District of Columbia Administrative Code

413 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS – EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS 413.1 A pool owner, pool and spa operator, lifeguard, or swimming instructor shall report any death, serious injury, or injury that requires resuscitation or admission to a hospital occurring at a swimming pool, spa pool, sauna…

500 EQUIPMENT ROOMS ─ SECURITY ACCESS* 500.1 Equipment designated by the manufacturer for outdoor use may be located in an equipment area. All other equipment shall be located in an equipment room. 500.2 Plastic pipe subject to a period of prolonged sunlight exposure area shall b…

501 EQUIPMENT ROOMS ─ FLOOR COVERING* 501.1 The equipment room floor shall be of concrete or other nonabsorbent material having a smooth slip resistant finish and shall have positive drainage, including a sump pump if necessary. 501.2 Ancillary equipment, such as a heater, shall …

502 EQUIPMENT ROOMS ─ VENTILATION AND ACCESS* 502.1 Equipment rooms shall have either forced draft or cross ventilation. 502.2 All below grade equipment rooms shall have a stairway access with forced draft ventilation or a fully louvered door and louvered vent on at least one oth…

503 EQUIPMENT AND EQUIPMENT ROOMS ─ SIZE, LIGHTING, MAINTENANCE AND GOOD REPAIR, & PROHIBITED ITEMS* 503.1 All equipment and appurtenances shall be kept in good repair. 503.2 Skimmers and returns shall be adjustable and functioning. 503.3 Filter and pump rooms shall be kept clean…

504 GENERAL AND EMERGENCY POOL LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS 504.1 When a swimming pool, spa pool, or sauna is open during periods of low natural illumination, artificial lighting shall be provided so that all areas of the pool, including the bottom main drains are visible. 504.2 Overhea…

505 FIRST AID AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT 505.1 Safety equipment shall be mounted in a conspicuous place and be readily available for use. 505.2 All public and semi-public swimming pools shall be provided with the following first aid safety equipment that is quickly accessible: (a) Auto…

600 PHYSICAL STRUCTURE ─ BUILDING MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP 600.1 The licensee of a newly constructed, remodeled or renovated swimming pool, spa pool, or sauna shall ensure that the design, construction, building materials, and workmanship complies with the most recent version of…

601 PLUMBING SYSTEMS ─ DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, INSTALLATION, AND CLEANABLE FIXTURES* 601.1 All plumbing systems and hoses that convey water shall be designed, constructed, installed and repaired with approved materials in accordance with the International Plumbing Code (2012 editio…

602 PLUMBING SYSTEMS ─ WATER TEMPERATURE & FLOW, NUMBERS, AND PROHIBITION* 602.1 Toilet facilities located on the premises of an aquatic facility shall be deemed conveniently located and accessible to staff; except, toilet facilities located outside of an aquatic facility do not …

603 TOILET FACILITIES ─ REQUIRED SIGNAGE 603.1 All single-stall toilet rooms shall display gender-neutral signs on the door that read “Restroom,” or have a universally recognized picture/symbol indicating that persons of any gender may use each restroom, in accordance with Sectio…

604 SHOWER FACILITIES, DRESSING ROOMS ─ REASONABLE ACCOMODATIONS 604.1 All shower facilities shall be constructed and designed for individual privacy enclosures in accordance with Section 301(c) of the Human Rights Act of 1977, effective December 13, 1977 (D.C. Law 2-38; D.C. Off…

605 FACILITY MAINTENANCE ─ PHYSICAL STRUCTURE, MATERIALS, CLEANABILITY, AND PROHIBITIONS 605.1 Toilet room floors shall be constructed of sealed concrete or other nonabsorbent materials with a smooth, slip-resistant surface to insure thorough cleaning. 605.2 The intersection of f…

606 FACILITY MAINTENANCE ─ TOILET FACILITIES (RESTROOMS), SHOWER FACILITIES, DRESSING ROOMS, HANDWASHING SINKS, ACCESS, AND PROHIBITIONS* 606.1 Each aquatic facility’s plumbing systems, including but not limited to toilet facilities (restrooms), shower facilities, and handwashing…

607 FACILITY MAINTENANCE ─ EQUIPMENT, CHEMICAL SUPPLIES, USE, LABELING, AND ACCESS* 607.1 Filter and pump rooms shall be kept clean and reasonably dry at all times. 607.2 Controls, valves, and gauges shall be accessible and shall not be blocked by extraneous materials. Valves and…

608 FACILITY MAINTENANCE ─ CHEMICALS, HANDLING, STORAGE, AND SAFETY* 608.1 Chemicals shall be labeled and stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area under a roof and the area shall be inaccessible to the public. 608.2 Chemicals which emit corrosive fumes shall not be stored …

