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Maryland Carroll County Health Department

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Public Swimming Pools

The Carroll County Health Department inspects all public swimming pools.

These facilities can operate seasonally or year round.

Public pools are licensed by the Health Department in accordance with the Code of Maryland Regulations 10.17.01

New Construction Alteration and Improvement

The owner of a public swimming pool or spa must submit complete and detailed plans and specifications when constructing or altering the pool or spa or when replacing components. A construction, alteration or replacement permit is issued following approval of plans by the Maryland Department of Health.

Center for Healthy Homes and Community Services

Certified Pool Operators

The State of Maryland requires every public pool to have a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) on duty who is responsible for the safety, health, and maintenance of the pool/spa operations. The following are the requirements for a CPO (COMAR 10.17.01.41):
  • Must be 16 years or older
  • Must complete a 14-hour approved public pool/spa operator course with a minimum grade of 70%  or better; or
  • Present proof of previous certification and completed an approved 4 hour refresher course; or
  • Pass a challenge exam offered by the Secretary
Upon completion of the approved course, a Pool/Spa Operator Certification Card is issued by the Carroll County Health Department

Complaints

The Carroll County Health Department strives to ensure swimmers are safe and healthy. If you have a complaint please call us at (410) 876-1884.

Forms

CDC Healthy Swimming Fecal Incident Response Recommendations

Pre-opening Guidelines

Applications

We still require the following to be submitted to our office before a pre-opening inspection can be scheduled.

  1. Application to Operate Swimming Pool or Spa
  2. Workers’ Compensation Form
  3. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Affidavit for Maryland Public Pools and Spas

We cannot process incomplete applications; therefore, it is imperative that the forms be filled out completely and accurately. Please be advised that under the regulations, a certified operator must be present whenever the pool is in use.

With the implementation of new regulations we will be issuing individual permits for each ‘body  of water’ at a facility. For example, if your facility has a pool and a spa that is two ‘bodies of water’. Starting in 2023 a license fee for each ‘body of water’ will be required. 

With the new regulations the frequency of inspections is changing. We will inspect the public pool or spa every six (6)  months. If critical violations, as outlined in COMAR, are found the individual body of water will be inspected every  thirty (30) days until three (3) consecutive inspections with no critical violations.

Please remember that you must always contact the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) at (410) 767-8416 before  making any alterations or repairs to a pool or spa. MDH will then advise you whether you must submit plans of the  proposed project for their review before a construction permit can be issued to begin the work. 

A guideline is available below to help you prepare for your inspection.