WAC 246-260 (Water recreation facilities)
Washington pool chemical log requirements
What a Washington public or semi-public pool must test, the legal ranges, what goes in the log and how long to keep it — every rule with the section of the code. Checked September 19, 2026.
- Test
- At least once every 24 hoursWAC 246-260-121(3)
- Keep the log
- 3 yearsWAC 246-260-121(4)
- Rules
- Swimming poolWAC 246-260 (Water recreation facilities)
2.0 to 10.0 ppm · with cyanurate
7.2 to 8.0
no more than 90 ppm
Swimming pool log sheet · one month, letter landscape · columns for FC, TC, pH
Sources (3) — every number above is cited
- WAC 246-260 — Water recreation facilities — Washington State Legislature / Department of Health
- DOH 333-132, Swimming Pool Log Sheet — Washington State Department of Health
- DOH 333-133, Spa, Wading, or Recirculating Spray Pool Log Sheet — Washington State Department of Health
Washington limits combined chlorine to 50 % of the free chlorine reading, not to a fixed number.
Local health jurisdictions (King County, Tacoma-Pierce…) enforce the rule and may add requirements.
Legal ranges
| Parameter | Pool | Spa | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free chlorine | 2–10 ppm | 3.5–10 ppm | WAC 246-260-999 |
| pH | 7.2–8 | 7.2–8 | WAC 246-260-999 |
| Cyanuric acid | at most 90 ppm | at most 90 ppm | WAC 246-260-999 |
| Water temperature | — | at most 104 °F | WAC 246-260-999 |
Testing frequency
At least once every 24 hours (WAC 246-260-121(3)). Disinfectant and pH at least once every twenty-four hours.
- Total alkalinity and cyanuric acid at least weekly (WAC 246-260-121(3))
- Temperature daily when the water is above 95 °F (WAC 246-260-121(3))
What the log must show
- Disinfectant and pH, daily
- Alkalinity and cyanuric acid, weekly
- Temperature when above 95 °F
- The fields of form DOH 333-132 (pool) or 333-133 (spa, wading or spray pool)
Keep it 3 years (WAC 246-260-121(4)). Keep the records at least three years, available to the Department or the local health officer.
What the inspector checks
- Three years of logs (DOH 333-132 / 333-133 or equivalent)
- Disinfectant above the minimum and below 10 ppm
- Combined chlorine no more than half of free chlorine
- A designated water treatment operator
When the pool must close
- The owner must close the facility when water quality is not in compliance
Who may operate the pool
Every pool facility must have a water treatment operator; the rule does not require a specific certificate.
Washington limits combined chlorine to 50 % of the free chlorine reading, not to a fixed number.
Local health jurisdictions (King County, Tacoma-Pierce…) enforce the rule and may add requirements.
Log Washington readings on your phone
Every reading checked against the ranges above, the corrective action recorded, and the Washington sheet filled for the inspector.
Sources
- WAC 246-260 — Water recreation facilities — Washington State Legislature / Department of Health
- DOH 333-132, Swimming Pool Log Sheet — Washington State Department of Health
- DOH 333-133, Spa, Wading, or Recirculating Spray Pool Log Sheet — Washington State Department of Health
This page summarizes the state code; your county or city health department may add requirements. It is not legal advice.