behind the requirements of this chapter would be met. An applicant (or the architect or engineer acting on behalf of the applicant) shall provide adequate documentation to meet these requirements including, but not limited to:
(a) Protection from drowning, diving injury, entrapment, impact or falling hazards, tripping or slipping hazards;
(b) Maintenance of water and air quality, including equivalent disinfection, filtration, control of pH, physical water conditions, water clarity and prevention of contamination to preclude illness;
(c) Age appropriate designs and means to control these features for the appropriate range of users.
(5) Owners shall ensure any WRF construction, modification, or alteration is completed according to approved plans and specifications.
(6) Upon completion of WRF construction, modification, or alteration and before an operating permit is issued, owners shall:
(a) Submit to the department or local health officer a construction report signed by an engineer or architect stating that to the best of the engineer's or architect's knowledge and belief, the installation is in compliance with the approved plans. The engineer's and architect's certification of the above condition in no way relieves any other party from meeting requirements imposed by contract or other regulations, including commonly accepted industry practice; and
(b) Notify the department or local health officer at least five working days before intended use of the facility.
(7) The construction permit issued by the department or local health officer is valid eighteen months. The department or local health officer may grant construction permit renewals which are valid for one year. The owner is responsible to resubmit for a reapplication for a construction permit.
[]
(1) Location: Owners shall locate pools to minimize surface drainage and other potential sources of pollution from entering the pool.
(2) Materials: Owners shall use only structure and equipment materials that are nontoxic, durable, inert, and easily cleanable.
(3) Walking surfaces: Owners shall design and maintain walking surfaces:
(a) Sloping away from the pool or pools;
(b) Sloping a minimum of one-fourth inch per foot to drain;
(c) Having a nonslip finish;
(d) Not having an abrupt change in height of greater than one-half inch, a gap no greater than one-half inch in width, or a crumbling surface presenting a potential tripping hazard;
(e) Equipped with sufficient drains to prevent standing water; and
(f) Of easily cleanable, impervious finishes.
(4) Barriers for new construction and remodeling:
(a) Owners shall provide barriers to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to pools. Spray pool facilities without standing water are exempt from barrier requirements of this section.
(b) Barriers at limited use pools must be at least sixty inches high.
(c) Barriers at general use pools must be at least seventy-two inches high.
(d) Barriers, including windows, (see figures 031.1 and 031.2) may not:
(i) Allow passage of a four-inch diameter sphere; or
(ii) Have spaces between vertical members greater than a width of one and three-quarter inches if the distance between the tops of horizontal members are spaced less than forty-five inches apart.
(e) Solid barriers may not have indentations or protrusions, other than normal construction tolerances and masonry joints.
(f) Barriers must have self-closing, self-latching gates or doors that provide either:
(i) A mechanism that uses a continuously locked latch, coded lock or other equivalent access control system that always requires a key or code to enter pool area. If the latch is less than sixty inches from the ground, the barrier must have an eighteen-inch radius of solid material around the latch (see figure 031.2) to preclude a child on the outside of the barrier from reaching through the gate or barrier and opening the latch and entering the pool; or
(ii) A latch height of sixty inches or more from the ground.
(g) Restricted area service entrances are exempt from door or gate requirements provided that no public access is available.
(h) Lifeguarded pools are not required to have a self-closing, self-latching gate during the period a pool is in use. Facility gates shall be closed and locked during nonuse periods.
(i) Barrier heights are measured on the side outside the pool enclosure area. Owners shall ensure that surrounding ground levels, structures, or landscaping do not reduce the effective height of the barrier.
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(6) Pool surface: Owners shall ensure pool surfaces are constructed and maintained to:
(a) Have white or light color finish;
(b) Not cause cutting, pinching, puncturing, entanglement, or abrasion hazard under casual contact; and
(c) Conform to ANSI/NSPI-1 2003 Standards for Public Swimming Pools or ANSI Standard NSPI-@-1999, American National Standard for Public Spas.
(7) Inlets: Owners shall provide pool inlets that are:
(a) Submerged;
(b) Located to produce uniform water and chemical circulation throughout the pool; and
(c) Located on the bottom of swimming and wading pools over twenty-five hundred square feet and spa pools greater than ten thousand gallons.
(8) Outlets:
(a) Owners shall provide pool outlets with:
(i) Overflow and main drain grating systems each designed to carry one hundred percent of the total recirculation filter flow;
(ii) Main drain piping systems designed to carry one hundred percent or more of total recirculation filter flow when a single pump is used or fifty percent or more of total recirculation filter flow when multiple pumps are used; and
(iii) Valving on main drain piping designed to provide required flow.
(b) Owners shall ensure that overflow outlets maintain a minimum of sixty percent of filter recirculation flow at all times.
(c) Overflow outlets must consist of an overflow channel on the perimeter of swimming pools twenty-five hundred square feet or more and spa pools ten thousand gallons or more, to promote uniform circulation and skimming action of the upper water layer with:
(i) A design preventing all matter entering the channel from returning to the pool;
(ii) Dimensions minimizing the hazard for bathers, such as catching arms or feet;
(iii) One one-hundredth of a foot slope per foot or more. However, adequate hydraulic justification from a designer to ensure the overflow system will meet (c)(v) of this subsection may be provided as an alternative;
(iv) Drains sufficiently spaced and sized to collect and remove overflow water to return line and filter, where applicable; and
(v) Size sufficient to carry one hundred percent of the recirculation flow plus the surge flow without flooding the overflow channel.
(d) Overflow outlets must consist of skimmers or overflow channels for pools less than twenty-five hundred square feet, or for spas under 10,000 gallons.
(i) Weirs provided in skimmers must have a normal operation flow rate of three to five gpm per inch of weir;
(ii) Skimmer equipment must be recessed in the pool wall so no part protrudes beyond the plane of the wall into the pool;
(iii) Skimmers must be equipped with a device, such as an equalizer line, to prevent air lock in the recirculation suction line. If equalizer lines are used, they must be protected with grates listed by IAPMO or UL;
(iv) Skimmers must be equipped with a removable and cleanable screen designed to trap large solids;
(v) Skimmers shall operate continuously with a minimum displacement rate of fifteen gallons per bather in swimming pools, twenty gallons in spa pools, and seven gallons in wading pools.
(e) Main drains in all pools must:
(i) Be located at swimming and wading pool low points;
(ii) Consist of two or more main drains for any pumped water recirculating system designed;
(A) Piping must be manifolded to assure the water pumps from both main drains simultaneously so that no single drain could be the sole source of suction;
(B) Drains must be spaced at least three feet apart or as far as practical in small spa pools. If a pool uses more than two main drains with a pump, the design must distribute flow so that no single drain could be the primary source of suction;
(C) Piping must be designed so velocity in piping assuming one hundred percent of the pump recirculation flow does not exceed six fps up to the main drain outlet box.
(iii) Have grates on drains with maximum flow of one and one-half feet per second or net outlet area four times or greater than the discharge pipe;
(iv) Have openings that prevent a sphere greater than one-half inch in diameter passing;
(v) Have mechanically fastened grates designed to withstand the force of users;
(vi) Have the total open area of grates sized to prevent a suction or entrapment hazard dangerous to user; and
(vii) For spa pools, have a design listed by IAPMO or UL to aid in preventing hair entrapment, if the main drains are located on vertical walls of the spas.
(9) Pumps: Owners shall provide and maintain recirculation pumps with adequate capacity to provide design flows for the entire operating and backwash cycles of the filter.
(10) Strainers: Owners shall provide hair and lint strainers for pumps that precede filters.
(11) Pool appurtenances:
(a) Owners shall ensure pools have:
(i) Handholds when the pool deck is greater than twelve inches above the water surface;
(ii) Stairs leading into spa pools;
(iii) Step risers on the exterior of the spa pool shall conform with UBC requirements for risers with nonslip tread finishes, when spas are elevated off the pool floor; and
(iv) Stairs, ladders, or stepholes for access at the shallow end of swimming pools.
(b) Owners shall ensure that stairs, when provided, meet the following construction requirements:
(i) Nonslip tread finish;
(ii) Contrasting color stair tread edges;
(iii) Placement recessed into the side of pools specifically designed for lap or competitive swimming;
(iv) Handrail having leading edges less than eighteen inches beyond and less than eight inches inside (horizontally) the vertical plane of the bottom riser;
(v) Each riser tread shall have a minimum unobstructed, tread depth of ten inches and minimum surface area each of two hundred forty inches;
(vi) Uniform riser heights of seven and one-half inches or less on general use swim pools fifteen hundred square feet or more and spa pools greater than forty feet in perimeter, except the bottom riser may be less than the uniform height; and
(vii) Uniform riser heights of ten inches or less for all other pools, except the bottom riser may be plus or minus two inches of the uniform height.
(c) Ladders or stepholes at swimming pools shall be:
(i) Spaced at a minimum of one for every seventy-five feet of swimming pool perimeter deeper than four feet;
(ii) Provided at both sides of the deep end of swim pools over thirty feet in width; and
(iii) Equipped with handrails.
(12) Valves: Owners shall provide valves to allow isolation and maintenance of equipment.
