Pennsylvania · Pools and spas

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

Public Bathing Law + 28 Pa. Code Ch. 18 Public Swimming and Bathing Places: operating permit for public pools, spas, hot tubs and beaches; construction under UCC (2021 ISPSC with PA modifications since Jan 1, 2026). Enforced by Pa. Department of Health (Bureau of Community Health Systems) issues permits; county/municipal health departments where established (Act 315); local UCC code officials or L&I for pool construction. Verified on the primary source, re-checked weekly.

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Pools and spas in Pennsylvania

Verified on the source
In force

Public Bathing Law + 28 Pa. Code Ch. 18 Public Swimming and Bathing Places: operating permit for public pools, spas, hot tubs and beaches; construction under UCC (2021 ISPSC with PA modifications since Jan 1, 2026)

A copy of Chapter 18 must be posted at each swimming facility. Seven county and four municipal health departments handle bathing-place sanitation locally; Allegheny County permits and inspects hotel/motel pools annually. No recent Chapter 18 amendment found.

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

Pa. Department of Health (Bureau of Community Health Systems) issues permits; county/municipal health departments where established (Act 315); local UCC code officials or L&I for pool construction

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 pending Chapter 18 rulemaking found

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 Pennsylvania

Which public pool rules apply in Pennsylvania today?

Public Bathing Law + 28 Pa. Code Ch. 18 Public Swimming and Bathing Places: operating permit for public pools, spas, hot tubs and beaches; construction under UCC (2021 ISPSC with PA modifications since Jan 1, 2026). A copy of Chapter 18 must be posted at each swimming facility. Seven county and four municipal health departments handle bathing-place sanitation locally; Allegheny County permits and inspects hotel/motel pools annually. No recent Chapter 18 amendment found.

Who enforces the public pool and spa rules in Pennsylvania?

Pa. Department of Health (Bureau of Community Health Systems) issues permits; county/municipal health departments where established (Act 315); local UCC code officials or L&I for pool construction.

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

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 Pennsylvania

Everything in force in Pennsylvania

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.