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. Checked on the primary source; the state record was last reviewed 2026-11-12.
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
Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; confirm the local office for the address.
In force; no pending Chapter 18 rulemaking found
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.
These apply when the building has the equipment or fits the type named. The frequency is the standard one; your local official can set a stricter one, so confirm it for the address.
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.
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.
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.
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