(13) Balancing tanks: Owners shall provide balancing tanks for pools designed with overflow channels. Balancing tanks must be of adequate size to prevent air lock in the pump suction line and have sufficient capacity to prevent flooding of the overflow channel.
(14) Equipment and chemical storage rooms: Owners shall provide enclosed, locked, lighted, vented rooms for mechanical equipment, with floors sloped to a floor drain and minimum access area three feet wide around equipment. Owners shall provide a separate chemical storage area or room that conforms to manufacturer's requirements for each chemical used in the pool area.
(15) Make-up water: Owners shall ensure an adequate supply of make-up water with associated piping, for each pool:
(a) Sufficient to replace daily pool losses;
(b) From a supply conforming to chapter 246-290 WAC;
(c) Without cross connections; and
(d) If using a pool fill spout, the spout may not project greater than one inch into the space above the water surface and shall be shielded so as not to create a deck hazard.
(16) Filters:
(a) Owners shall equip pools with filtration equipment:
(i) Meeting the applicable standards of NSF (for commercial application) or equivalent;
(ii) With a rate of flow indicator and gauge(s) for monitoring backpressure on filter;
(iii) With a means of discharging filter backwash to waste with a sight glass in a manner not creating a cross connection or a public nuisance;
(iv) With a means to release air entering the filter tank for pressure filters.
(b) If cartridge filters are used, owners shall always possess an extra set of cartridges and may not use cartridge filters with bypass valves.
(17) Disinfection equipment:
(a) Owners shall provide disinfection equipment:
(i) Providing a continuous and effective disinfectant residual;
(ii) Using a disinfectant with an easily monitored residual;
(iii) Having a design feed rate providing effective disinfection levels for peak demand conditions; and
(iv) Conforming to NSF standards 50 if disinfection chemical is other than gas chlorine.
(b) If disinfection equipment has adjustable output rate chemical feed of liquid solutions, the equipment shall:
(i) Feed under positive pressure in the recirculation system;
(ii) Provide a means for dosage adjustment; and
(iii) If the disinfection equipment is above pool water surface level, have provisions to prevent disinfectant solution siphoning when equipment is turned off.
(c) Solid tablets or granules may not be placed in skimmer basket.
(d) Rooms holding chlorine gas equipment must:
(i) Be above ground level;
(ii) Be constructed so all openings or partitions with adjoining rooms are sealed;
(iii) Be located with consideration of prevailing winds to dissipate leaked chlorine away from the pool facility;
(iv) Have door(s) opening only outward to the out-of-doors; and
(v) Have a sign on the door exterior reading DANGER CHLORINE in large enough letters to be read twenty-five feet away.
(e) Chlorine rooms must have mechanical exhausting ventilation that includes:
(i) Air inlets located as far as possible from fan intakes to promote good air circulation patterns;
(ii) A minimum of one air change per minute in the chlorine room when fan is operating;
(iii) A remote switch outside the room or a door-activated switch to turn on fan before entering;
(iv) Suction for fan near the floor;
(v) Exhaust vents located to prevent chlorine contaminated air from being drawn into supply air; and
(vi) Screened chlorinator vents.
(f) Gas chlorine systems must:
(i) Be vacuum injection type, with vacuum-actuated cylinder regulators;
(ii) Provide integral backflow and antisiphon protection at the injector;
(iii) Have taring (net weight of cylinder gas) scales for determining chlorine weight; and
(iv) Have a means for automatic shutoff when water flow is interrupted.
(g) A self-contained breathing apparatus designed for use in chlorine atmospheres caused by chlorine leaks must be available in an area accessible to the operator outside the chlorine room. The apparatus must be maintained in accordance with department of labor and industry standards. If procedures are established for immediate evacuation and the owner has a written agreement with emergency service fire districts or other approved organizations within the area for promptly responding to chlorine leaks, then breathing protection is not required at the pool facility.
(h) Chlorine gas cylinders must:
(i) Be stored only in designated chlorine rooms;
(ii) Have an approved valve-stem cylinder wrench on the valve stem to shut the system down in an emergency event;
(iii) Be properly secured to prevent tipping;
(iv) Be tagged to indicate cylinders are empty or full; and
(v) Not exceed one hundred fifty pounds tare weight per cylinder.
(i) Owners shall ensure that chemical disinfectants are not hand-fed into pools actively in use. Exception, chemical disinfectants may be hand-fed on an emergency basis if no users are in the pool and the pool is tested to meet water quality standards before reentry.
(j) If ozone is provided as a supplemental disinfection process:
(i) When ozone is produced by corona discharge method, the area where the ozone is produced shall meet the requirements of (e) of this subsection, unless field tests demonstrate no hazardous off-gassing of product;
(ii) When ozone is produced by ultraviolet light, it may be allowed in the mechanical room provided there are no levels of off-gassing exceeding 0.05 ppm;
(iii) Provide an ozone detector and alarm with corona discharge ozone generators;
(iv) Provide sufficient contact chambers to prevent excess levels of ozone from entering the pool water; and
(v) Testing equipment must be provided to monitor levels in the water and the atmosphere immediately above the water and the room where the ozone is produced.
(k) If copper or copper/silver is provided as a supplemental disinfection process:
(i) The output rate and method of controlling process levels into the pool facility must be provided;
(ii) The system shall not have a detrimental effect on maintaining proper turnover rates for the pool; and
(iii) Testing equipment provided to monitor levels of copper and silver in the pool water.
(18) Chemical feeding equipment for pH control: Owners shall provide chemical feed equipment for pH control, with a means of automatic shutoff if water flow is interrupted, for:
(a) Swimming pools fifty thousand gallons or greater;
(b) Spa pools ten thousand gallons or greater; and
(c) All pools treated with caustic soda or carbon dioxide.
(19) Ventilation: Owners shall provide adequate ventilation (in conformance with ASHRAE standards for pools and decks) to maintain air quality and to prevent moisture buildup in indoor areas. Design considerations must include maintaining negative pressure in the pool and deck area; providing adequate total airflow for acceptable air distribution; and preventing short-circuiting of fresh air return to exhaust.
(20) Locker room and dressing rooms:
(a) Owners shall provide general use pool facilities with locker rooms and dressing rooms having:
(i) Separate facilities for each gender constructed to block line of sight into locker rooms;
(ii) Water impervious nonslip floors properly sloped to drains to prevent standing water;
(iii) Easily cleanable walls, lockers, and benches (if provided);
(iv) Junctions between walls and floors coved for ease of cleaning; and
(v) Properly anchored lockers, (if provided), to prevent tipping.
(b) Owners shall provide limited use pool facilities with locker or dressing rooms meeting the requirements of (a) of this subsection if the pool facilities are located more than one-quarter mile from any served living units.
(c) Owners shall provide general use recirculating spray pool facilities with locker or dressing rooms meeting the requirements of (a) of this subsection if the pool facilities are located indoors.
(21) Restrooms, shower rooms, and plumbing fixtures:
(a) Owners shall provide general use pool facilities with restroom and shower room facilities having plumbing fixture types and numbers as described in Table 031.1 of this section (swim and wading pool bathing loads and spa bather capacity are additive for determining total bather load). The pool facility design shall provide users easy access to restroom and shower facilities with minimum nonuser cross traffic.
(b) Owners shall provide general use pool facilities with:
(i) Hose bibs with vacuum breakers around pool decks at a maximum spacing of one hundred fifty feet; accessible to each locker room; and within equipment room at facilities fifteen hundred square feet or more;
(ii) A janitor's sink at indoor facilities with a pool of fifteen hundred square feet or more; and
(iii) An operable drinking fountain conforming to ASA requirements at facilities with a pool fifteen hundred square feet or more.
(c) Owners shall provide limited use pool facilities with:
(i) Restroom and shower room facilities having plumbing fixture types and numbers as described in Table 031.3 of this section, if bathing load exceeds eighty persons;
(ii) Restroom and shower room facilities having plumbing fixture types and numbers as described in Table 031.4 of this section, if bathing load is eighty persons or less;
(iii) Hose bibs around pool decks at a maximum spacing of one hundred fifty feet;
(iv) A hose bib accessible to each locker room; and
(v) A hose bib within each equipment room at facilities with a pool of fifteen hundred square feet or more.
