Arkansas Requires a Health Department Permit for Every Public Pool

Arkansas Code Annotated § 20-30-103 gives the Department of Health authority over the construction, sanitation, safety, and operation of public swimming pools, and to issue, suspend, and revoke operating permits. Under rule 20 CAR § 136-122, no municipality, person, or organization may operate a public pool without a written permit from the State Health Officer. Permits run annually, are due January 1, cost $25 (or $10 when combined with a food-service permit), and must be framed and displayed at the pool. The department inspects each facility before issuing a permit; enclosing barriers must be at least four feet high with horizontal gaps no wider than four inches. Private residential pools fall outside this scope.

The State Health Officer may immediately suspend a permit and close a pool that is out of compliance or unsafe, and may revoke the permit for continuing violations after a hearing under the Administrative Procedure Act.