Wisconsin Hotel Parking & Pool Signs

Wisconsin, known as the "Dairy State," attracts countless visitors to its scenic lakes, vibrant cities, and serene resorts. For the hospitality and recreation industries, ensuring the safety of every guest is paramount, and a critical part of that is compliance with the state's specific signage regulations. These rules are primarily governed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (ATCP) and state statutes.

This guide outlines the essential signs required for hotels and resorts, from the parking lot to the poolside.

Parking & Accessibility

Wisconsin state law has specific requirements for designating reserved parking spaces for individuals with disabilities. A compliant sign is essential for accessibility and to avoid legal issues.

• Wisconsin - Reserved Parking w/ISA Symbol (TC-WI1): This sign is required for all designated accessible parking spots, ensuring compliance with state and federal accessibility laws.

Pool, Spa & Water Attraction Safety

Wisconsin has one of the most comprehensive sets of regulations for public pools and water attractions. The Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 76 mandates a wide range of signs to ensure the safety of all patrons, from general rules to highly specific warnings for unique features.

General Pool Rules & Warnings

These signs communicate basic safety rules and are required for all public pools.

• Wisconsin Pool Rules Sign (SPS-PL3725-WI): A comprehensive sign required by ATCP 76 to list general safety rules, including prohibitions on running, rough play, and food in the pool area.
• Wisconsin Breath Holding Pool Sign (SPS-PL1210-WI): ATCP 76.29 explicitly requires that activities involving prolonged breath holding be prohibited, and this sign communicates that critical safety rule.
• Maximum Load Pool Rules Sign (SPS-PL1017): A sign showing the maximum patron load must be "conspicuously displayed" near each pool, per ATCP 76.29.
• No Diving Sign with Symbol (SPS-ND2323): For any pool greater than 200 square feet that does not have an approved diving well, a "NO DIVING" sign with at least 4-inch high letters is required.
• Accessible Phone Location Sign (SPS-EM619): While not explicitly a state code requirement, it's a best practice to clearly mark the location of an accessible phone for emergencies in compliance with ADA standards.

Specialized Pool & Spa Signs

For facilities with special aquatic features, additional signage is mandatory.

• Wisconsin Spa Rules Sign (SPS-SPA3425-WI): This sign must be conspicuously posted in the whirlpool area and must include specific warnings about water temperature, especially for pregnant individuals and those with health conditions.
• Wisconsin Water Temperature Pool Sign (SPS-PL1742-WI): For cold-soak pools, ATCP 76.29 requires a sign that states the water temperature in Fahrenheit in at least 4-inch high letters.
• Wisconsin Waterslide Rules Sign (SPS-WS1735-WI): The state requires specific rules to be posted at the entrance to any waterslide, including warnings about drug or alcohol use and instructions to follow the attendant's guidance.
• Wisconsin Artificial Current Pool Sign (SPS-VPL1853-WI): ATCP 76.29(4) specifically mandates a sign for vortex and current pools that reads "Artificial Current; Strong Swimmers Only." in 4-inch or larger letters.

Stay Compliant, Stay Safe

Ensuring your facility is equipped with the correct signage is more than just meeting a checklist—it’s a proactive measure to protect your guests and staff. By staying up to date on these Wisconsin-specific requirements, you contribute to a safe and thriving environment for everyone to enjoy.