Table 031.3
Restroom Minimum Requirements* for General Use Pools
(Includes swimming, spa, and wading pools**)
| Amount of Fixtures Required for Occupancy Load by Sex | ||
| TYPE OF FIXTURES | MALE | FEMALE |
| Toilets up to 120 | 1/60 | 1/40 |
| From 121-360 | 1/80 | 1/60 |
| Over 360 add | 1/150 | 1/100 |
| Urinal up to 120 | 1/60 | N/A |
| From 121-360 | 1/80 | N/A |
| From 360 add | 1/150 | N/A |
| Showers up to 120 | 1/40 | 1/40 |
| From 121-360 | 1/60 | 1/60 |
| Over 360 add | 1/100 | 1/100 |
| Sinks up to 200 | 1/100 | 1/100 |
| From 201-400 | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Over 400 add | 1/400 | 1/400 |
| Diaper changing station | 1 | 1 |
| * | If sufficient supporting documentation is provided, restroom fixture numbers may be adjusted between the genders based on proposed use of the facility. (E.g., if the designer has experience and justification based on similar type facilities indicating that providing one additional shower for the women and one less for men would provide a sufficient number of fixtures to meet demands, this may be allowed.) |
| ** | If a general use spa or wading pool is the only pool at the facility, then a minimum of only one toilet, shower, and sink is required for each gender. |
| POOLS WITH: | TOILETS | SHOWERS | SINKS | DRESSING ROOMS | DIAPER CHANGING STATION |
| Living units*within 100 feet and less than three stories | - | - | - | - | - |
| Living units > 100 feet but < 500 feet and less than 3 stories | 1 | 1** | 1 | - | 1 |
| Living units within 1/4 mile and/or with three or more stories | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | 1 |
| Living units greater than 1/4 mile | 1(M) | 1(M) | 1(M) | 1(M) | 1(M) |
| 1(F) | 1(F) | 1(F) | 1(F) | 1(F) |
| * | "Living units" means all the units the facility serves. |
| ** | A shower is required only if a spa is present. |
(i) Separate restroom facilities for each sex containing at least one toilet and handwashing sink;
(ii) Hose bibs around pool decks at a maximum spacing of one hundred fifty feet; and
(iii) Additional plumbing fixtures, if indoors, conforming to the requirements for general use pools described in Table 031.1 of this section.
(e) Owners shall provide limited use recirculating spray pool facilities with:
(i) Hose bibs around pool decks at a maximum spacing of one hundred fifty feet; and
(ii) A restroom facility containing at least one toilet and one handwashing sink, if living units served are farther than one hundred feet away from the main pool.
(f) Restroom facilities must be located convenient to, and no further than one hundred feet away from, the main pool. They must have flush toilets provided with toilet tissue in dispensers and handwashing sinks including:
(i) Hot and cold or tempered water delivered through a mixing faucet with a maximum temperature of one hundred twenty degrees Fahrenheit;
(ii) Single service soap in a nonglass dispenser;
(iii) Single service towels or electric hand dryer; and
(iv) A minimum running water cycle of at least ten seconds if the faucets have self-closing valves.
(g) Shower facilities must be located convenient to, and no more than one hundred feet away from, the main pool. The facilities must have:
(i) A design allowing a full-body shower in the nude;
(ii) A design providing an enclosure confining water to the shower area;
(iii) Nonslip floor impervious to water with sufficient drains to prevent water from standing within the shower areas;
(iv) Running water delivered at a temperature between ninety degrees and one hundred twenty degrees Fahrenheit;
(v) Single service soap in a nonglass dispenser; and
(vi) Wall surfaces impervious to water up to shower head height.
(h) If owners limit the number of bathers within their facility and post and enforce the maximum bather load, owners may base the number of required plumbing fixtures on the posted maximum bather load.
(i) Owners shall dispose of all wastewater in a manner approved by the local health officer.
(22) Diaper changing stations: Owners shall provide a diaper changing station, including a handwashing sink conforming to the requirements in subsection (21)(f) of this section, accessible to all bathers, if children in diapers are allowed in the pool facility and the facility is:
(a) A general use pool facility; or
(b) A limited use pool facility located more than one hundred feet away from living units served.
(23) Lighting: Owners shall design and maintain pool facility lighting to a minimum level as described in Table 031.5. Sufficient overhead and underwater lighting shall be maintained to clearly see the bottom of the pool at all times pool is in use. Owners shall provide protective shielding for all lighting fixtures above walking surfaces and pool areas.
| Location | Minimum Lighting Level |
| Indoor pool surface | 30 foot candles |
| Outdoor pool surface* | 10 foot candles |
| Pool Decks | 10 foot candles |
| Locker rooms and mechanical rooms | 20 foot candles |
| * | Outdoor pool facilities, which are used in daylight hours only (before dusk) are not required to meet this standard. |
(a) Water supply is sufficient to provide the same turnover period specified for recirculation pools;
(b) The source water supply meets acceptable quality requirements and is subject to a disinfection method as described under WAC 246-260-111(3);
(c) The introduction of fresh treated pool water is accomplished by the same type of inlet and outlet design required for recirculation pools; and
(d) The pool water quality complies with WAC 246-260-111.
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(1) Location. Owners shall ensure pump houses, planters, balconies, landscape features, trees, and structures are located fifteen feet or more horizontally away from any swimming pool, or provide barriers or other means to prevent diving or ready access to a pool from the structures. These structures do not include:
(a) Building walkways above the second story;
(b) Inaccessible roofs eight feet or more in height; or
(c) Any barriers provided to prevent unauthorized pool access (e.g., fencing).
(2) Walking deck surfaces. Owners shall design and maintain walking deck surfaces as follows:
(a) For pools less than fifteen hundred square feet, walking deck surfaces must be at least four feet wide around the entire perimeter of pools;
(b) For pools less than fifteen hundred square feet, walking deck surfaces must be at least:
(i) Six feet wide at the shallow end of a variable-depth pool; and
(ii) Six feet wide on a minimum of twenty-five percent of the deck space of free form pools.
(c) For pools fifteen hundred square feet or larger, walking deck surfaces must be at least six feet wide:
(i) Around the entire perimeter of outdoor pools;
(ii) On fifty percent of the perimeter of indoor pools; and
(iii) The remaining fifty percent perimeter of the indoor pool must be a minimum of four feet wide.
(d) For pools fifteen hundred square feet or more, walking deck surfaces must be at least sixteen square feet per bather. To determine maximum bather load see subsection (10) of this section. If the owner provides maximum facility occupancy loading less than that of subsection (10) of this section, and the occupancy limit is posted and enforced, that loading may be used in lieu of the maximum bather load figure as described under subsection (10) of this section; and
(e) General use pools may not have sand and grass areas within the pool enclosure unless these areas are separated to prevent direct access from the pool area and the facility provides a means for cleansing bather's feet before reentering the pool and deck area.
(3) Pool general floor and wall dimensional design.
(a) Owners shall ensure pool dimensional designs for floors and walls provide for safety, circulation and quality of water;
(b) Pool floors must have uniform slopes with:
(i) A maximum slope of a one-foot drop in twelve feet of run at pool depths to five or less in pools fifteen hundred square feet or more; and
(ii) Floor slopes not intruding into the area designated as the diving envelope.
(c) Pool sidewalls may not curve or intrude into the pool beyond the vertical more than twelve inches at three and one-half feet and eighteen inches at a depth of five feet. The radius of curvature of wall-floor junctions may not exceed the maximum radius designated in Table 041.2 of this section for depths over five feet. Vertical means walls not greater than eleven degrees from plumb:
| POOL DEPTH | 3' | 3'6" | 5' | Greater than 5' |
| MINIMUM SIDEWALL DEPTH (Springline) | 2'2" | 2'6" | 3'6" | At 3'6" |
| MAXIMUM RADIUS OF CURVATURE | 10" | 12" | 1'6" | **Maximum radius equals pool depth minus the vertical wall depth |
| *Note: | For pool depths falling between the depths listed, values can be interpolated. |
| For pool depths less than three feet and greater than five feet, values shall be extrapolated. | |
| Radius of coving shall not intrude into pool within diving envelope. |
(i) The center of the radius not less than the minimum vertical depth specified under Table 041.2 of this section below the water surface level;
(ii) The arc of the radius is tangent to the wall; and
(iii) The maximum radius of coving, or any intrusion into the pool wall/floor interface, is determined by subtracting the vertical wall depth from the total pool depth.
(4) Ledges. In new construction or alterations to existing construction, ledges are prohibited in swimming pool sidewalls, except as specified in WAC 246-260-091(3).
(5) Specific design requirements for pools furnishing areas for diving. Owners shall ensure areas designated for diving activities include a diving envelope meeting minimum requirements in:
(a) D-8.01, Table 1, APHA Public Pool Regulations, 1981, if the pool user would enter from the deck level twelve inches or less from water surface level.
(b) CNCA standard configuration in areas where user would enter from the deck level over twelve inches from water level, or has a platform or diving board provided at a height of less than one-half meter (twenty inches). This requirement is based on a standard described under CNCA publication Swimming Pools: A Guide to Their Planning, Design, and Operation 1987, Fourth Edition. Human Kinetics Publisher, Inc., Champaign, Illinois, Figure 8.1; or
(c) Dimensions for Diving Facilities, FINA facility rules, 2000-2001, if the pool user enters from the diving board or platform at a height of twenty inches (one-half meter) or greater from water surface level.
(6) Pool appurtenances.
(a) If a swimming pool contains diving boards and/or diving platforms, owners shall ensure that the boards and platforms:
(i) Are installed according to manufacturer's instructions;
(ii) Have slip-resistant tread surfaces;
(iii) Have steps and ladders leading to diving boards with handrails; and
(iv) Are protected with guardrails and one intermediate rail, both extending at least to the water edge when one meter or more above the water.
