This Page Was Last Updated: 11/21/01
The Health Division carries out inspections of all public and semi-public pools on an annual or biannual basis to ensure compliance with all state and regulations pertaining to pool safety. Inspections include examinations of pool water quality, safety equipment, lifeguard-to-swimmer ratios, pool construction, and other factors. Records on all inspections are maintained at the Health Division for public review.
Permits for public and semi-public pools are issued through the Health Division on a yearly basis for both seasonal and year- round pool facilities. Inspections are carried out to determine compliance with 105 CMR 435.000 , the State regulations for pool safety.
Permit applications may be obtained by calling the Health Division of Inspectional Services. The fee for each individual pools is noted below.
What kind of water quality tests are required at pool facilities?
Pool water must be tested routinely throughout each day of operation for pH (acidity and alkalinity), and chlorine (or bromine) content. Additional tests for alkalinity and calcium hardness must also be performed on a weekly basis, along with assessments of turbidity and determinations for cyanuric acid (if used). Pools must maintain a record of these results for 30 days. The Board of Health may request other evaluations at its discretion. Properly maintained chemical balance in the water will prevent bacterial growth in the water. However, pools may be requested to have bacterial testing carried out periodically.
How many times a year are pools inspected?
Pools are inspected at least once a year. Special purpose pools may be inspected more often.
Are pools required to have a Certified Pool Operator on site?
No, but they must have a Certified Pool Operator or CPO available within 24 hours. A CPO is specially trained to recognize and correct problems that can affect the health and safety of swimmers in pools. Pools that contract with a pool maintenance service may use members of that service to fulfill the CPO requirement.
Can children in diapers be allowed to swim in public pools?
At this time there is no regulation preventing children who wear leak-proof swim garments or diapers from swimming in pools or at beaches. However, this issue is a matter of concern since outbreaks of cryptosporidium and E. coli 07:157 have been traced to pools and water parks where children in diapers have been swimming.
Are there any specific requirements for or lifeguards?
Yes. Lifeguards must be certified for lifesaving by the Red Cross and must have specific training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), in addition to other requirements. The number of lifeguards at any given pool is set by the Board of Health based on recommmended lifeguard-to-swimmer ratios.
Are surface water swimming places regulated for health and safety hazards?
Yes. Swimming areas like the Old Reservoir in Lexington are inspected for compliance with a different State code than that used for swimming pools, the "Minimum Standards for Bathing Beaches, 105 CMR 445.000. Inspections include evaluations of water quality (bacterial content, turbidity, pH, etc), safety equipment, and other factors.
While other surface waters, such as ponds and brooks are evaluated periodically by the Health Division, we recommend that children do not swim or wade in these waters since they are not monitored on a basis which would ensure their continued safety for recreational purposes. Regulations for swimming areas do not apply to such surface waters.
Is there a regulation for water temperature?
No. Pool operators are not required to maintain a specific temperature for the pool water.
What happens if a pool does not completely pass inspection?
Depending on the seriousness of the violation, the pool may be required to suspend operations until the problem is corrected. Violations leading to pool closure include: elevated bacterial counts, low disinfectant levels, high water turbidity, or poor safety equipment, among others.