The Appalachian District Health Department is responsible for the permitting and inspection of all public swimming pools, wading pools, and spas in Alleghany, Ashe, and Watauga Counties. Permitting and inspections of public swimming pools and spas are conducted in accordance with 15A NCAC 18A .2500 “Rules Governing Public Swimming Pools”. By ensuring the proper construction and maintenance of public swimming pools, the Appalachian District Health Department strives to provide the public with safe and enjoyable aquatic facilities.
For more information about this program, please contact the Environmental Health office in your county or click the link below.
Operators of public swimming pools are required to obtain a permit each year based on their dates of operation. In order to obtain a permit, the operator must submit an application with the required fee (listed below) and make an appointment with the health department before a permitting inspection can occur.
In addition, the pool or spa must meet all requirements for a permit including the following:
- Acceptable disinfectant and pH levels
- Acceptable water clarity and temperature
- Availability of required safety equipment
- Required signage, depth markings, and notices
- Approved emergency phone with signage
- Drain covers that are secure and in good repair
- Pool wall, floor, and deck are in good repair and free of trip hazards
- Clean and safe bathing and changing facilities
- Approved fencing and self-closing doors or gates
- Compliance with all VGB requirements
Fees for Public Swimming Pools & Spas:
- Year-Round Pool Permits (April 1 through March 31): $200.00
- Seasonal Pool Permits (April 1 through October 31): $150.00
- Re-inspection Fee (Required before any return visit when pool/spa cannot be permitted on an initial scheduled visit): $75.00
- Swimming Pool Plan Review/Construction Visits:
Plan Review Fee (Includes 4 Visits): $400.00-Additional Visits Beyond 4: $75.00 per visit
For more information on a pool in your county, please call your local Environmental Health Specialist.
North Carolina law requires that no public swimming pool or spa shall be constructed without prior written approval form the Local Health Department. Plans and specifications meeting the requirements found in Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2505 “Plan Review and Approval” shall be submitted to this department along with a plan review fee of $400.00. All plans shall be prepared by a registered professional engineer or registered architect.
Please contact the Environmental Health office in the county which the pool or spa is located for more information, or click on the links below for information on regulations and applications.
Pool Gate Latch Recall
Nationwide Industries has recalled Trident pool gate latches due to a failure in the latching mechanism, which can lead to a failure to secure hazardous areas and pool enclosures. For more information about this recall, please click here.
Certified Pool Operator Trainings
New ADA Requirements
The Americans with Disabilities Act has been updated to address accessibility issues pertaining to swimming pools. The Appalachian District Health Department does not have enforcement over ADA requirements. Operators of swimming pools are urged to contact their county building inspections department for more information on this new requirement. You can also find more information by clicking the link below.
VGB Recalled Drain Covers
Some VGB compliant drain covers have been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. To all public pool operators: you must review the information in this recall and verify if one of these drain covers are install in your pool or spa. Please see the link below for more information on this recall. For assistance, please call the Environmental Health office in your county.
U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
Virginia Graeme Baker Act
As of May 1, 2010 all public swimming pools in the State of North Carolina must be in compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act. Please click on the link below for information on the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act
VIRGINIA GRAEME BAKER POOL & SPA SAFETY ACT
VGB ACT- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
New Pool Fence Requirement
New regulations for public swimming pools are in effect as of May 1, 2010. Please click on the links below to view these new regulations.