Swimming Pools, Spas & Special Use Pools
Overview
Public swimming pools, spas and special use pools are regulated under the authority of Chapter 3749 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and the rules specified in Chapter 3701-31 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC). A public swimming pool is defined as any indoor or outdoor structure, chamber or tank containing a body of water for swimming, diving or bathing, but does not include a private residential swimming pool. The rules establish minimum standards, applicable throughout Ohio, for the design, installation, operation and maintenance of these facilities in order to protect the bathing public from injury, minimize the potential for disease transmission and provide a safe and healthy aquatic recreational environment.
Virginia Graeme Baker Act
New federal legislation will go into effect that will impact all swimming pool and spas throughout the country. Information on the VGB Act can be found by clicking Virginia Graeme Baker Act Information. Additional information can be obtained at the CPSC website, http://www.cpsc.gov/phth/vgpsa.pdf.
The CPSC has just released a new poster, CPSC Guide to Compliance, to assist pool operators and licensors in understanding the VGB Act.
Services
The following services are provided through the Bureau of Environmental Health, Public Swimming Pools & Spas program:
- Policy and procedural guidance to local health district staff for the implementation of the public swimming pool/spa/special use pool regulatory program
- Technical assistance and training in all aspects of facility construction, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and evaluation of public swimming pool, public spa and special use pool facilities
- Periodic surveys of local health district licensing programs to assure licensing programs are being conducted in compliance with the ORC and the OAC
- Clearinghouse functions for the general public relative to aquatic recreation issues, protection from disease transmission, personal safety and complaint investigation.
Rule Development
The Public Swimming Pool/Spa/Special Use Pool rules are developed by the Ohio Department of Health with the assistance of the Swimming Pool Rule Review Committee. The current rules will begin the revision process in October.
Additional Information:
Mailing Address:
Ohio Department of Health
Swimming Pools, Spas & Special Use Pools
246 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Telephone: (614) 466-1390
Fax: (614) 466-4556
E-mail: BEH@odh.ohio.gov
Last Updated: 10/02/08 ODH Programs / Links |
