Washington Public Pool Barrier and Fencing Standards Statewide

RCW 70.90.120 directs the Department of Health to adopt water recreation facility safety rules. WAC 246-260-031 requires barriers surrounding public pools at least 60 inches high for limited-use pools and 72 inches high for general-use pools, with openings no greater than four inches and self-closing, self-latching gates. If a gate latch is less than 60 inches above the ground, an 18-inch radius of solid material must surround the latch. The rules cover condominium, apartment, hotel, club, and school pools, and local health jurisdictions enforce them.

Operating a public pool without compliant barriers can result in closure orders under RCW 70.90.130 and civil penalties up to $1,000 per day per violation imposed by local health officers.