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Water Recreation

• About the program

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Pool Owner and Operator Resources

Rules and Guidelines

Washington State rules on construction and maintenance of regulated recreational water facilities including swimming pools, water parks, wading pools, and spas.

See our guidelines to help you comply with state rules and federal law. New guidance documents to help you comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act include: what you need to know about the new federal law, selecting a new drain cover, single main drains, determining when plan review is required, and more.

Report Serious Injury

Injury Report Form (PDF 35KB or in Word 149KB)

Pool owners or operators of regulated facilities must report any death, near drowning, or serious injury. Complete the injury report form and contact your local health department within 48 hours of the incident. If you unable to reach your local health department, contact us.

Training for Pool Operators

Pool operators need to be properly trained in water chemistry and mechanical components to effectively maintain pools. The following trainings are available.

Internationally Recognized Training

• National Swimming Pool Foundation's Certified Pool Operator courses.

• National Recreation and Park Association's Aquatic Facility Operator courses.

State and Local Training

• Washington State Environmental Health Association, in joint sponsorship with the Department of Health, typically offer training every spring.

• Several local health agencies provide training, often in the spring. Contact the local health agencies in Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, or Whatcom counties for information about their pool operator trainings.

Pool Operator's Manual

Pool Operator's Manual can be purchased from the Washington State Environmental Health Association Web site. The manual covers safety and health operations of swimming pools and spas. 

Pool Monitoring Log Sheets

Swimming Pool Log Sheet (PDF 33KB or in Word 253KB)

Log sheet for documenting chemical treatment and maintenance of swimming pools.

Spa, Wading, or Recirculating Spray Pool Log Sheet (PDF 150KB or in Word 250KB)

Log sheet for documenting chemical treatment and maintenance of spas, wading pools, or recirculating spray pools.

Shallow Water Lifeguards and Attendants

Shallow Water Lifeguards and Attendants (PDF 405KB)

Brochure that explains the use of shallow water lifeguards and attendants at private swimming club facilities.

Shallow Water Lifeguards Training (PDF 87KB)

Training providers for shallow water lifeguards.

Water Clarity Monitoring

Kids Disappear: When the water's not clear (PDF 814KB) 

Brochure about the importance of pool operators to routinely monitor pool water clarity to prevent drowning.

Recreational Water Illnesses

Illnesses associated with water recreation activities.

CDC's 12 Steps for Prevention of Recreational Water Illnesses (For Pool Staff)

More Resources

CDC's Disinfection and Remediation (fecal, vomit, blood contamination) Guidelines

CDC's Irritants (Chloramines) and Indoor Pool Air Quality