The laws of the State direct the Davis County Health Department’s Environmental Health Services Division to enforce rules and regulations and educate and inform the public regarding the design, construction and operation of public pools in Davis County. The Division’s staff stays in close contact with the owners and operators of these facilities to assure they remain in compliance with the requirements of law.
The Davis County Pool Regulation defines a public pool as any swimming pool, spa pool, wading pool, or special purpose pool facility which is not a private residential pool.
Licensed Pool Operator
To provide and maintain a healthy and safe pool environment, a pool must be operated under the direct supervision of a Licensed Swimming Pool/Spa Operator (LPO) who holds a current LPO permit issued by the Division. To qualify as an LPO, the person already must have met the Certified Swimming Pool/Spa Operator (CPO) requirement of a current certification by the National Swimming Pool Foundation, the Aquatics Section of the National Recreation and Parks Association, or who has completed a Division approved equivalent course and passed the association examination. The LPO permit is valid for 5 ears from the date of issuance. The 5-year permit time must run concurrently with the required CPO certification. An individual’s LPO permit may be suspended or revoked if the LPO operates a public pool in an illegal manner.
Inspections & Investigations
To assure sanitation and safety at public pools, spas, and other water recreational facilities, staff members of the Environmental Health Services Division do periodic visits to these locations. The inspectors take water samples, run field tests, review records and official documents, and assess conditions at the various public water recreation spots in Davis County. Some inspections are announced and usually routine, while others are unannounced and more investigational in nature. The inspections and investigations make sure that people using the pool are protected.
Closures
Pools, spas, and water recreational facilities can be closed for reasons of public health and safety. Some causes of pool closure include the following:
- Disinfectant levels too high or too low.
- pH levels above or below the 7.2-7.8 range.
- Circulation/filtration of pool/spa water at improper flow rate through system.
- Main drains not visible and/or not properly attached. Damage to drain cover.
- Water temperature exceeds 105 degrees Fahrenheit, maximum allowed in spa.
- Pool barrier missing or ineffective. Pool regulations require a 6-foot barrier (fence or wall) with a self-closing, self-latching gate or door. The latch must be 54 inches above the ground or be self-locking.
- Other unsafe conditions constituting a threat to bathers as determined by the pool inspector or licensed pool operator.