(b) Owners shall ensure starting blocks:
(i) Are firmly secured when in use; and
(ii) If water depth is less than nine feet, starting blocks must be removed or covered with protective equipment unless used by competitive swimmers trained in proper use of starting blocks.
(c) Owners shall ensure that water slides conform with requirements of chapter 246-262 WAC.
(7) Turnover. Owners of swimming pools shall design and maintain water treatment recirculation rates to completely turn over the entire pool water volume of pool in six hours or less.
(8) Pool depth markings. Owners shall provide water depth markings in feet:
(a) Located on the pool vertical wall at or above the water level so as to be easily readable from the water, in numbers at least two inches high. If overflow channels do not allow for placement of vertical wall markings above the water level, they are not required;
(b) Located on the horizontal surface of pool coping or deck of pools within eighteen inches of the water's edge, easily readable while standing on the deck facing the water, in numbers at least four inches high;
(c) Placed at the maximum and minimum water depths and at all points of slope change;
(d) Spaced at increments of water depth of two feet or less;
(e) Spaced along sides of pools at horizontal intervals of twenty-five feet or less;
(f) Arranged uniformly on both sides and ends of pool;
(g) Placed on all major deviations in shape;
(h) Applied in a contrasting color; and
(i) Made of slip-resistant material on decks.
(9) Safety line or marking line.
(a) Owners shall provide either safety float lines or marking lines separating areas where the pool bottom breaks from a uniform slope in the shallow area leading to deeper water. Neither float lines or marking lines are required in pools with uniform floor slopes not exceeding one foot of slope for every twelve feet of horizontal floor length.
(b) Safety float lines, when used, must:
(i) Be kept in place at all times, except when the pool is used for a specific purpose such as lap swimming or competitive use;
(ii) Be placed one foot toward the shallow end away from the break point line;
(iii) Be strung tightly allowing bathers to hold onto the line for support;
(iv) Provide floats on the line at a minimum distance of every four feet; and
(v) Have a receptacle for receiving the safety line either recessed into the wall or constructed so as not to constitute a safety hazard when the safety line is removed.
(c) Marking lines, when used, must:
(i) Be placed on pool sides and bottoms at the break point line; and
(ii) Be of a contrasting color to the background color of the pool sidewalls and floor.
(d) In pools with uniform slopes not exceeding one foot of drop in twelve feet of run from the shallow end to the deep end, a safety float line or marking line is not required.
(10) Bather load. Owners shall ensure maximum number of bathers in the pool facility at any one time do not exceed a number determined by the formula noted under Table 041.2.
| Type of pool | Value A
(**SF
Shallow (5 ft. or less)) |
Value B (SF
Deep (> 5 ft.)) |
Maximum
bather load Value A + B |
| Indoor | SF/25 | SF/30 | |
| Outdoor | SF/15 | SF/30 |
| * | This formula will be used in determining certain features of pools as noted elsewhere in these rules and regulations. |
| ** | SF means square feet of surface area. |
(a) A telephone within the facility for general use pools;
(b) A telephone accessible within one minute for limited use pool facilities;
(c) A suitable area to accommodate persons requiring first-aid treatment;
(d) A standard 16-unit first-aid kit (see Appendix C, Table); and
(e) A blanket reserved for emergency use.
(f) For facilities with lifeguards:
(i) A rescue tube or rescue buoy at each pool lifeguard station; and
(ii) A backboard with means to secure a victim to a board and immobilize head, neck, and back.
(g) For pool facilities without lifeguards:
(i) A reaching pole at least twelve feet long with a double crook life hook;
(ii) A reaching pole at least twelve feet long for every fifteen hundred square feet of pool surface area; and
(iii) A throwing buoy, throw-rope bag, or other similar device with a rope the width of the pool or fifty feet long, whichever is less, for reaching and retrieving a victim.
(h) No later than June 1, 2008, owners of existing pools with single main drains shall install emergency equipment to shut off all pumps hooked to the recirculation lines for the pools. This emergency equipment must be placed within twenty feet of the pool and marked with an emergency shutoff sign. The shutoff switch must include an audible alarm which can be heard by those in the area, or have an alarm that goes to a point where staff is always present during the periods the pool is open.
(i) Pools providing dual main drains meeting the requirements of this section, or other acceptable methods of providing equivalent protection to the emergency shutoff switch, are exempt from this requirement.
(ii) The owner shall check the shutoff switch at least twice annually to determine it is properly operating.
(iii) The department will develop a guidance document to aid owners and designers in potential options to the emergency shutoff switch and audible alarm.
(12) Foot baths. Foot baths at water recreation facilities are prohibited. This does not preclude the construction and use of foot showers, if the area is well drained.
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(1) Walking surfaces. Owners shall design and maintain walking surfaces four feet or more wide around fifty percent or more of each spa pool. If spa pools are greater than one hundred square feet in surface area, then the entire perimeter must have a four-foot wide walking surface. If a spa has walking surfaces thirty inches or more in height above the floor, then they must have guardrails that conform with UBC codes.
(2) Spa pool structure. Owners shall ensure spa pool facilities have:
(a) White or light color surfaces, if a pool is one hundred square feet or more;
(b) Uniform floor slopes not exceeding one foot of drop in twelve feet of run sloped to drain;
(c) A minimum height of seven feet between the top of the pool rim and the ceiling;
(d) A maximum operational depth of four feet measured from the water line, except for special purpose designed pools; and
(e) Heater thermostat switches inaccessible to bathers.
(3) Spa capacity. The spa capacity is the maximum number of persons allowed in the spa pool at any one time and is the most restrictive of the following:
(a) The number of bathers able to be in the spa pool allowing ten square feet or more of water surface for each bather;
(b) Maximum bather load as calculated using the formula in subsection (4) of this section; or
(c) The capacity of the overflow system when using skimmers must be adequate to handle twenty gallons of displacement per bather.
(4) Turnover rate and bather load. Owners shall design and maintain water turnover of spa pool volume divided by turnover time divided by a constant (K). Spa turnover times are established in relation to loads as follows:
(a) Ten minutes for heavily loaded;
(b) Twenty minutes for moderately loaded;
(c) Thirty minutes for lightly loaded; and
(d) Sixty minutes for swim spas having very light loads.
| Spa Volume | Turnover Time (options are 10, 20, 30, or *60 minutes) | Constant K10 (10 minute turnover time) 8 gpm/person | Constant K20+ (20, 30, or *60 minute turnover time) 6.67 gpm/person |
| Value A | Value B | Value K10 | K20+ |
| * | 60 minute turnover times are established for swim spa facilities. |
| (Value A) | ||
| ÷ | (Constant K*) = Maximum spa capacity | |
| (Value B) |
| * | Choose K based on turnover of the spa. |
(a) A telephone within the facility for general use spa;
(b) A telephone within one-minute access for limited use spa pools;
(c) A standard sixteen-unit first-aid kit;
(d) A blanket reserved for emergency use; and
(e) A clearly marked emergency shutoff switch for turning off all pumps. The switch must be within twenty feet of each spa, accessible to the public, and triggering an audible alarm.
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(2) The requirements in WAC 246-260-031 (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (8)(b), (d)(iii), (d)(v), (e), (9), (10), (15), (16), (17), and Table 031.2 apply to prefabricated spa pools at limited use facilities serving less than fifteen living units.
(3) The requirements in WAC 246-260-051 (2)(b), (d), (e), (4), (5)(b), (c), and (e) apply to prefabricated spa pools at limited use facilities serving less than fifteen living units.
(4) Spa pools that are drained, cleaned and refilled between patron use in individual hotel/motel rooms are exempt from these requirements. Spas that are not drained, cleaned and refilled between use shall at least:
(a) Conform with WAC 246-260-031(4) on barriers beyond the room itself, such that the guest room plus any associated lanai or deck may be considered an enclosure unit.
(b) Conform with WAC 246-260-031(17) on disinfection equipment and conform with water quality requirements of WAC 246-260-111 for disinfection and pH.
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(1) Walking surfaces. Owners shall design and maintain pool walking surfaces:
(a) Four feet or more wide; and
(b) With a surface area of sixteen square feet per bather at the facility with both a swimming pool and wading pool when swimming pool is fifteen hundred square feet or more.
(2) Wading pool floor and wall dimensional design. Owners shall ensure pool dimensional designs for floors and walls provide for bather safety and do not hinder water circulation and quality. Designs must include:
(a) Coved at the intersection of walls with floors; and
(b) Uniform pool floor slopes not exceeding one foot of drop in twelve feet of run.
(3) Wading pool entry and exit. Owners shall provide one or more means of entry and exit on all pools including one of the following:
(a) Stairs including:
(i) Nonslip tread finish;
(ii) Contrasting color stair tread edges;
(iii) Handrails having leading edges less than eighteen inches beyond and less than eight inches inside (horizontally) the vertical plane of the bottom riser;
(iv) Riser treads with a minimum unobstructed, horizontal, ten-inch tread depth and minimum two hundred forty square inches of surface area; or
(v) Riser height uniform and seven and one-half inches or less, except last step leading into pool may be less than uniform height;
(b) Shallow pool entry must be seven and one-half inches or less in depth;
(c) Ramp entry into the pool must meet the following construction requirements:
(i) A handrail extending over the deck edge and extending to the bottom of the ramp for entering and leaving the wading pool;
(ii) Ramp edges protruding into the pool of contrasting color; and
(iii) Ramp slope not to exceed one foot in twelve feet.
