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Swimming Pools & Whirlpools
Public Health-Madison and Dane County licenses and inspects almost 400 indoor and outdoor swimming and whirlpools. These pools are located at hotel/motels, apartments, schools, health clubs and country club facilities.
Public Health Sanitarians conduct monthly visits at pools to check for safety and water quality issues. The water is tested for chlorine or bromine and pH. A sample of pool water is obtained and brought to the Public Health-Madison and Dane County Laboratory. The Laboratory tests the water samples for total bacteria, presence of coliform bacteria and upon request, pseudomonas bacteria. The Public Health Sanitarian also inspects for safety hazards including: loose/broken drain covers, condition of fencing around outdoor pools, loose ladders, foreign objects in pool area, presence of safety equipment, operational emergency phone, posting of emergency numbers, access to first aid equipment, and operational drinking fountains.
Pools are inspected annually to verify
all pools meet the code requirements outlined
in Chapter Comm 90 of
Design and Construction of Public Swimming Pools and
Chapter HFS 172 of
Safety, Maintenance and operation of Public Swimming Pools. Some
basic code requirements sanitarians inspect for are proper signage of
pool rules, capacity, operational recirculation system, accurate daily
testing logs, and all other safety and health regulations.
- Lifeguard Requirements (PDF)
- Pool Enforcement Policy (PDF)
- Responsible Pool Supervisor Form (PDF)
- Monthly Pool Log (PDF)
- Fecal Accident Response Recommendations for Pool Staff (PDF)
- Licensing Information
- DHFS Approved Water Test Kits (PDF)
- DHFS Minimum Disinfectant Residuals (PDF)
- First Aid Requirements (PDF)
- HFS Chapter 172 Code Updates February 2008 (PDF)
- DHFS Accident Report Form (PDF)