Mission
The purpose of the rules developed by the Georgia Department of Community Health is to establish minimum standards in Georgia for the design, installation, operation and maintenance of these facilities in order to protect the bathing public from injury, minimize the potential for disease transmission, and provide a safe and healthy aquatic recreational environment. The Pools and Spas Program is a state mandated program which is enforced by the Troup County Health Department for all public pools, spas, and special use pools located inside the county. Pools and spas are inspected at least 2 times per year during a licensing year.A public swimming pool is defined as any indoor or outdoor structure, chamber or tank containing a body of water for swimming, diving or bathing but does not include a private residential swimming pool.
During a routine inspection of a licensed public pool an inspector checks the following:
- Proper Water Supply/Quality
- Circulation System, Hair and Lint Strainer, Piping, and Disinfectant
- Proper Turnover Rates
- Approved Filter(s)
- Inlets/Outlets, Main Drains, Gutters or Skimmers
- Pressure or Vacuum gauge
- Automatic Chemical Controllers-not hand feed
- Vacuum Limit Switch
- Proper Lighting
- Safe Ladders and Handrails
- Depth Markers
- Special Requirements for Recreational Diving
- Proper Signage for “No Diving” in shallow or wading pools
- Telephone with Emergency Numbers
- Proper Signage if No Lifeguard on Duty
- Intermittent Floats at changes that increase pool bottom slope
- Proper Sanitation of Water Supply
- Proper Temperature Maintenance
- Adequate Ventilation for indoor pools/spas
As of December 19, 2008 new legislature known as the Virginia Graeme Baker Act (VGB) was passed requiring that all swimming pools, spas, and special use pools have anti-entrapment and anti-evisceration mechanisms in place. These mechanisms will be a special type of drain cover which will prevent a child from injury by way of drain suction. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is the federal agency tasked with enforcing this legislation, and all public pools, spas, and special use pools MUST comply with this federal legislation as a result.
Rules and Regulations Governing Swimming Pools
- Rules for Swimming Pools (290-5-57)
These rules prescribe minimum design, construction, and operation requirements that are intended to protect the public’s health and safety. This chapter applies only to counties that did not have local rules in effect on December 31, 2000.
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
- Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
- Interpretation of Section 104 of the Act
- Guide to Complying with the Law
- Impacts to 290-5-57
- Frequently Asked Questions
Pool Owner/Operator Resources
Miscellaneous Resources Info
A hydraulic analysis is submitted with the construction permit application for new construction and extensively renovated or remodeled facilities if applicable.
Permits
Now you can download relevant forms and have them ready when you visit Environmental Health office.
Pool Complaints
Any complaints please call: 706-298-3702 and leave your name, phone number, and detailed information.
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