Washington D.C. Hotel Pool & Spa Signs

Washington D.C. is a hub for tourism and business, drawing millions of visitors annually. For hotels and resorts in the nation's capital, ensuring guest safety and compliance with local health codes is a critical responsibility. The D.C. Department of Health (DOH) is the primary authority governing public swimming pools and spas, with regulations outlined in Title 22, Chapter 64 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations.

This guide breaks down the essential signs your D.C. facility needs to be fully compliant.

General Pool & Spa Signage

D.C.'s regulations are specific about the content and placement of general rules signs, which must be clearly visible to all bathers before entering the area.

• Washington DC No Lifeguard Pool Rules Sign (SPS-NLG4776-DC): Required by D.C. Health Code 6403.5, this comprehensive sign combines general rules for bather admission with the mandatory "NO LIFEGUARD IS ON DUTY. SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK" warning and a requirement for adult supervision for minors.
• Washington DC Pool Rules with Hours Sign (SPS-PL5847-DC): A compliant sign that clearly posts pool rules and hours of operation is essential for guest safety and code compliance.
• Washington DC Spa Operator and Temperature Sign (SPS-SPA1247-DC): This sign is critical for compliance, as D.C. regulations require the posting of spa water temperature and the name of the operator on duty.
• Washington D.C. Spa & Sauna Rules Sign (SPS-SPA5847-DC): D.C. regulations treat saunas and spas with similar safety requirements, and this combined sign is a popular option for facilities with both amenities.
• ISPSC Spa Rules Sign (SPS-SPA3330-ICC): Washington D.C. has adopted the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), which provides comprehensive guidelines for facility safety and signage. This sign is designed to meet those general code requirements.

Safety & Emergency Signage

The D.C. health code requires specific signage to address key safety issues, particularly for pools operating without a lifeguard.

• Washington D.C. No Lifeguard Pool Sign (SPS-NLG2025-DC): If a facility is not required to have a lifeguard on duty, it must post a sign that reads: "WARNING - NO LIFEGUARD IS ON DUTY. SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK." and a warning that minors under 15 must have adult supervision, per D.C. Health Code 6403.5.
• ISPSC No Diving Sign for Pools (SPS-ND1824-ICC): D.C. regulations state that pools with an area greater than 200 sq. ft. that lack an approved diving well must include "NO DIVING" in at least 4-inch letters. This ISPSC sign fulfills that requirement.
• No Diving Sign with Symbol (SPS-ND2323): The ISPSC provides clear, universal symbols to communicate "No Diving" in a way that is easily understood by guests from any background, making this an essential companion sign for a safer pool environment.
• ISPSC Pool Emergency Phone Sign (SPS-PL1625): While not always explicitly mandated in every code section, the ISPSC and general best practices require an emergency phone to be clearly identified, especially in a supervised or unsupervised setting.
• ISPSC Spa and Hot Tub Alarm Sign (SPS-SPA1319-ICC): The ISPSC recommends the use of alarms in high-risk areas like spas and hot tubs, and this sign indicates the presence and purpose of the alarm to ensure guest awareness.

Stay Compliant, Stay Safe

Navigating the specific requirements of the D.C. health code is essential for any public swimming facility. By using the correct, compliant signage, you not only meet your legal obligations but also actively contribute to the safety and well-being of all your guests.