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Water recreation program
Swimming pool and spa permits, guidelines and resources
Before making changes to your pool to comply with the new Federal requirements you will need to go through plan review. Submit a Water Recreation Facility Plan Review Application, renovation fee and applicable information specified in the Plan Review Checklist for New Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Requirements to Public Health to start the review process.
There are a number of resources available to help you understand these new requirements. Several guidance documents developed by Washington State Department of Health and other resources are listed in related resources under Virginia Graeme Baker Act.
Additional Water Recreation information
- Disinfection, pumps, filters, and other equipment changes require plan review with the Health Department. For plan review inquiries, email us at KCPoolPlans@kingcounty.gov
- Making changes to main drains and suction outlet covers. Before making changes to your pool to comply with the Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act requirements you will need to go through plan review. Submit an Application for Pool Plan Review, renovation fee located in Service fees for pools and spas and applicable information specified in the Plan Review Checklist for Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Requirements to Public Health to start the review process. For plan review inquiries, email us at KCPoolPlans@kingcounty.gov
- If your main drain or suction outlet covers are due for replacement, please read the information regarding ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 (2017) standard requirements. Changes to the standard may require additional work to complete drain cover replacements.
- If your main drain or suction outlet covers are due for replacement, please read the information regarding ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 (2017) standard requirements. Changes to the standard may require additional work to complete drain cover replacements.
- If your pool or spa remains closed, you will want to keep it in good condition.
- Preparing your Water Recreation Facility (WRF) to open for the season
- Report all drownings, non-fatal drownings, serious injuries, and illness to the Health Department
- Demolished Facilities
- Replastering your Pool or Spa
- Close your facility if any of the following occur.
- Water Quality Tables
- Summer is around the corner
- Preparing the pool facility to open
- Expect continued chlorine, chemical and equipment shortages in 2022
- Report all drownings, non-fatal drownings, serious injuries, and illness to the Health Department
- Keeping your pool from going green
- Conditions that require actions by your facility to keep your pool safe and avoid a closure plus reinspection by Public Health
- Water Quality Tables
- Steps to take before reopening your pool or spa
- VGB compliance plan review and drain cover replacement
- Making other pool changes
- Have a safe year at your pool
- Conditions that require actions by your facility to keep your pool safe and avoid a closure plus reinspection by Public Health
- Maintenance
- Renovation/equipment replacement
- Is your pool and/or spa Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) compliant?
- Staff training
- Know when to close your pool
- Report drownings, near drowings and injuries to Health Dept.
- Renovating and remodling requirements
- Online portal services
- Operating pool equipment, training and water quality logs
- Water quality standards
- Pool and spa contact information required
- Reporting requirements for injuries and illnesses
- VGB compliance plan review and drain cover replacement
- And more...
- Planning a pool party to open the apartment or condo pool this summer?
- Tips to keep your pool safe and avoid health department closure/re-inspection fees
- Tips for preparing for seasonal pool openings
- And more...
- Pool operating permits
- Understanding when you need to close your pool
- Promoting a safer summer swimming season
- And more...
Plan review process and service fees Forms and documentation Posters and guidelines Barriers compliance Flood preparedness Illness transmission from pool use External links
Permitting survey
We want your feedback on your permit experience. Please take our brief (less than 5 minutes) Environmental Health Services Survey.
The survey is open until July 12 and available in multiple languages – use the language selection box in the upper right corner to choose your preferred language. Your feedback is anonymous and will be used to improve our services.
When pool and spa inspections are performed by Public Health
Two routine inspections are done each year. Tests of pool water for free chlorine residual, pH, alkalinity and when necessary cyanuric acid are done at each inspection. The routine inspections also include a safety evaluation of the walking surfaces, access doors and fences, recirculation equipment, safety and emergency equipment.
A Plan Review is required of all public and semi-public pools and spas prior to their construction, alteration or renovation. All plans are reviewed to ensure compliance with the King County Board of Health, Title 14 and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-260, (WAC) 246-262 and The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.
Email: KCPoolPlans@kingcounty.gov
Phone: 206-263-9566
Phone hours:
- Mon. Wed. Fri: 8 am to 3 pm
- Tues. and Thurs: 10:30 am to 3 pm
To request inspection reports for a pool, please call us and include the facility name and address of where the pool is located.
Mailing address:
Water Recreation Program
Environmental Health Division
401 - 5th Ave, Suite 1100
Seattle, WA 98104
Link/share our site at
www.kingcounty.gov/pools