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Water Recreation

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Water Recreation Rules and Guidelines

Current Washington State Rules

• Water Recreation Facilities, Chapter 246-260 WAC      Printer friendly version (PDF 1MB)

  • Bathing Beaches, Chapter 246-206-180 WAC

• Recreational Water Contact Facilities, Chapter 246-262 WAC

Water Recreation Rules Are Being Revised

Guidelines for the Virginia Graeme Baker Act and State Rules

• Pool Main Drain Safety - Guidance for Complying with the New Federal Law (PDF 690KB)
  What every regulated pool owner, operator, builder, and designer needs to know to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.

• Single Main Drains - Guidelines for Pools (PDF 495KB)
  Revised guidelines to meet state and new federal requirements. Entrapment accidents can be prevented by applying current design standards.

• Determining When Pool Plan Review is Required by the Health Department (PDF 332KB)
  Plan review guidance to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. 

• Selecting Drain Covers and Entrapment Prevention Equipment (PDF 410KB)
  Guidelines on selecting drain covers and other equipment to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.

• Compliance Verification Form (PDF 412KB)
  Form to aid pool owners, designers, and builders verify compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.

• Variance Request Form (PDF 624KB)
  Guidance and form to aid pool owners and local health jurisdictions in processing a variance of Chapter 246-260 WAC related to compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.

Other Guidelines

• Barrier Design - Guidelines for Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, and Spas (PDF 838KB)
  Preventing unauthorized people from gaining access to pools and spas is a key component in drowning prevention.