(4) Turnover. Owners shall ensure wading pools turn over the entire pool water volume in three hours or less. If wading pools are recirculated jointly with swimming pools, proper means to ensure efficient turnover and treatment of the wading pool must be maintained.
(5) Pool depth markings. Owners shall provide easily visible depth markings:
(a) Measured in feet or inches;
(b) Located on the coping or deck within eighteen inches of the water's edge and positioned to be readable while standing on the deck facing the water;
(c) Made of slip resistant material;
(d) Placed at the maximum and minimum water depths;
(e) Spaced at intervals not exceeding twenty-five feet;
(f) Uniformly arranged on both sides and ends of the pool; and
(g) In numbers a minimum of four inches high.
(6) Bather load. Owners shall provide each bather in a wading pool facility with seven square feet or more of water surface area at all times.
(7) Emergency equipment. No later than June 1, 2008, owners of existing pools with single main drains shall install emergency equipment to shut off all pumps hooked to the recirculation lines for the pools. This emergency equipment must be placed within twenty feet of the pool and marked with an emergency shutoff sign. The shutoff switch must include an audible alarm which can be heard by those in the area, or the switch must have an alarm that goes to a point where staff is always present during the periods the pool is open.
(a) Pools with dual main drains meeting the requirements of this section, or other acceptable methods of providing equivalent protection to the emergency shutoff switch, are exempt from this requirement.
(b) The owner shall check the shutoff switch at least twice annually to determine it is properly operating.
(c) The department will develop a guidance document to aid owners and designers in potential options to the emergency shutoff switch and audible alarm.
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(1) Walking surface. A minimum four-foot wide walking surface shall extend around the perimeter of a spray feature sufficient that the spray will not exceed the walkway area in normal conditions including light wind conditions.
(2) Pool structure. Owners shall ensure each spray pool has:
(a) Pool surfaces with nonslip finishes impervious to water;
(b) Uniform pool floor slopes not exceeding one foot of a slope for every twelve feet of horizontal floor length;
(c) A source of water for the spray feature from an approved potable water supply;
(d) Water drained to waste disposed in a manner approved by local authorities or the department after use in the spray pool, unless it is recirculated with approved treatment as described in WAC 246-260-031; and
(e) The entire volume of water circulated through an approved treatment system every thirty minutes or less if water is recirculated.
(3) Inlets and outlets. Owners shall ensure spray nozzles at each spray pool are designed and maintained to not inflict physical damage to bathers. Design and construction shall include evaluation of forces of the spray nozzle including velocity, pressure and total force in proximity to bathers' eyes and other body orifices.
(a) Owners shall ensure outlet drains and recirculation drains are designed and maintained to provide sufficient capacity to prohibit water accumulation in each spray pool.
(b) Outlet drains in each spray pool must:
(i) Be located at the low point of the pool;
(ii) Have two or more main drains;
(iii) Have openings that prevent the passage of a sphere over one-half inch in diameter;
(iv) Have drain grates that withstand forces of users; and
(v) Have drain grates removable only with specific tools.
(c) Outlet drains to each spray pool recirculating pump, must have:
(i) A total open grate area sized to prevent a suction hazard dangerous to users;
(ii) A maximum flow of one and one-half feet per second, or net grate area of outlet four times or more the discharge pipe area; and
(iii) Manifolding a minimum of three feet apart where drains are piped directly to a pump.
(4) Emergency equipment. No later than June 1, 2008, owners of existing pools with single main drains shall install emergency equipment to shut off all pumps hooked to the recirculation lines for the pools. This emergency equipment must be placed within twenty feet of the pool and marked with an emergency shutoff sign. The shutoff switch must include an audible alarm which can be heard by those in the area, or the switch must have an alarm that goes to a point where staff is always present during the periods the pool is open.
(a) Pools that include dual main drains meeting the requirements of this section, or other acceptable methods of providing equivalent protection to the emergency shutoff switch, are exempt from this requirement.
(b) The owner shall check the shutoff switch at least twice annually to determine it is properly operating.
(c) The department will develop a guidance document to aid owners and designers in potential options to the emergency shutoff switch and audible alarm.
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(2) Benches. A single bench or seat that is recessed from the general wall of the swimming pool may be built into the shallow area of the pool, if it meets the following conditions. The bench: (See figure 091.1.)
(a) May not be located in an area that is used for lap swimming;
(b) May not exceed twenty percent of the length of the side it is located on or five percent of the perimeter of a free form pool;
(c) Must have a minimum two-inch or wider durable continuous line of a contrasting color on the top and side of the bench edge, so as to be readily visible to persons standing on the deck and persons swimming in the water; and
(d) The area of the deck above the bench must be labeled in nonslip lettering at least four inches high: "NO DIVING."
| Place illustration here. |
(a) The ledge construction conforms with FINA facilities rules, 2001-2002, Swimming Pools, FR2.4.2;
(b) The ledge is in a contrasting color from the rest of the pool for easy visibility.
(4) Waterfalls. A waterfall feature may be built at swim pool or spa pool facilities if the following conditions are met:
(a) If located in or adjacent to shallow swimming pool water levels, it must be set back from the edge of the pool a distance specified in Table 091.2; exceptions may be made for lifeguarded pools;
(b) If located at, or adjacent to, deep swimming pool water levels, it will be considered a diving platform and the adjacent pool area must conform to diving envelope design specified in WAC 246-260-041(3);
(c) Minimum walkway areas required in other sections of this chapter must be maintained around pools;
(d) Water in waterfalls that commingles with pool water must meet water quality and treatment requirements specified in other sections of this chapter and any additional disinfection required by the department or local health officer to address anticipated increased demands and aerosolization of disinfectant;
(e) Flows may not create turbulence that might create a safety hazard or reduce visibility in the pool; and
(f) Waterfalls that flow from pool sidewalls may not
exceed five percent of the total pool perimeter.
| Height of Feature Above Pool Water Level | Type of Special Feature | ||
| Waterfall | Rockery | Planting | |
| 12 inches or less | Feature may spill directly to pool from sidewall | Setback of 4 feet or more from pool edge; except at pools that are continuously lifeguarded. Five percent of deck perimeter may have feature provided up to pool edge. | Setback of 4 feet or more from pool edge. |
| Greater than 12 inches and less than 30 inches | Setback of 8 feet or more from pool edge. | ||
| Greater than or equal to 30 inches | Setback of 15 feet or more from pool edge. | ||
| * | Guarded pool setbacks shall be established in a preconstruction design conference with the owner, designer and health department. |
(a) If located adjacent to shallow swimming pool water, it must be set back from the edge of the pool a distance specified in Table 091.2; exceptions may be made for lifeguarded pools;
(b) If located at or adjacent to deep swimming pool water levels, it will be considered a diving platform and the adjacent pool area must conform to diving envelope design specified in WAC 246-260-041(3);
(c) The design has a nonslip surface without sharp or cutting edges in any areas that provide a potential foothold, stepping or standing access; and
(d) It slopes to drain water away from the pool.
(6) Play toy equipment. Play toy equipment may be built at pool facilities provided the following conditions are met:
(a) Can only be used in lifeguarded pools;
(b) It must comply with the requirements of chapter 246-262 WAC;
(c) Its design conforms to ASTM standard F1292 including establishing fall zones;
(d) Surfaces must be easily cleanable;
(e) It must be operated in accordance with a written plan of operation developed by the owner, addressing placement of the toy, protection from falls, entrapment, entanglement of bathers from each other, and visibility of users to lifeguards; and
(7) Special use pools. At least thirty days prior to development of final plans and specifications, owners shall submit proposals at a preliminary design conference for pools designed for special use purposes (e.g., scuba training, kayaking, portable rental spas, sensory deprivation tanks, public promotions at sports fields, county fairs, and any special events using portable pools) to the department or local health officer for review and approval. The department or local health officer has flexibility in applying portions of this chapter or additional requirements necessary to assure health and safety for users of these special use pools.
(8) Ballet rails.
(a) Owners may install ballet-type rails on pools having uses limited to exercise and training;
(b) Owners may install ballet-type rail on general or limited use pools, if:
(i) The rail is inset into the wall to preclude any obstructions in the pool; and
(ii) The rail is removable and covers are provided and used to maintain a flush surface in general use pools.
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POOL OPERATION REQUIREMENTS(2) To obtain an operating permit, owners of a WRF shall provide the department or local health officer information showing the WRF is in compliance with this chapter.
(3) Operating permits are:
(a) Valid for one year;
(b) Subject to annual renewal; and
(c) Nontransferable without written department or local health officer consent. For purposes of this section, a change in management of a corporation, partnership, association, or other nonindividual business entity creates a new person requiring either consent for a permit transfer or issuance of a new permit upon proper application.
(4) The department or local health officer issuing the operating permit may revoke or suspend the permit if the WRF is not operating in accordance with chapter 70.90 RCW or chapter 246-260 WAC.
