Public Swimming Pool Services

Public swimming pools are defined by the State of Michigan as an artificial body of water used collectively by a number of individuals primarily for the purpose of swimming, wading, recreation, or instruction and includes related equipment, structures, areas, and enclosures intended for the use of individuals using or operating the swimming pool such as equipment, dressing, locker, shower, and toilet rooms. Public swimming pools include those which are for parks, schools, motels, camps, resorts, apartments, clubs, hotels, mobile home parks, subdivisions, waterparks, and the like.

All public pools are inspected at least annually by Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH). Select pools may require a pre-opening inspection each season. New pools need an initial inspection prior to opening with an EGLE inspector.

As the swimming pool operator, you have many tasks. There are three main obligations of a public swimming pool operator required by law. They are:

• Collection and submission of water samples quarterly for bacteriologic analysis – see steps in taking quarterly bacteria samples for more information
•  Submission of operational report to OCDPH at the end of each month. Example of an operational report here. At a minimum, water should be tested twice daily – once before the pool opens and once during the day.
•  Qualified personnel readily available within 15 minutes. Qualified personnel must be available during all hours in which a swimming pool is open. This person must be available within 15 minutes of arrival. This individual should be responsible for testing water quality and operating equipment for water treatment and circulation. We strongly encourage pool operators to take the certified pool operator class.

Collection of quarterly water samples for bacteria is critical as an indicator that the pool operation and maintenance are keeping bacteria levels in check. These water samples are required when your pool or spa is open.
Bacteria water sample bottles can be picked up and dropped off at OCDPH located at 12251 James Street in Holland. If you bring the bacteria water sample to OCDPH, the water lab fee is due at drop off. You can also pick up and drop off bacteria water samples at certified drinking water lab of your choice. Please contact us for a list of local certified drinking water labs.

•  Quarter 1: Sample between January 1 and March 31 (if pool is open)
•  Quarter 2: Sample between April and June 30 (if pool is open)
•  Quarter 3: Sample between July 1 and September 30 (if pool is open)
•  Quarter 4: Sample between October 1 and December 31 (if pool is open)

If results are unacceptable, re-sampling is required.