Dive Into Safety 2024

changes coming: main drain cover requirements

WAC 246-260 and 246-262 require suction outlets (like main drain covers, equalizer line covers and main drain sumps) to meet the suction fitting standard. The Snohomish County Health Department will begin verifying all facilities meet the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.

You must submit for plan review and get health department approval before you:

• Install a different make or model of drain cover.

• Make any changes to a sump or piping.

• Changing from single main drain to dual main drain system.

Contact us at shd-ehq@snoco.org if you are unsure if plan review is needed.

When replacing a drain cover or suction outlet, keep the box and any documentation provided by the manufacturer. Note the installation date, the manufacturer’s designated life span, and the date the cover needs to be replaced.

IF YOU DON'T WRITE IT DOWN, IT NEVER HAPPENED.

Did you know, the most common violation cited during 2023 was improper record keeping? Inspectors noted this 357 times last year.

Are your records up to date?

When you own or run a pool, you must keep proper records. You must keep records for 3 years of:

Not within the proper ranges? Write down your corrective action.

Did you add a chemical? Close the pool temporarily? If you don't write what corrective actions you took, you have no proof.

Before reopening, make sure your pool is safe for swimmers.

Test your chemicals again and record your final readings. Records help protect you to show your pool met compliance.

The Health Department uses Taylor Technologies K-2006 Complete Kit with FAS-DPD for all pool inspections. Check out Taylor Technologies video archive on how to use their kits.

Washington State does not have a training requirement to operate a water recreation facility. however, the Health Department does recommend those who operate a pool take the Certified Pool Operator (CPO) course. CPO certification provides individuals with the knowledge, techniques, and skills required for proper pool operations. Learn more.

MAKING CHANGES AROUND THE POOL?

Although sliding doors and French doors are stylish, keep them away from the pool. They will not meet barrier requirements.

When remodeling a building that shares a wall with the pool, doors and windows must meet pool code requirements. Windows cannot open more than four inches and doors must self-close and self-latch. If your doors do not have a card reader, code, or if residents don't have a key, latches must be at least 60 inches high.

Other common upgrades that require plan review include:

Replacing pumps, filters, feeders or heaters with a different manufacturer and/or model number
Major plumbing change
Changes to the main drain system
Disabling suction outlets
Pool surface color change

Always contact Snohomish County Health Department before making changes to see if plan review is required and avoid costly modifications or potential closure of your pool.

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR POOL SAFE AND AVOID HEALTH DEPARTMENT CLOSURE/RE-INSPECTION FEES

Monitor the pool/spa throughout the day for water chemistry and water clarity. Record water chemistry and pool/spa closures in your maintenance log. Always self-close the pool and spa when the following conditions exist:

· Water clarity is poor, pool is cloudy and main drains or bottom of the pool is not clearly visible

· Main drains and suction outlet covers are broken, missing, or unsecure

· Filters, recirculation pumps, disinfection equipment, gutters or skimmers a not operating

· Doors and gates are not self-closing/self-latching in non-lifeguarded pools

· Manual shut off switch for the spa is missing or non-functioning

· Spa temperature is above 104°F

· If water quality exceeds the acceptable ranges

Post a sign at the pool/spa of the closure. Do not re-open the pool/spa until correction and repairs are completed.

POOL AND SPA CONTACT INFORMATION REQUIRED

Does your pool or spa facility have someone available on-site during business hours? If not, the owner or manager of the complex must provide your pool inspector with a way to access the pool or spa and pump room. Options include providing us with a key, key code or contact person on site. Call 425-339- 5250 by June 1 and provide the name of the facility, address and the updated contact information or key codes.

Change of Ownership

If you've changed ownership recently, make sure you let us know. Fill out a change of ownership form and email it to shd-ehq@snoco.org.

REPORT ALL DROWNINGS, NEAR DROWNINGS, SERIOUS INJURIES, AND ILLNESS TO THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Our goal together is to provide safe and healthy water recreational facilities for your users and guests. However, when drownings, near drownings, serious injuries, or illnesses occur at your facility, it must be reported to the Health Department within 48 hours of becoming aware of the incident. If a person seeks medical attention or goes to the emergency room, the injury is serious enough to report. A copy of the injury report form should be located in your Operations Manual. Report forms can also be downloaded from our webpage at https://www.snohd.org/181/Pools-Spas.