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Environmental Health Division
Phone:(425) 339-5250
Email: flequestions@shd.snohomish.wa.gov
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Food and Living Environment Section > Water Recreation Program

Snohomish Health District inspects public water recreational facilities in Snohomish County. These facilities include swimming pools, wading pools, spray pools, and spas. Our goal has been to inspect most recreational facilities twice a year. However, due to limited resources this goal may not always be met. Pool operators with a valid permit are allowed to open seasonal pools when they meet Snohomish Health District Requirements.

There are many critical regulations in keeping a water recreational facility safe for the public to enjoy. A few of these include maintaining proper chemical balance for disinfection, appropriate barriers surrounding the water facility, and standard regulation safety devices available in case of an emergency.

Our Water Recreation Program reviews plans for new, altered or remodeled spas, pools and other public water contact features. Our staff inspects construction sites and makes routine inspections of public swimming pools/spas. We also investigate injuries and complaints of illness or unsanitary conditions at all public facilities.

Please be advised that the regulation used to perform our inspections and plan reviews has been revised recently. The Snohomish Health District Board of Health adopted the Washington State Department of Health rule Chapter 246-260 Washington Administrative Code (WAC) on November 9, 2004, as Snohomish Health District Sanitary Code Chapter 7.1. These revisions apply to new and existing facilities, including all public pools and spas in Snohomish County.

The new regulation can be found at
http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/WaterRec/wac-246-260-eff-oct-2004.pdf

Some of the more significant changes in the regulations (WDOH) includes the following areas:
  • Barriers and Fences WAC 246-260-031(4)
  • Chemistry WAC 246-260-999 Appendix A
  • First Aid Kit WAC 246-260-99902 Appendix C
  • Life Guards WAC 246-260-131(6)
  • Pools not in use rule WAC 246-260-141
  • Single Main Drain & Emergency Shut-off WAC 246-260-041(11)(h), and 081(4).
  • Signage requirements WAC 246-260-131(5)
The following documents are made available for your convenience:
  1. Application for Water Recreational Facility (WRF) Permit
  2. Construction Permit Application - This application needs to be completed for any new, altered or remodeled water recreation facility.
  3. Construction Report - This must be completed when a facility is finished
  4. Fee Schedule - Fees for plan review and operation permit.
  5. Injury Report form - Pool operator must fill out this form anytime there is an injury or death at a facility.
  6. Permit Process Checklist - Steps to obtain a Water Recreation Facility permit.
  7. Plan Review Checklist - List of technical requirements to design a public pool.
  8. Sign Rules - New rules require changes to all existing pool and spa signs.
  9. Snohomish Health District Pool Newsletter
    • 2006 Newsletter - provides brief overview of the new regulations.
    • 2007 Newsletter - includes DOH website link, and 2008 deadline compliance information.
    • 2008 Newsletter - includes the following articles:
      • Avoid the Rush to Update Barrier Drains
      • June 2008 Deadline Nears for Compliance
      • Basic Skills Pool & Spa Operators’ Class
      • Steps to Stop Crypto
      • Pool & Spa Safety Act
  10. Variance Request - This form is to be used to request a deviation from the Water Recreation Facility regulations.
The Health District has new pool and spa signs available for sale. Please call the Environmental Health Division for additional information 425-339-5250.


Resources and Links:

Last Reviewed and Updated April 17, 2008


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