609 FACILITY MAINTENANCE ─ EYE WASH STATIONS, INSTALLATION, ACCESSIBILITY, MAINTENANCE, AND TRAINING 609.1 Eye wash stations capable of delivering low-pressure tepid potable water to both eyes simultaneously for at least ten (10) minutes shall be installed in all chemical storage…

610 FACILITY MAINTENANCE ─ EFFECTIVE BARRIERS, FENCES* 610.1 All outdoor public swimming pools and spa pools shall be surrounded by a minimum seventy-two inch (72 in.) high fence or other substantial barrier approved by the Department. 610.2 The fence shall be continuous around t…

611 FACILITY MAINTENANCE ─ CONTROLLING PESTS* 611.1 The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled to minimize their presence on the premises by: (a) Routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests;N (b) Using methods, if pests are found, such as tr…

612 FACILITY MAINTENANCE ─ REMOVING DEAD OR TRAPPED BIRDS, INSECTS, RODENTS, & OTHER PESTS, AND ANIMAL PROHIBITION* 612.1 Dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, and other pests shall be removed from control devices and the premises at a frequency that prevents their accumulatio…

6401 COMPLIANCE WITH DISTRICT LAWS, FEDERAL LAWS, AND INDUSTRY STANDARDS/GUIDELINES 6401.1 The most recent versions of the following federal laws and regulations or any successor standards are hereby incorporated by reference: (a) The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act…

6402 GENERAL PROVISIONS - SWIMMING POOL SUPERVISION, POSTINGS* 6402.1 The licensee may employ the services of a swimming pool or spa management company to fulfill the requirements of these regulations. 6402.2 All licensees, managers, swimming pool and spa operators, lifeguards or…

6403 GENERAL PROVISIONS - SWIMMING POOL ADMISSION RULES, SIGNS, & POSTINGS* 6403.1 Rules for the admission of bathers to the swimming pool shall be enforced and shall have a heading or caption that reads "Pool Rules" printed legibly with letters that are three inches (3") or larg…

6404 GENERAL PROVISIONS - SPA POOL ADMISSION RULES, SIGNS, & POSTINGS* 6404.1 Rules for the admission to the spa shall be enforced and shall have a heading or caption that reads "Spa Rules" printed legibly with letters that are one inch (1") or larger conspicuously posted adjacen…

6405 SWIMMING POOL AND SPA OPERATOR - CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING* 6405.1 An individual who services a public swimming pool or spa by maintaining the cleanliness, water quality and chemical balance of public pools shall be certified. 6405.2 Individuals desiring to become certifie…

6406 SWIMMING POOL AND SPA OPERATORS - DUTIES, KNOWLEDGE* 6406.1 A certified pool or spa operator shall be on duty during all hours the swimming pool or spa is open to the public. 6406.2 Swimming pool and spa operators shall be knowledgeable in the areas specified in section 6405…

6407 LIFEGUARDS, SWIMMING INSTRUCTORS - CERTIFICATIONS* 6407.1 Lifeguards and swimming instructors shall be certified in lifeguarding or swimming instruction by: (a) The American Red Cross; or (b) The YMCA or other equivalent nationally recognized aquatic training organization th…

6408 LIFEGUARDS - DUTIES* 6408.1 Lifeguards shall be properly attired and readily identifiable as members of the lifeguard staff. 6408.2 Lifeguards shall be on the deck and shall observe the pool whenever bathers are in the water. 6408.3 Lifeguards shall not leave their post for …

6409 LIFEGUARD REQUIREMENTS - SWIMMING POOL, RESTRICTED USE 6409.1 Except as provided in sections 6409.2 and 6411, a lifeguard shall not be required for a swimming pool that is: (a) Open for use only to persons who hold membership or other paid association in the facility where t…

6410 LIFEGUARD REQUIREMENTS - BATHER LOAD, POOL SIZE, OR VISUAL OBSTRUCTIONS 6410.1 There shall be a minimum of one (1) lifeguard on duty capable of observing the swimming pool for every fifty (50) bathers permitted in the water. 6410.2 Pool management shall increase the number o…

6411 ADDITIONAL LIFEGUARD REQUIREMENTS - CHILD SAFETY PLAN 6411.1 A swimming pool or spa that does not have a lifeguard on duty shall follow a Child Safety Plan that has been reviewed and approved by the Department during a preoperational inspection. 6411.2 The Child Safety Plan …

6412 WATER QUALITY - APPROVED SOURCE* 6412.1 The only approved system for pool water shall be potable water from the District of Columbia public water system. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 55 DCR 012845 (December 26, 2008). AUTHORITY: DC-DCMR Section 4902 of the Departmen…

