Ohio · Pools and spas

The public pool and spa rules in force in Ohio now.

ORC Chapter 3749 + OAC 3701-31 (public swimming pools, spas, special use pools); licensor and licensee rules 3701-31-03/-04 amended effective Jul 25, 2024. Enforced by Local boards of health (city and general health districts) license and inspect; Ohio Department of Health reviews plans, inspects construction, and acts as licensor where ORC 3749.07 applies. Verified on the primary source, re-checked weekly.

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Pools and spas in Ohio

Verified on the source
In force

ORC Chapter 3749 + OAC 3701-31 (public swimming pools, spas, special use pools); licensor and licensee rules 3701-31-03/-04 amended effective Jul 25, 2024

No public pool or spa, hotel pools included, operates without a license. Operators test disinfectant and pH before opening and every 4 hours (less often with automatic controllers), keep records 2 years, report EMS incidents within 72 hours.

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

Local boards of health (city and general health districts) license and inspect; Ohio Department of Health reviews plans, inspects construction, and acts as licensor where ORC 3749.07 applies

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; the building view resolves them from your ZIP.

What changes next

In force

In force; no proposed 3701-31 amendment found on ODH pool pages

The federal layer

The federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (drain covers and anti-entrapment) applies to every public pool alongside the state rule below.

Questions about the public pool and spa rules in Ohio

Which public pool rules apply in Ohio today?

ORC Chapter 3749 + OAC 3701-31 (public swimming pools, spas, special use pools); licensor and licensee rules 3701-31-03/-04 amended effective Jul 25, 2024. No public pool or spa, hotel pools included, operates without a license. Operators test disinfectant and pH before opening and every 4 hours (less often with automatic controllers), keep records 2 years, report EMS incidents within 72 hours.

Who enforces the public pool and spa rules in Ohio?

Local boards of health (city and general health districts) license and inspect; Ohio Department of Health reviews plans, inspects construction, and acts as licensor where ORC 3749.07 applies.

What changes next for the public pool and spa rules in Ohio?

Nothing is scheduled. The rule above stays in force until the state adopts a newer edition or amends the program; AHJ Radar re-checks the source weekly.

Other areas in Ohio

Everything in force in Ohio

Priced per building. Your whole team is included.

One address, every authority that can cite it, and a record of who saw what. Cancel anytime. Public pages stay free.