Information for commercial pool operators and owners
NOVEMBER 2020 SPECIAL ISSUE
Governor announces new restrictions to slow COVID-19
Yesterday, Governor Inslee announced new restrictions to slow the spread of rapidly increasing COVID cases in our state to ensure that hospital and medical systems are not overwhelmed.
You can read the full announcement and other updates here.
Pools & spas can remain open!
Pool & spas not affected by new restrictions at this time.
This guidance does not affect pools and spas as they are not specifically mentioned in this proclamation. The proclamation states, "If an activity is not listed below, currently existing guidance shall continue to apply. If current guidance is more restrictive than the below listed restrictions, the most restrictive guidance shall apply."
Open
Because pools and spas are not specifically mentioned in this proclamation, the requirements in the current guidance still apply EXCEPT that:

  • No social gatherings are allowed in indoor facilities even in Phase 3 counties unless the requirements in the proclamation are adhered to (quarantining and COVID testing). Social gatherings are already prohibited at any (indoor or outdoor) at pool or spa in Phase 2 counties.
  • Social gatherings are allowed with up to 5 people outside of the household at outdoor facilities (instead of how it is worded in the current WRF guidance: 10 people maximum).

Washington State Department of Health has confirmed with the Governor’s Office that swim team practices and swim meets are allowed as long as all the requirements in the current guidance are adhered to.
Are you ready to open?
Once you have read the guidance, use the questions below to determine if your facility can safely reopen.
If you have determined that your facility can reopen based on reviewing the guidance and answering the questions above, please notify us by pressing the button below.
Not sure you are ready to reopen? Schedule an Educational Inspection!

To ensure that facilities are ready to reopen in 2020 or 2021, we are offering the ability for facilities to schedule an educational inspection which would count towards one of their routine inspections for 2020 or 2021. Educational inspections do not result in violations and the score is not posted on our website. The goal is to identify issues and provide education to ensure that the facility operates safely once reopened. Facilities that obtain an inactive pool permit can also schedule an education inspector that will count as their one inspection for the year.

If you are interested in scheduling an educational inspection, email your current water recreation facility inspector Alyssa Payne at Alyssa.payne@clark.wa.gov or call (564) 397-7323.  
Deadline Approaching to Obtain Inactive Pool Permit
To provide an affordable option for facilities that choose not reopen prior to May 1st, 2021 due to COVID-19, we are offering an Inactive Pool Permit. This is an annual permit costing $205.00 that ensures Clark County Public Health staff conduct a site visit to ensure that the facility is properly secured and not causing a hazard or nuisance. Facilities must apply for an Inactive Pool Permit OR pay their operating permit no later than December 1, 2020.
If you are not opening before May 1st, 2021 please press the button below or call Alyssa Payne at (564) 397-7323.
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COVID-19 INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

If you have more questions about COVID-19, please call the Washington State Department of Health Assistance hotline at 1-800-525-0127 OR submit inquiries by filling out the Inquiry Form online.
 
You can sign-up for Office of the Governor, Department of Health, and Department of Commerce updates by subscribing to email or text alerts at the Washington State Coronavirus Response (COIVD-19) website. 

The following resources will help you stay up-to-date on the current COVID-19 situation: 

For questions about your own health, COVID-19 testing, or testing results, please contact your health care provider. 
To report an illness or public notification regarding Rec. Water Safety , click here.

For more information about the services we provide, please click the button below to reach our Rec. Water homepage.
Clark County Public Health
1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd, Building 17
Vancouver, WA 98661