View pool inspection reports.
The goal of the Pools and Spas program is to ensure that public swim pools and spas are safe for use in Clark County. (A public pool is any water recreation facility, including spas, wading pools, spray pools and any other water contact facilities not associated with a single-family residence or exclusively operated for physical therapy.) The program works to ensure safe and proper maintenance of public swimming and water recreation facilities, such as city or school pools, health clubs, motel pools and spas, and those at condominiums and residential apartment complexes.
How can pool/spa owners and operators ensure safe and proper maintenance?
- Test pools several times each day for disinfection levels
- Test pools and spas at least once daily for ph
- Maintain clarity through proper disinfection and filtration
- Keep spa temperature below 104° F
- Clean filters as back pressure increases and flow decreases
- Be sure that proper safety equipment, such as ring buoys and reach poles, are available to users
- Test spa emergency shut-off switches often
- Check main drain grates to be sure that they are intact and secure
- Provide lifeguards at general use facilities such as city or school pools and health clubs
- Maintain fencing and gates in good condition to prevent small children from drowning
- Routinely vacuum and clean facilities
- Keep physical conditions in good repair
If these maintenance items are not adhered to, swimming pools and spas may transmit intestinal or respiratory diseases; skin disorders; ear, nose, throat and eye infections. Pools with proper barriers, safety equipment or on-duty lifeguards can help prevent deaths from drowning or serious injury to swimmers.
How we ensure safe and proper pool and spa operations
The Public Pools and Spas unit is responsible to:
- inspect water quality and filtration at existing pools and spas
- verify that safety equipment, proper fencing or other enclosures and signage are provided and maintained
- provide public information and training about proper pool operation and maintenance
- inspect the facilities for physical conditions that conform to state regulations
- provide for the review of engineering drawings and plans for proposed public pools or water recreation facilities
The unit also works to keep public beach areas safe for swimmers.
Publications and Forms
- Washington Administrative Code (WAC 246.260) for Water Recreation Facilities
- In the Swim 2007 newsletter
- Healthy Swimming Tips
brochure - Summer Swimming Safety
- Public Health Pool and Spa Operations Guide (pdf - 54kb)
- Commercial pool operator's pool log sheet (pdf - 38kb)
- Commercial spa operator's spa log sheet (pdf - 38kb)
- Guidelines for Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, and Spas: Barrier Design (pdf - 831kb)
- Guidelines for Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, and Recirulating Spray Pools with Single Main Drains (pdf - 225kb)
- Fecal Accident Response Recommendations for Pool Staff
- Fecal Accident Response Recommendations for Pool Staff