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(2) Bacteriological standards. Owners shall maintain WRF pool waters to meet the following standards of bacteriological quality:
(a) Heterotrophic plate counts may not exceed two hundred bacteria per milliliter in two consecutive tests;
(b) Total coliform may not exceed an average of one coliform per sample of one hundred milliliters in two consecutive tests when using the membrane filter test; and
(c) Total coliform may not exceed 2.2 bacteria per sample of one hundred milliliters of water in two consecutive samples when using the most probable number (MPN) method.
(3) Disinfection.
(a) Owners shall maintain continuous disinfection of WRF pool water at all times by using:
(i) Chlorine or bromine concentrations specified in Table 111.1 of Appendix A;
(ii) Ozone may be used as a supplement to primary disinfection, but not a replacement.
(A) Minimum levels of primary disinfectant (chlorine or bromine) may not be less than required minimums.
(B) Ozonator units must meet the requirements of NSF standard 50 and be listed by NSF or an equivalent laboratory testing to NSF standard 50 and providing readily available listing.
(C) Maximum levels of ozone that can be produced by ozone generating device in the atmosphere above the pool water or the room where ozone is generated may not exceed 0.05 ppm.
(iii) Copper or copper silver disinfection processes may be used as a supplement to primary disinfection, but not a replacement.
(A) Minimum levels of primary disinfectant (chlorine or bromine) may not be less than required minimums.
(B) Copper or copper/silver disinfection units must meet requirements of NSF standard 50 and be listed by NSF or an equivalent laboratory testing to NSF standard 50 and providing readily available listing.
(C) Maximum levels of copper that can be produced in the pool water are 1.0 ppm copper and 0.05 ppm of silver; or
(iv) An alternative disinfectant registered with EPA and WSDA.
(b) Any primary or supplemental alternative disinfectant shall be used in conformance with guidelines established by the department and NSF standard 50.
(c) Alternative disinfectants must be evaluated using EPA document "Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers" by Campt and Cotruvo, EPA, April, 1986.
(4) Chemical and physical quality.
(a) Owners shall maintain physical and chemical conditions in WRF pool water within the ranges specified under Table 111.2 of Appendix A;
(b) Owners shall maintain cleanliness of WRF pool water by:
(i) Closing an affected WRF pool when contaminated with feces, blood, vomit, sewage, or other hazardous or unknown material until the area is clean, disinfected, and free of the hazardous material;
(ii) Daily removal of scum or floating material on the pool water surface;
(iii) Continuous removal of scum or floating material by overflow action of pool water with flotsam screened and filtered; and
(iv) Maintaining sanitary walking surfaces.
(5) Laboratory sampling and testing. Water samples for laboratory analyses required by this chapter must be:
(a) Analyzed in accordance with the twentieth edition of standard methods for the examination of water and waste/water analysis, published jointly by the American Public Health Association/Water Pollution Control Federation and AWWA;
(b) Collected in bottles approved by the local health officer;
(c) Collected and transported by procedures specified in standard methods listed in (a) of this subsection; and
(d) Analyzed at a laboratory approved by the local health officer.
(6) Field testing. Owners shall have and use field-testing equipment:
(a) To measure disinfectant residuals, pH, alkalinity, cyanuric acid (when used in pool) and any other chemicals routinely used in the pool water;
(b) To detect chlorine gas at pools where compressed chlorine gas is used, using commercial strength ammonia vapor; and
(c) With accuracy in the ranges of measurements specified in Table 111.3 of Appendix A.
(7) Chemicals in pool. Owners shall ensure addition of chemicals or materials to WRF pool waters occurs only when the use is accepted by the department or local health officer.
(8) Additional tests. Owners shall perform any additional tests of WRF pool water or air required by the department or local health officer to assure public safety.
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(a) Provide the department or local health officer with information requested regarding the investigation of an injury or illness associated with the WRF; and
(b) Notify the department or local health officer of a drowning, near drowning, death, serious injury or serious illness associated with the WRF within forty-eight hours after becoming aware of the occurrence.
(2) Incidents. Owners shall provide the department or local health officer with any information requested regarding the investigation of an incident creating a potential health or safety problem, for example, a chlorine gas leak.
(3) Monitoring and record keeping.
(a) Owners shall monitor the following water quality conditions of WRF pools and maintain records for a minimum of three years:
(i) Residual disinfectant concentration level frequently enough, but at least once every twenty-four hours, to determine that the residual is satisfactorily sustained to meet the requirements of WAC 246-260-111(3);
(ii) Hydrogen ion (pH) concentration frequently enough, but at least once every twenty-four hours, to determine that the level is maintained in a range of 7.2 to 8.0;
(iii) Alkalinity at least weekly;
(iv) If pool water temperature is over ninety-five degrees Fahrenheit, water temperature frequently enough, but at least once every twenty-four hours, to determine temperature does not exceed one hundred four degrees Fahrenheit; and
(v) If cyanuric acid or one of its derivatives is used in a pool, cyanurate level testing at least weekly and maintained at levels established in Table 111.2.
(b) Owners shall keep records for three years of:
(i) Quantities of all chemicals added to pool water each day;
(ii) Treatment system flow rates, measured at least daily; and
(iii) Any incidents of visible pool water contamination, for example, from vomit, feces, or blood.
(4) Availability. Owners shall make records required by this section available for department or local health officer review upon request.
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(a) Physical pool facility components and signage;
(b) Personnel;
(c) Users and spectators, including pool rules;
(d) Emergency response provisions;
(e) Diving during supervised swimming instruction into water depths recognized as adequate by the organization certifying the activity, such as ARC; and
(f) Environmental conditions.
(2) Physical components. Owners shall check each WRF's physical components routinely to ensure:
(a) Barrier protection, emergency equipment and structural facilities are properly maintained.
(b) Water does not pond on walking surfaces;
(c) Common articles provided for patrons, such as towels, bathing suits, bathing caps, etc., are sanitized before reuse;
(d) Sanitation items including toilet tissue, handwashing soap and single use towels or equivalent are maintained at facilities;
(e) Treatment of the water recreation pool facility occurs continuously at turnover rates required by this chapter twenty-four hours a day during periods of use;
(f) Swimming, spa, wading and spray pools shall be equipped with drain covers that are properly maintained, intact and secured to protect against entrapment.
(g) Extra filter cartridge provided for each cartridge filter.
(3) Food service. If food service is provided and allowed, the owner shall:
(a) Ensure food and beverage sale and consumption areas at general use pools are separated from pool and deck enclosure areas;
(b) Prohibit food and beverage in pool water at limited use pools and maintain a minimum four-foot clear area between pool edge and any tables and chairs provided for food service;
(c) Prohibit use of glass in pool facility and provide trash containers; and
(d) Prohibit the sale or consumption of alcohol at general use pools.
(4) Spa and recirculating spray pool reservoir cleaning. Owners shall routinely drain, clean and refill spa and recirculation spray pools at a minimum frequency specified by the following formula.
Spa or spray pool reservoir volume in gallons/3/average number of users per day = Number of days between draining, cleaning and refilling.
(5) Signage for user rules.
(a) Owners shall provide and maintain signage specifying user rules and safety information required by this section in a conspicuous place in the pool area with easily readable lettering at least three-eighths of an inch high. All swimming, spa and wading pool facilities must have signs stating pool rules:
(i) Prohibiting use by anyone running or participating in horseplay:
(ii) Prohibiting use by anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
(iii) Prohibiting use by anyone with a communicable disease or anyone who has been ill with vomiting or diarrhea within the last two weeks;
(iv) Prohibiting anyone from bringing food or drink into the pool water;
(v) Requiring everyone to have a cleansing shower before entering the pool;
(vi) Requiring anyone in diapers to wear protective covering to prevent contamination;
(vii) Requiring diapers to be changed at designated diaper change areas;
(viii) Warning patrons that anyone refusing to obey the pool rules is subject to removal from the premises;
(ix) Directing patrons to the location of the nearest telephone and first-aid kit for emergency use;
(x) Advising patrons that anyone with seizure, heart, or circulatory problems should swim with a buddy; and
(xi) Where diving boards are used, provide signs for proper use.
(b) All swimming, spa, and wading pool facilities where lifeguards or attendants are not present shall have signs stating additional pool rules that:
(i) If a child twelve years of age or less is using the pool, a responsible adult eighteen years of age or older must accompany the child and be at the pool or pool deck at all times the child uses the facility; and
(ii) If an individual between thirteen years of age and seventeen years of age is using the pool, at least one other person must be at the pool facility.
(c) All spa pool facilities must have signs stating additional pool rules:
(i) Cautioning that children under the age of six should not use a spa pool;
(ii) Cautioning that persons suffering from heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure should consult a physician before using a spa pool;
(iii) Cautioning that women who are or might be pregnant seek physician's advice regarding using a spa pool;
(iv) Cautioning everyone to limit the stay in the spa pool to fifteen minutes at any one session; and
(v) Posting the maximum bather capacity of each spa pool.
(d) All spray pool facilities must have signs stating pool rules as specified in (a)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi), and (viii) of this subsection.
