With about five months of summer every year, our public swimming pools, health club pools, apartment complex pools, hotel pools, water parks and everywhere else where people get wet to stay cool are places where we don't want to have to worry about becoming sick or hurt. There are permit and maintenance requirements for all public and semi-public swimming pools with which operators are legally required to comply.
Which government agency is responsible for inspecting pools in the Phoenix area?
The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department regulates public and semi-public pools, wading pools or special use pools, spas and artificial and semi-artificial bathing lakes for the Greater Phoenix area. Public swimming pools as well as pools at schools, apartment complexes, master planned communities, hotels, fitness facilities, spas, country clubs and others are subject to permit requirements and ongoing inspection. The purpose of those inspections is to safeguard the public against potential illness or injury.What does the inspection include?
In addition to the verification of appropriate permits and the actual testing of the water for chlorine levels and acidity, the inspection process includes other safety features of the swimming pool, including, but not limited to:- signage
- fencing
- self-closing gates
- deck conditions
- handrail conditions
- pool surface condition
- appropriate water level
- operation of filters and other mechanical pool equipment
Where can I check to see previous inspections at a public swimming pool?
Swimming pool inspection reports for Maricopa County (that includes Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale and other surrounding cities and towns) are available online at no charge. Look up swimming pool inspection reports here.I visited a public or semi-public swimming pool and I think there are problems there. How do I file a complaint?
If you were at a pool that you believe didn't have the proper amount of chemicals or posed what you believe are other threats to the safety or health of individuals bathing there, you can file a complaint online. Remember -- these inspections are not done at private swimming pools, such as a pool or spa at someone's home.For more information about Swimming Pool Compliance Inspections in Maricopa County, call 602-506-6616.
