The Environmental Health Bureau swimming pool program is designed to assure citizens that state licensed swimming pools and spas that are open to the public meet Public Health Code requirements for water treatment, water quality, maintenance, construction, and bather safety. The Michigan building code contains requirements for construction, fencing and safety features. Private pools are exempt from MDEQ licensing and inspection.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality contracts with our department to perform inspections of licensed public pools and spas. Each licensed facility is inspected at least twice annually. During routine inspections, staff looks for compliance with construction, maintenance, safety, water treatment, and water quality regulations and standards. In addition, water quality in each public pool and spa is monitored weekly. Environmental Health reviews the Public Swimming Pool Monthly Operation Report submitted by the operators. Samples for total bacteria and coliform bacteria are analyzed by the Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services (HCS) Laboratory, or by a laboratory of the owner's choice. When inspections or water sampling indicates unsafe or unhealthy conditions, bathing facilities are ordered closed until water quality and facility conditions comply with Public Health Code standards.

Prior to construction of a new pool or spa, Environmental Health Bureau and MDEQ staff review plans. A construction permit application is necessary prior to construction. Construction plans are approved when proposed construction complies with regulations. New and remodeled facilities are inspected prior to opening to assure safe and healthy operation. Check the MDEQ website for a construction permit application.

The Public Health Code requires all licensed pools to develop an Emergency Response Plan. The plans address blood spills and fecal accidents in pools, equipment failure, and water quality problems. The MDEQ has developed a suggested practice (pdf) for pool contamination response.

Since 1999, the Environmental Health Bureau has offered operators of licensed pools a one-day training seminar. In the seminar, operators learn skills for basic maintenance of water quality and pool safety. Twenty-six operators attended the first seminar. In 2005, 112 operators attended.

In an effort to improve safety in swimming environments, in 2005 the Environmental Health Bureau formed a partnership with the Safe Kids Coalition and puts a focus on safe recreational swimming for children. This is notable because drowning is the seventh leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for all ages and the second leading cause of all injury deaths in children aged 1-14 years (CDC MMWR, June 4, 2004/53(21); 447-452).

An informational newsletter will be sent to Public Swimming Pool/Spa operators throughout the year to keep them informed on training opportunities and important information. A copy will be posted here as they become available.
January 2006 (pdf) - February 2007 (pdf)

Helpful Links:

CDC Healthy Swimming Website
Certified Pool Operator Training
Safe Kids Coalition