MontgomeryCountyMD.GOV

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.

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.

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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.

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When must one apply for a management company registration? Registration must occur prior to operating or managing any public swimming pool or spa.

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How does one obtain a registration to manage a pool?

Applications and information on the requirements are available here:

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What is the process for registering?

1. The application and the appropriate fee must be submitted.
2. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant.
3. The registration will be mailed to the applicant.
4. 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.

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 3Oth and licenses 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:

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.

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How to qualify for a Swimming Pool Operator’s License?

1. Be at least 17 years old; and
2. Have at least two seasons (1,040 hours) experience as a lifeguard or operator, or have one season (540 hours) of experience and have successfully completed an operator’s training course approved by the Maryland Department of Health.

New Swimming Pool Operator’s License applicants: 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:

1. A government issued photo identification card indicating that the applicant is at least 17 years of age; and
2. 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
3. NOTE: An applicant who is a certified swimming pool operator from another Maryland jurisdiction may receive a Montgomery County Swimming Pool Operator’s License with an expiration date no later than the expiration date of the current Maryland jurisdiction’s card.
4. Swimming Pool Operator photo identification  cards may only be picked up from the Licensure & Regulatory Services office (2425 Reedie Dr., 9th floor, Wheaton) Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Renewal Swimming Pool Operator’s License applicants:

1. An applicant must possess a valid Montgomery County Swimming Pool Operator’s License; 
2. Successfully complete the Montgomery County Swimming Pool Operator’s exam; or
3. Provide an original certificate indicating the applicant passed a Maryland Department of Health approved pool operator’s refresher course

NOTE: The license is valid for three (3) years. For renewal of the Montgomery County Swimming Pool Operator’s License, the renewal exam must be taken within six (6) months of the current Montgomery County Swimming Pool Operator’s License expiration date or the applicant will be considered a new applicant.

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Admission to the Swimming Pool Operator’s Exam:

1. Call Licensure and Regulatory Services (240-777-3986) to schedule a pre-determined exam date and time;
2. Arrive 15 minutes prior to the exam time to complete the exam application;
3. Provide all original documentation as required above for a new or renewal applicant; and
4. 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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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How does one submit plans?

• Download, complete and submit the Plan Review Submittal Form (PDF), or complete  Online 
• Download, complete and submit the Pool Operating Permit Application (PDF), Online 
• Plan Review Guide (PDF)

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Is there a fee?

Please review the 2022 fee schedule for appropriate fees.

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What is the Plan Review process?

1. The application, plans, attachments and the appropriate fee must be submitted.
2. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant.
3. An environmental health specialist will review the plans.
4. Upon successful completion of the review process, the building permit will be released.
5. A piping inspection and pressure test must be successfully completed prior to covering the pipes.
6. A compliance inspection must be successfully completed prior to opening the pool or spa.
7. 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.