Public Swimming Pool Operational Permits

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Pool

To protect public health and safety, the Environmental Health Division enforces regulations governing the construction and operation of public swimming pools, wading pools, and spas in accordance with 15A NCAC 18A .2500 – Rules Governing Public Swimming Pools.

A public pool is any structure, chamber, or tank containing an artificial body of water used by the public for swimming, diving, wading, recreation, or therapy, along with any associated buildings and equipment, regardless of whether a fee is charged. This definition includes pools and spas at municipal facilities, schools, hotels, motels, apartments, boarding houses, and athletic or membership establishments.

These rules do not apply to private pools serving a single‑family residence and used exclusively by the occupants and their guests.

Public pools must obtain a permit to operate to the public.

Pools may obtain a seasonal pool permit April -October each year or a Year-round permit.

Seasonal Pool Operational Permits

Seasonal Public Swimming Pool Permits

Steps to Seasonal Pool Permitting:

1. Submit pool application and fee for each pool, spa, wading pool.

Note: Applications must be submitted online through the Environmental Health Open Gov Portal

Documents required to be uploaded to portal:
*Complete Application.
*Paid Fee
*Pool Drain Suction Compliance(PDSC) for each system w/ pump curve
*Certified Pool Operator(CPO)certification
*Equipment specification sheets: drain covers, pump, flow meter

2. Once the assigned inspector has received the COMPLETE application and all supporting documents, inspector will contact the CPO for a permitting appointment.

3. During this permitting appointment, the assigned inspector will inspect the pool for compliance and review the pool pre-opening checklist items. If the pool is in compliance with the Rules Governing the Sanitation of Public Swimming Pools, the inspector will issue the Operations Permit.

4. For seasonal pool permits, pool sanitation/safety inspections are conducted.
1st inspection for pool permitting
2nd inspection unannounced during the operational season

Year-round Pool Operational Permits

Year-round Public Swimming Pool Permits

Pool enclosures that have year-round amenities such as outdoor grills, lounge areas, pavilions must apply for a Year-round pool permit.

Year-round pool permits are valid 365 days from permit issuance. Year-round permits will have additional pool sanitation/safety inspections.

1) Inspection for permitting
2) Inspection during the open season for compliance
3) Inspection during closed/off season for compliance

Steps to Year-round Pool Permitting:

1. Submit pool application and fee for each pool, spa, wading pool.

Note: Applications must be submitted online through the Environmental Health Open Gov Portal

Documents required to be uploaded to portal:
*Complete Application.
*Paid Fee
*Pool Drain Suction Compliance(PDSC) form for each system w/ pump curve
*CPO certification
*Equipment specification sheets: drain covers, pump, flow meter

2. Once the assigned inspector has received the COMPLETE application and all supporting documents, inspector will contact you for a permitting appointment.

3. During this permitting appointment, the assigned inspector will inspect for compliance and review the pre-opening checklist items. If the pool is in compliance with the Rules Governing the Sanitation of Public Swimming Pools, the inspector will issue the Operations Permit.

Pool Program Resources

Pool Program Staff