(6) Required personnel.
(a) Owners shall ensure appropriate personnel specified in this subsection provide monitoring at pool facilities.
(b) General use swimming pool facilities shall have lifeguards present at all times pools are in use; except:
(i) If swim or dive teams are facility users, the owner may allow substitution of a qualified coach properly credentialed by the sponsoring organization furnishing the swim or dive coach; and
(ii) Owners may substitute persons with Master Scuba Diver Trainer or Master Scuba Diver Instructor certification through PADI or SCUBA instructor, assistant instructor or divemaster through NAUI or other department-approved training in lieu of lifeguards for SCUBA training.
(iii) PADI or NAUI certified scuba instructing staff shall maintain the following conditions:
(A) Limit number of persons training to ten persons per instructor.
(B) Ensure all persons being instructed are monitored at all times while in the pool to ensure thirty-second response time can be provided.
(iv) Private club swimming pool facilities must have lifeguards present at all times persons sixteen years of age and younger are using the pool facilities, except:
(A) Attendants or shallow water lifeguards may supervise persons thirteen through sixteen years of age when these users are restricted to a pool depth less than or equal to five feet; and
(B) Attendants or shallow water lifeguards may supervise all persons sixteen years of age and under if the entire pool depth is less than four and one-half feet.
(c) If a spa or wading pool is in same enclosure as a swimming pool, all pools are subject to the most stringent monitoring personnel requirements applicable for any pool in the enclosure unless barriers that conform to WAC 246-260-031(4) restrict access between pools.
(d) The use of spas or wading pools not requiring lifeguards or attendants is subject to the following conditions:
(i) If the pool is used by children twelve years of age or under, a responsible adult eighteen years of age or older must accompany the children and be at the pool or pool deck at all times the children use the facility;
(ii) If the pool is used by persons seventeen years of age or under, a minimum of two people must be at the pool facility at all times the pool is in use;
(iii) The owner shall post the requirements of this subsection to assure the responsible person is notified of conditions for use of the facility.
(e) Limited use pool facilities must have an equivalent or greater level of supervision as specified for private clubs in (b)(iv) of this subsection during any times when activities are provided that put the pools into the category of general use pools.
(f) At limited use pool facilities, if alcohol is sold within the pool facility, the owner must provide a lifeguard or attendant at the pool area.
(g) All pool facilities must have a water treatment operator.
(7) Personnel duties and equipment.
(a) Owners shall ensure personnel are present at each WRF who perform duties specified in this subsection.
(b) Lifeguards, shallow water lifeguards and swim coaches shall guard assigned pool users and provide a rescue response time of thirty seconds or less.
(c) Attendants, if provided at pools not requiring lifeguards, shall oversee pool use by the bathers and provide supervision and elementary rescues such as reaching assists to bathers in need. This does not mean the person is qualified or trained to make swimming rescues.
(d) Owners shall notify responsible persons on the conditions for facility use at pools not requiring lifeguards and for which no lifeguards or attendants are present. A responsible person means a person having responsibility for overseeing users seventeen years of age or under including, but not limited to, a person:
(i) Renting an apartment, hotel, motel, RV camp, etc.; or
(ii) Who is an owner or member of a condominium, homeowner's association, fraternity, equity ownership facility, mobile home park, sorority, or private club with a pool facility.
(e) Water treatment operators shall assure the water treatment components of each WRF are functioning to protect health, safety and water quality.
(f) Owners shall ensure that lifeguards, shallow water lifeguards, swim coaches, and attendants:
(i) Wear a distinguishing suit/uniform, or emblem; and
(ii) Carry a whistle or equivalent signaling device.
(8) Personnel training.
(a) Owners shall ensure that pool personnel required by subsection (5) of this section have skills necessary for their duties, obtained by training and certification specified in Table 131.1 in Appendix B, or equivalent.
(b) Owners shall keep a copy at the WRF of each currently valid certification required for pool personnel.
(c) Owners shall ensure safety-monitoring personnel obtain continuing education needed to maintain lifeguarding skills and maintain valid certifications required by this subsection.
(d) If SCUBA or kayaking lessons are conducted at a pool, owners shall ensure that personnel monitoring these activities are trained to recognize special hazards associated with these activities.
(9) Emergency response plan.
(a) Owners shall prepare and implement emergency response plans specified in this subsection.
(b) In pool facilities where lifeguards, shallow water lifeguards, or swimming coaches are required by subsections (5) and (6) of this section:
(i) Sufficient qualified personnel must be present and appropriately located to provide a rescue response time of thirty seconds or less for all pool users;
(ii) The number and qualifications of personnel present must be based on factors dealing with pool depth, line of sight, bather load, potential emergency procedures, and personnel rotation;
(iii) Emergency response drills must be held two or more times each year to test whether thirty-second response time can be met; and
(iv) A record of each response drill must be kept at the WRF for three or more years.
(c) In pool facilities where lifeguards are not present, in accordance with subsection (5)(c) and (e) of this section, owners shall adopt rules, provide enforcement of conditions for pool use and notify users when first using facility and at least annually thereafter that conditions for use include:
(i) If a child twelve years of age or less is using the pool, a responsible adult eighteen years of age or older shall accompany the child and be at the pool or pool deck at all times the child uses the facility; and
(ii) If anyone seventeen years of age or less is using the pool, a minimum of two people shall be at the pool facility.
(d) Emergency equipment specified in WAC 246-260-041, 246-260-051, and 246-260-071 must be readily available during WRF operating hours.
(e) In facilities where chlorine gas is used:
(i) WRF personnel shall conduct annual emergency drills; and
(ii) The plan shall identify the location of accessible chlorine cylinder repair kits.
(f) Operators shall ensure that lifeguards, shallow water lifeguards, and swim coaches receive ongoing training of emergency response skills.
(10) Environmental conditions. Owners shall monitor various environmental conditions affecting the facility or potentially affecting the health and safety of users. Owners shall close the WRF or take other appropriate action in response to adverse environmental factors, (e.g., electrical storms, fog, wind, and visibility problems) to ensure that the health and safety of users are protected.
(11) Closure. Owners shall close the facility when the facility presents an unhealthful, unsafe, or unsanitary condition. These conditions include lack of compliance with the water quality or an operation requirement in this section or in WAC 246-260-111.
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(2) If a pool enclosure area has one pool open and another closed (e.g., seasonal pool, year-round spa), the owner shall ensure that the pool that is closed:
(a) Is posted with signage stating that the pool is closed; and
(b) Meets water clarity standards as outlined in Table 111.2 in WAC 246-260-111; or
(c) Is covered with a safety cover meeting ASTM standard F1346-91 and not allowing access to the pool.
(d) Does not create a nuisance or disease hazard.
(3) All pool covers must be completely removed during periods when the pool is open for use.
(4) If a pool that is closed develops an ice layer, the owner must install a safety cover meeting ASTM standard F1346-91 or the entire pool enclosure area must be closed.
(5) If a pool facility is not in operation for more than twelve months, the owner shall provide a safety cover over the pool meeting ASTM standard F1346-91 or the owner shall back fill the pool.
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ADMINISTRATIVE RULES(2) Owners of all facilities shall comply with the operational requirements in WAC 246-260-101 through 246-260-151.
(3) Owners of facilities designed and constructed after the effective date of these regulations shall comply with all applicable sections of the design, construction and equipment requirements in WAC 246-260-021 through 246-260-091.
(4) Facilities constructed prior to the effective date of these regulations shall comply with the barrier protection requirements in WAC 246-260-031 (4) and (5) and the emergency equipment requirements established in WAC 246-260-041 (11)(g); 246-260-071(7); and 246-260-081(4) by the compliance deadlines specified in the regulations. Barrier modifications or emergency shutoff switches made prior to the compliance deadlines shall meet the requirements in WAC 246-260-031 (4) and (5); and WAC 246-260-041 (11)(g); 246-260-071(7); and 246-260-081(4) at the time the modifications are made.
(5) When owners are modifying the physical plant of their facilities, they are required to upgrade the area of the physical plant being modified to conform to current requirements. For example, when owners having pool facilities with single main drains are changing or modifying their main drains they shall modify the main drains in compliance with the current requirements. This includes, but is not limited to:
(a) Resurfacing of pools that involves alteration of the drains; or
(b) Changes to the main drain outlet sump or its recirculation piping.
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(a) Reviewing and drafting proposed rules; and
(b) Developing guidelines for use of new products, equipment, procedures, and periodic program review.
(2) The department may determine the need for and frequency of technical advisory committee meetings.
(3) The WRF technical advisory committee membership shall include representation from the following:
(a) General use pool facility owners;
(b) Limited use pool facility owners;
(c) NSPI;
(d) WRPA;
(e) Engineer or architect design consultants;
(f) Eastern and Western Washington local environmental health jurisdictions;
(g) The department; and
(h) Recreational water contact facility owners (as appropriate).
(4) The technical advisory committee may appoint subcommittees, as the committee determines appropriate to address specific issues.
(5) The department shall maintain minutes of meetings.
