Wake County Regulations Governing Swimming Pools

Plan submittal must include full itemized design package

We check that the original construction plan submittal included every required document.

Must be: The plan package must include a site plan, dimensioned drawings, bathhouse and equipment room layouts, equipment specs, a piping schematic, water supply and wastewater details, a fencing detail, and a lighting schedule if used at night.

If it fails: Have your pool contractor or engineer compile and submit any missing documents to the health department.

Wake County Regulations Governing Swimming Pools §3(d)

Surface water-spray features banned where depth exceeds 18 inches

We check for any water-spray features aimed at the pool surface where the water is deeper than 18 inches.

Must be: Spray or surface-discharge features aren't allowed anywhere the water is deeper than 18 inches, except in wading pools built for them, under waterslides, at fill spouts, or diving-pool reference sprays.

If it fails: Relocate or remove any spray feature positioned over water deeper than 18 inches.

Wake County Regulations Governing Swimming Pools §4

County operations permit valid no more than 12 months

We check the issue and expiration dates on the pool's operations permit.

Must be: The operations permit is valid for no more than 12 months from the date it's issued.

If it fails: Renew the operations permit with the county before it expires.

Wake County Regulations Governing Swimming Pools §5(b)

Operator needs PHTA CPO card plus separate 5-year Wake County certification

We check that the pool operator holds both a certified pool operator card and the separate county certification.

Must be: The operator needs a valid pool operator certificate plus a passing score on the county's own test, renewed every 5 years.

If it fails: Have the operator complete a CPO course and pass the county certification test if either credential is missing or expired.

Wake County Regulations Governing Swimming Pools §7(b)-(c)

Required records must stay onsite at all times or the pool must close

We check that all required logs and certifications are kept on site and available for review.

Must be: Chemical logs, activity and backwash logs, temperature logs, phone-test logs, the maintenance checklist, and current certifications must be on site at all times.

If it fails: Keep a complete, up-to-date records binder at the pool at all times.

Wake County Regulations Governing Swimming Pools §7(d)

Disinfectant/pH read twice daily, minimum 6 hours apart, with initials

We review the pool's chemical log for twice-daily readings, timing, and initials.

Must be: Disinfectant and pH must be tested at least twice each operating day, at least 6 hours apart, with date, time, and the tester's initials logged.

If it fails: Set a schedule so readings are taken and logged twice a day, spaced at least 6 hours apart.

Wake County Regulations Governing Swimming Pools §7(d)(1)

Daily test-call verification of emergency phone, logged

We check the log confirming the poolside emergency phone was test-called each day.

Must be: Each day, someone must call a non-emergency number from the poolside phone, get a callback to confirm the ringer works, and log it.

If it fails: Add a daily phone test to the operator's routine and record it in the log.

Wake County Regulations Governing Swimming Pools §7(d)(4)

Daily CPO maintenance checklist must be completed

We check that the daily maintenance checklist has been completed each operating day.

Must be: The operator must fill out the maintenance checklist every day the pool is open.

If it fails: Keep a checklist at poolside and have the operator complete it daily.

Wake County Regulations Governing Swimming Pools §7(d)(5)

Gate self-close/self-latch waived only when attendant and lifeguard both on duty

We check that pool gates self-close and self-latch, and confirm whether an attendant and lifeguard are both on duty if they don't.

Must be: Gates must be self-closing and self-latching at all times, unless a gate attendant and a lifeguard are both actively on duty.

If it fails: Repair or replace the self-closing hinge and self-latching mechanism on the gate.

Wake County Regulations Governing Swimming Pools §7(e)

Operators must register annually with the County listing all pools

We check that the pool's operator is registered with the county for the current year.

Must be: The operator must register annually with the county and list every pool they're responsible for.

If it fails: Have the operator file the annual registration listing all pools under their care.

Wake County Regulations Governing Swimming Pools §7(g)

Water-chemistry violation is grounds for immediate county permit suspension

We check the pool's water chemistry and disinfectant levels against the required minimums.

Must be: Water chemistry and disinfectant levels must meet the required standards at all times, or the operations permit can be suspended immediately.

If it fails: Correct chemical levels right away and retest before reopening to the public.

Wake County Regulations Governing Swimming Pools §9(d)

Loss of main-drain visibility is grounds for immediate permit suspension

We check water clarity by confirming the main drain cover is clearly visible from the deck.

Must be: Water must stay clear enough that the main drain in the deepest part of the pool is plainly visible from the deck.

If it fails: Close the pool and treat and filter the water until the main drain is clearly visible again.

Wake County Regulations Governing Swimming Pools §9(g)

Local penalties: misdemeanor plus up to $100/day administrative fine

We note the penalties that apply if pool rules are knowingly violated.

Must be: A willful violation can be charged as a misdemeanor and fined up to $100 per day, with each day counted separately.

Wake County Regulations Governing Swimming Pools §18-19