Swimming Pools | Licensing & Permit Process
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services inspects public swimming pools and spas to monitor health and safety conditions. There are more than 500 licensed public swimming pool and spa locations throughout Montgomery County. Licenses are renewed annually.
HHS is no longer accepting paper permit applications. Information must be submitted using our eServices programs. For assistance with eServices please email HHS@montgomerycountymd.gov.
The 2010 U.S. Department of Justice ADA law went into effect January 31, 2013. All pool owners must submit the ADA affidavit for compliance. Failure to do so will result in the pool application being denied.
Who must apply for a management company registration?
Any person, cooperative, association, partnership, firm or corporation, excluding a pool operator, who is responsible by contract or other agreement with the owner for the operation of a public swimming pool or spa in Montgomery County must be registered.
What type of pools do management companies have to register to operate?
- Public Swimming Pools:
Any swimming pool, except a private swimming pool, which is intended to be used for swimming, wading, diving or recreational bathing. A private swimming pool is any swimming pool built on the grounds of a single family residence and used solely by the owner, immediate family, tenants or guests. - Public Spas:
Any pool intended for public recreational or therapeutic uses other than swimming, diving or general recreational use.
When must one apply for a management company registration?
Registration must occur prior to operating or managing any public swimming pool or spa.
How does one obtain a registration to manage a pool?
Applications and information on the requirements are available here:
What is the process for registering?
- The application and the appropriate fee must be submitted.
- Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant.
- The registration will be mailed to the applicant.
- Licensure & Regulatory Services staff are available to answer questions during regular business hours - Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 240-777-3986.
Who must apply for a swimming pool operating permit?
Any person planning to operate a public swimming pool must obtain a swimming pool operating permit in Montgomery County.
What is a swimming pool facility?
A swimming pool facility is any pool which is intended to be used collectively by a number or persons for swimming, diving, wading or recreational bathing. A swimming pool does not include a private pool, or private spa, built on the grounds of a single family residence and used solely by the owner, immediate family, tenants or guests.
When must one apply for a swimming pool operating permit?
An operating permit must be obtained prior to permitting the use of a public swimming pool. Swimming pool operating permits expire on April 30 th and must be renewed each year.
How does one obtain a swimming pool operating permit?
Operating permits are issued by the Department of Health and Human Services, Licensure and Regulatory Services.
Applications and information on the requirements are available here:
Who must apply for a Certified Swimming Pool Operator’s License ?
To act as a swimming pool operator in Montgomery County, an individual must possess a current Montgomery County Certified Swimming Pool Operator’s License.
How to qualify for a Swimming Pool Operator’s License?
- Be at least 17 years old; and
- Have at least two seasons (1,040 hours) experience as a lifeguard or operator, or have one season (540 hours) of experience and successfully completed an operator’s training course approved by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
A new applicant must pass the Montgomery County Swimming Pool Operator’s exam or possess a current operator’s card from another Maryland jurisdiction. All new applicants must present:
- A government issued photo identification card indicating that the applicant is at least 17 years of age; and
- An original signed letter, on company letterhead, from an employer indicating minimum experience of 520 hours (one season) as a lifeguard or pool operator AND a Maryland Department of Health approved pool operator’s course original certificate, dated within three years, indicating completion of a 14-hour course; or
- An original signed letter, on company letterhead, from an employer indicating minimum experience of 1,040 (two seasons) as a lifeguard or pool operator.
Renewal Swimming Pool Operator’s License applicants:
- An applicant must possess a valid Montgomery County Swimming Pool Operator’s License; and
- Successfully complete the Montgomery County Swimming Pool Operator’s exam; or
- Provide an original certificate indicating the applicant passed a Maryland Department of Health approved pool operator’s refresher course
Admission to the Swimming Pool Operator’s Exam:
- Call Licensure and Regulatory Services (240-777-3986) to schedule a pre-determined exam date and time;
- Arrive 15 minutes prior to the exam time to complete the exam application;
- Provide all original documentation as required above for a new or renewal applicant; and
- Payment for the exam of $40.00
Time allotted to take the exam is two hours. Fee includes the initial and a second exam should the applicant fail the exam. The second exam may not be taken any sooner than two weeks after the initial exam date.
Swimming Pool Operator’s License fees:
$40.00 for one year; or $70.00 for two years; or $90.00 for three years.
Acceptable payment methods are MasterCard, Visa, check, or money order. Cash payments are not accepted.
Payment for the exam and license are separate. If paying by check or money order, two separate checks are required.
New Construction or Alteration of Pools
Whenever new construction or renovations are planned for a public swimming pool or spa, plans must be submitted for approval prior to the start of construction or alteration.
Who must submit plans?
No person may begin construction or substantial alteration of a public swimming pool or spa in Montgomery County until the plans and specifications have been approved.
See Public Swimming Pool Plan Review Guidelines (below)
What is a public swimming pool or spa?
Any swimming pool, except a private swimming pool, which is intended to be used for swimming, wading, diving or recreational bathing. A private swimming pool is any swimming pool built on the grounds of a single family residence and used solely by the owner, immediate family, tenants or guests. A public spa is any pool intended for public recreational or therapeutic uses other than swimming, diving or general recreational use.
When must one submit plans for construction or alteration of a public swimming pool?
Plans must be submitted prior to any construction or alteration. A permit must be obtained prior to operating any public swimming pool or spa. Contact the Department of Permitting Services at 240-777-0311 to determine if a building permit is also required.
How does one submit plans?
- Download, complete and submit the Plan Review Submittal Form (PDF)
- Download, complete and submit the Pool Operating Permit Application (PDF), Online Application Submission
- Plan Review Guide (PDF)
Is there a Fee?
Please review the fee schedule for appropriate fees.
What is the Plan Review process?
- The application, plans, attachments and the appropriate fee must be submitted.
- Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant.
- An environmental health specialist will review the plans.
- Upon successful completion of the review process, the building permit will be released.
- A piping inspection and pressure test must be successfully completed prior to covering the pipes.
- A compliance inspection must be successfully completed prior to opening the pool or spa.
- Licensure & Regulatory Services staff are available to answer questions during regular business hours - Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 240-777-3986.
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act is a 2008 federal law that establishes design requirements for drain covers, drain configurations and anti-entrapment systems in public swimming pools and spas.
Swimming Pools Process Guide
1. Apply Online
2. Review
3. Find my Inspector