6413 WATER QUALITY - STANDARDS* 6413.1 Potable water shall be used to supply water to all pools and shall meet the requirements of the applicable provisions of 40 C.F.R. Part 141 - National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, and the District of Columbia drinking water quality st…

6414 WATER QUALITY - STANDARDS, CLARITY, AND TEMPERATURE* 6414.1 The pool water shall be 0.5 or less NTU and the main drain grate shall be readily visible from the pool deck. 6414.2 Spa pools and swimming pools with heaters shall have a maximum water temperature of one hundred an…

6415 WATER QUALITY - STANDARDS, BACTERIOLOGICAL* 6415.1 The pool water shall be free of coliform bacteria contamination. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 55 DCR 012845 (December 26, 2008). AUTHORITY: DC-DCMR Section 4902 of the Department of Health Functions Clarification Ac…

6416 WATER QUALITY - STANDARDS, CHEMICAL QUALITY* 6416.1 The Department may collect water samples and examine them as necessary to determine compliance with these regulations. 6416.2 Chemicals used in controlling the quality of the pool water shall be tested and approved using th…

6417 WATER QUALITY - TEST KITS 6417.1 Test kits are required to be on the premises of all swimming pools and spas to determine free active chlorine and total chlorine using N, N-Diethyl-p-Phenylenediamie (DPD), or bromine level, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and pH. 6417.2 …

6418 WATER QUALITY - CONTAMINATION 6418.1 A swimming pool or spa shall be deemed contaminated when one (1) of the following conditions exists: (a) More than one (1) ten milliliter (10 ml) portion of a sample shows a positive test for coliform organisms when multitube fermentation…

6419 RECIRCULATION AND TREATMENT SYSTEM - CROSS-CONNECTION PREVENTION 6419.1 An atmospheric break or approved back flow prevention device shall be provided in each pool water supply line that is connected to a public water supply. 6419.2 Vacuum breakers shall be installed on all …

6420 RECIRCULATION AND TREATMENT SYSTEM 6420.1 The pool recirculation system shall be operated at all times when the pool is open for use. The recirculation system may be shut off three (3) hours after the pool closes and shall be turned back on three (3) hours before opening the…

6421 WATER SUPPLY AND WASTEWATER DISPOSAL 6421.1 No direct mechanical connection shall be made between the potable water supply and the swimming pool or spa, chlorinating equipment, or the system of piping for the swimming pool or spa, unless it is protected against backflow and …

6422 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS - DAILY WATER QUALITY & SAFETY LOGS 6422.1 Each swimming pool or spa shall record the following information on a daily basis, unless otherwise required: (a) Name of each swimming pool or spa operator on duty; (b) Name of each lifeguard on duty; (c) Rat…

6423 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS - EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS 6423.1 A pool owner, manager, swimming pool and spa operator, lifeguard, or swimming instructor shall report any death, serious injury, or injury that requires resuscitation or admission to a hospital occurring at a swimming p…

6424 EQUIPMENT - ENCLOSURES, AREA OR ROOMS, SECURITY ACCESS* 6424.1 Equipment designated by the manufacturer for outdoor use may be located in an equipment area. All other equipment shall be located in an equipment room or enclosure. 6424.2 Plastic pipe subject to a period of pro…

6425 EQUIPMENT - ENCLOSURES, AREA OR ROOMS, FLOOR COVERING* 6425.1 The equipment enclosure, area or room floor shall be of concrete or other nonabsorbent material having a smooth slip resistant finish and shall have positive drainage, including a sump pump if necessary. 6425.2 An…

6426 EQUIPMENT - ENCLOSURES, AREA OR ROOMS, VENTILATION AND ACCESS* 6426.1 Equipment enclosures or rooms shall have either forced draft or cross ventilation. 6426.2 All below grade equipment rooms shall have a stairway access with forced draft ventilation or a fully louvered door…

6427 EQUIPMENT - ENCLOSURES, AREA OR ROOMS, SIZE, LIGHTING, AND PROHIBITED ITEMS* 6427.1 The size of the equipment enclosure, room or area shall provide working space to perform routine operations. 6427.2 Clearance shall be provided for all equipment as prescribed by the manufact…

6428 EQUIPMENT - MAINTENANCE, AND GOOD REPAIR 6428.1 All equipment and appurtenances shall be kept in good repair. 6428.2 Skimmers and returns shall be adjustable and functioning. 6428.3 Filter and pump rooms shall be kept clean and reasonably dry at all times. 6428.4 Decks, copi…

6429 EQUIPMENT - FIRST AID AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT 6429.1 Safety equipment shall be mounted in a conspicuous place and be readily available for use. 6429.2 All swimming pools shall be provided with: (a) A shepherd's hook securely attached to a one (1) piece pole not less than sixtee…