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(a) The variance is consistent with the intent of this chapter;
(b) Protection from drowning, diving injury, entrapment, impact or falling hazards, tripping or slipping hazards;
(c) Maintenance of water and air quality, including equivalent disinfection, filtration, control of pH, physical water conditions, water clarity and prevention of contamination to preclude illness;
(d) Upon receipt of a complete application, the department or local health officer shall provide a written approval or denial of the variance.
(2) The department and each local health officer shall provide the board a written summary of variances granted the previous year. This summary shall be submitted by January 31 of the following year or any time the board requests.
(3) The board may, at its discretion, require variance requests be submitted to it for review and approval.
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(a) Conducting an informal administrative conference to explore facts and resolve problems, convened at the request of the department, local health officer, or owner;
(b) Issuing an order directing the WRF owner, operator, or the person responsible to cease violating this chapter or chapter 70.90 RCW;
(c) Requiring the WRF owner or authorized representative to participate in training to improve basic skills for operating pools;
(d) Assessing a civil penalty of up to five hundred dollars per violation per day; and
(e) Denying, suspending, or revoking a WRF construction or operating permits.
(2) Orders authorized under this section may include, but are not limited to, requirements to:
(a) Take corrective measures, which may include a schedule; necessary to gain compliance with this chapter and chapter 70.90 RCW; and
(b) Stop work or refrain from using a WRF or any portion of a WRF and approvals required by statute or rules are obtained.
(3) An order issued under this section shall:
(a) Be in writing;
(b) Name the facility and the person or persons to whom the order is directed;
(c) Briefly describe each action or inaction constituting a violation of this chapter or chapter 70.90 RCW;
(d) Specify any required corrective action, if applicable;
(e) Provide notice, as appropriate, that continued or repeated violation may subject the violator to the penalties specified in subsection (4) of this section.
(4) Continued or repeated violation of the provisions of this chapter or chapter 70.90 RCW may subject the violator to:
(a) Civil penalties of up to five hundred dollars;
(b) Denial, suspension or revocation of the facility's construction or operating permit; or
(c) Referral to the county prosecutor or attorney general's office.
(5) The department or local health officer may deny an application or reapplication for a WRF operating permit and may revoke or suspend a WRF operating permit of any person who:
(a) Previously had an operating permit suspended or revoked or had an operating permit application denied for reason;
(b) Failed or refused to comply with any provisions of this chapter, chapter 70.90 RCW, or any other statutory provision or rule regulating the WRF construction or operation; or
(c) Obtained or attempted to obtain an operating permit or any other required certificate of approval applicable to the WRF by fraudulent means or misrepresentation.
(6) The department or local health officer may summarily suspend a WRF operating permit, without a prior hearing, if the department or local health officer finds that the WRF presents an imminent hazard to public health or safety and incorporates a finding to that effect in an order.
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A hearing requested to contest a local health officer's action is governed by the local health jurisdiction's rules for hearings.
A hearing requested to contest a department action is governed by chapters 246-10 WAC and 34.05 RCW.
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| SWIMMING POOL: *** | Minimum |
| Chlorine | 1.5 |
| Chlorine with cyanurate compound | 2.0 |
| Bromine | 2.5 |
| SPA & WADING POOL: *** | Minimum |
| Chlorine | 3.0 |
| Chlorine with cyanurate compound | 3.5 |
| Bromine | 4.0 |
| * | Chlorine is measured as free available chlorine residual. |
| ** | Recirculating spray pools and sensory deprivation tanks shall meet spa and wading pool levels. |
| *** | The maximum disinfectant level shall conform with manufacturers' recommendations and shall not exceed 10 ppm for any pool. |
| CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL CONSTITUENT | MINIMUM | MAXIMUM |
| pH (Hydrogen ion) | 7.2 | 8.0 |
| Water clarity (safety) | Main drain and pool bottom visible at all times | - |
| Turbidity (shielding microorganisms T.U.)* | - | 0.5 |
| Cyanuric acid or its derivatives | 0 | 90 ppm |
| Temperature** | - | 104°F |
| Combined chlorine | - | 50% of free chlorine |
| Ozone*** | - | .05 |
| Ionizers (Copper/Silver) | - | 1.0/.05 |
| * | In peak periods, turbidity may increase to 1.0 T.U. provided turbidity returns to 0.5 T.U. within a six-hour period following peak use. Turbidity is not a required routine analysis. The local health officer may require turbidity monitoring if special conditions warrant. |
| ** | A pool facility thermometer shall be provided when the water temperature exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| *** | Atmospheric measurement. |
| CHEMICAL TEST | MINIMUM TEST KIT RANGE | MINIMUM REQUIRED INCREMENTS ON KITS | MINIMUM ACCURACY |
| Free and total available chlorine and total bromine | 0.5 - 10.0 ppm* | These increments are required to be on the test kit: 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3, 5, 6, 10 ppm | ±50% of the difference of incremental readings |
| pH (hydrogen ion) | 7.0 - 8.2 | Maximum increments of
0.4, e.g., 7.0, 7.4, 7.8, 8.2, Preferred increments of 0.2, e.g., 7.0, 7.2…. 8.0, 8.2 |
±50% of the difference of incremental readings |
| Cyanuric acid | 20 - 100 ppm | 20 ppm | ±10 |
| Alkalinity | 0 - 300 ppm | 20 ppm | ±10 |
| Temperature | 60 - 110°F | Shall have increments of less than or equal to 2°F, e.g., 60, 62, 64 … 108, 110 | ±2°F |
| * | Operators who demonstrate the ability to accurately perform test kit dilutions may be allowed to use test kits with a chlorine range of 1.5 - 5.0 ppm, thereby using dilutions to read up to 10 ppm. |
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| PERSONNEL | TRAINING RECOGNIZED | CERTIFYING AGENCIES* |
| Lifeguards | Lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid. | ARC, YMCA, Lifesaving Society, E&A, ALTI, Starguard |
| Shallow Water Lifeguards | Shallow Water Lifeguard or Bronze Cross Award, CPR, and First Aid. | E&A, Lifesaving Society |
| SCUBA Instruction | Master SCUBA Diver Trainer or Master
SCUBA Diver Instructor (PADI). SCUBA Instructor, Assistant Instructor, or Divemaster (NAUI). |
PADI, NAUI |
| Swim Coaches | Swim Coaches Safety Training, CPR and First Aid. | ARC, YMCA |
| Dive Coaches | Safety Training for Competitive Diving Coaches Option A or Safety Training for Competitive Diving Coaches Renewal Option A; and CPR & First Aid. | U.S. Diving |
| Attendants | Aquatic Safety Assistant or Basic Water Rescue or Water Safety Plus and CPR. | YMCA, ARC, E&A |
| * | The department determines equivalent certifying organizations providing training. |
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First-Aid Kits for Pool Facilities
Standard 16 Unit Kit
| Units | |
| Absorbent gauze 24"X72" (1 per package) | 1 |
| Adhesive bandages 1" (16 per package) | 1 |
| Bandage compresses 4" (1 per package) | 2 |
| Eye dressing (1 per package) | 1 |
| Scissors and tweezers | 1 |
| Triangular bandages 40" (1 per package) | 2 |
| Individualized antiseptic pads (3 per package) | 1 |
| Surgical gloves (2 pr. minimum, 4 recommended) | 1 |
| CPR mask (disposable or reusable type) | 1 |
| Adhesive gauze or elastic or self-adherent wrap roll material | 1 |
| Cold packs | 1 |
| First-aid cream or antibiotic ointment | 1 |
| 1/2" or 1" rolls of tape (2 rolls per package) | 1 |
| Butterfly bandage | 1 |
| Knuckle or finger tip bandages | 1 |
| Body clean up parts | 1 |
| Additional units of required units | 1 |
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The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:
| WAC 246-260-020 | General administration. |
| WAC 246-260-030 | Construction permit. |
| WAC 246-260-040 | Operating permit. |
| WAC 246-260-050 | Compliance. |
| WAC 246-260-060 | Surveillance. |
| WAC 246-260-070 | Water quality standards, analysis, and sample collection. |
| WAC 246-260-080 | Monitoring, reporting, and recordkeeping. |
| WAC 246-260-090 | Swimming pool design, construction, and equipment. |
| WAC 246-260-100 | Operation of swimming pool facilities. |
| WAC 246-260-110 | Spa pool design, construction, and equipment. |
| WAC 246-260-120 | Operation of spa pool facilities. |
| WAC 246-260-130 | Wading pool design, construction, and equipment. |
| WAC 246-260-140 | Operation of wading pool facilities. |
| WAC 246-260-150 | Spray pool design, construction, and equipment. |
| WAC 246-260-160 | Operation of spray pool facilities. |
| WAC 246-260-170 | Water recreation facility pools not in operation. |
| WAC 246-260-200 | Water recreation industry requirements. |
| WAC 246-260-210 | Technical advisory committee. |
| WAC 246-260-220 | Restrictions on animals. |
| WAC 246-260-230 | Variance. |
| WAC 246-260-240 | Substitution. |
| WAC 246-260-250 | Enforcement. |
| WAC 246-260-260 | Hearings. |