Public Swimming Pools statute (current text)

Single-family dwelling pool excluded regardless of short-term-rental or fee-based guest access

We check whether your pool qualifies as a private, single-family pool exempt from public pool rules.

Must be: A pool used only by the residents and their guests stays exempt even if guests find it through a rental platform or pay a fee.

G.S. 130A-280(a)(1)

Excluded fee-based private pool must be maintained in good and safe working order

We check the overall condition of a private pool that's rented out or used by paying guests.

Must be: Even though it's exempt from public pool rules, the pool must still be kept in good, safe working order.

If it fails: Address any worn, broken, or unsafe equipment so the pool stays in safe operating condition.

G.S. 130A-280(a)(1)

Licensed medical-facility and physical-therapist therapeutic pools excluded

We check whether a therapeutic pool is operated by a licensed medical facility or physical therapist, which would exempt it from public pool rules.

Must be: Therapy pools run by a licensed medical facility or physical therapist, or single-use tubs drained and cleaned after each use, are exempt.

G.S. 130A-280(a)(3)

Artificial swimming lagoon defined by surface area, liner, and disinfectant residual

We check whether a large recreational water feature qualifies as a regulated artificial swimming lagoon.

Must be: It counts as one if it's larger than 20,000 square feet, has an artificial liner, and maintains a disinfectant level that protects public health.

G.S. 130A-280(b)(1)

Definition of "public swimming pool" governs applicability of Part 10

We check whether your pool meets the legal definition of a public swimming pool, which determines whether these regulations apply.

Must be: A pool counts as public if it's an artificial body of water used by the public for swimming, diving, wading, recreation, or therapy, regardless of whether a fee is charged, including pools at hotels, apartments, clubs, and similar shared facilities.

G.S. 130A-280(b)(2)

Operation permit required before a public swimming pool opens

We check whether the pool has a valid operation permit.

Must be: A public swimming pool must have a permit from the state health department before it can open for use each season.

If it fails: Contact the local health department to apply for or renew the pool's operation permit.

G.S. 130A-281

Commission for Public Health adopts pool rules; Department enforces

We check that the pool meets the detailed construction and operation standards set by the state's public health rules.

Must be: The pool must comply with the state's adopted rules covering plans, permits, inspections, construction, and safety operations for its pool classification.

G.S. 130A-282(a)

Pools built or remodeled before May 1, 1993 grandfathered from later design/construction rules, except suction-hazard abatement

We check whether your pool was built or remodeled before May 1, 1993, since that affects which construction rules apply.

Must be: Pools built or renovated before May 1993 don't have to meet today's design and construction standards, but they must still fix any suction hazards and follow all current operating and safety rules.

G.S. 130A-282(b)

Single-drain/single-suction-outlet pools less than 18 inches deep may not operate

We measure the water depth in pools that have only one drain or one suction outlet.

Must be: A pool with a single drain or single suction outlet must be at least 18 inches deep to be allowed to operate at all.

If it fails: If the pool is too shallow, it cannot legally operate until a second drain or suction outlet is added by a licensed pool contractor.

G.S. 130A-282(c)