Although there are a couple of federal laws surrounding swimming pools (both public and private), pool signs are a product of state or local regulation. Whether rules are derived from public health department regulations, building codes, or the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), public pools must post a minimum selection of signage to protect guests or other invitees from harm. Such pool signs include No Diving, Emergency Contact Information, Instructional, and Informational signs. In addition, depending on your offerings, Pool Lift, Hazardous Chemicals, and Spa Rules may also be required. Based on your jurisdiction, you may have to consult overlapping or conflicting rules to ensure you’re in compliance. 

HOTELSIGNS.com Tip: Our extended selection of pool/spa signage complies with applicable state and local regulations. Select your city or state and shop your signage today! Additionally, shop generic pool signs as well.

Comparing Pool Regulations

Public health departments are the primary regulatory enforcement agencies within most jurisdictions around the country, but the rules drafted by these departments may not be the only source of authority. For example, the state of Florida assigns public pool regulations to its Building Code (FBC), unlike many jurisdictions. While the FBC outlines all pool specifications, the Department of Health (DOH) preempts any conflict of authority. 

Alternatively, another source for requirements in this area may be the ISPSC concerning overlap or conflicts with various health departments. As a further example, Washington, D.C. has mandatorily adopted the ISPSC on top of the health department regulations, which presents some overlap. Where there are direct conflicts, the strictest rule applies. Where there are different rules from one source that are absent from the other, you apply it as an additional rule. 

Examples of Pool Regulations in California, Florida, and NYC

Public swimming pool signs stand as one of the least unified fields in the area of signage regulations. From California to New York, Alaska to Florida, all jurisdictions within the United States have adopted their own rules. Therefore, it is important to ensure your pool signs are up-to-standard.

Here are a few examples of state-specific pool rules:

New York City (NYC)

  • New York City swimming pools ban prolonged breath holding, and requires indicative language on both its pool rules sign and on a separate “No Breath Holding” sign:“Swimming pool permittees must post a sign, in a location easily seen from the pool deck of each pool in a bathing facility, and in each dressing area, warning swimmers of the dangers of taking deep breaths, one after the other, before swimming underwater, and the prohibition of breath-holding contests.” 

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California

  • The California Code of Regulations (CABC) includes updated Building Code Requirements for mandatory pool signs. New additions include artificial respiration and CPR, spa pump alert, no use of pool allowed after dark, caution: water is recirculated, diarrhea warning, and keep gate closed signs. Required swimming pool and associated sign are found at 3120B.1 of the CABC.

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Florida

  • In addition to previous pool rules, by January 1, 2022, all pools shall add: “POOL MAXIMUM DEPTH: ___ FEET,” in 2-inch (51 mm) letters with the previously listed pool rules. § 454.1.2.3.5, FLBC. 

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HOTELSIGNS: Your Source for Pool Regulation Signage

We’ll admit it; pool signs can be complicated. Why not consider HOTELSIGNS.com for your compliance needs? We will do the heavy-lifting for you: our compliance team stays up-to-date on industry pool signage news, and ensures the verbiage on each pool sign is correct. Whether you operate a branded or independent hotel, HOTELSIGNS.com is equipped to address your needs.

As always, each of our signs is covered by unparalleled guarantees, including Life-of-the-Building and ADA Compliance. Reach out to our team today if you need help on pool compliancy. We’re always here and eager to help.

HOTELSIGNS.com Tip: Get easy access to your state-specific signs! If you’re an independent hotel, bookmark your state under our State Specific Signs page. And if you’re a branded hotel (e.g., Marriott, Wyndham, IHG, Hilton, etc.), first go to your specific brand store, then bookmark your state under your store’s State Specific Signs page.