Water Recreation

Pool & Spa Safety

Each year thousands of Kitsap County residents swim in public swimming pools at parks, hotels, athletic clubs, apartment complexes and schools. These pools and spas may create public health hazards if they are not properly operated and maintained.

Our Role

We promote recreational water safety in our community by:

• Educating public pool and spa operators about health and safety issues;

• Conducting routine inspections of public swimming pools and spas to ensure general safety and appropriate water chemistry;

• Investigating reports of illness and complaints about potential safety hazards in public pools and spas; and

• Investigating drowning and near drowning incidents in public pools.

Public Pool & Spa Operators

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) must complete a plan review prior to the construction of any new public swimming pool, spa, wading pool or spray park in Kitsap County. Please follow the steps outlined to obtain a Water Recreation Facility Construction permit. A plan review may also be required when you remodel existing facilities including modifications to comply with the Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act. DOH has guidelines that will help you determine when you need a plan review for remodeling or pool modifications. DOH provides other useful information for pool facility builders; when you visit their website, you can sign up to receive regular information by email.

Pool owners and operators visit the DOH website for proper pool signage, pool monitoring log sheets, injury report forms and other information.

The National Swimming Pool Foundation provides reliable information about pool maintenance.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission enforces the Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act and has helpful information about how to comply.

For information about lifeguarding, visit the United States Lifesaving Association and the American Red Cross.

Home Pools & Spas

• Healthy Swimming

• Home Pool Safety

• American Red Cross