Hawaii Statewide Rule

Hawaii Public Swimming Pool Safety Rules (HAR 11-10-22)

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Hawaii (2026)

Key Facts

Rule: HAR §11-10-22, safety placard
Enforcer: Hawaii Department of Health
Permit: Required, valid five years
Renewal fee: $50
Penalty basis: HRS §§321-18, 321-20

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Every public pool in Hawaii must post and enforce a placard of health-safety rules under Hawaii Administrative Rules §11-10-22, and operate under a Department of Health permit issued for five years under §11-10-4.

§11-10-22 Public swimming pool rules. (a) The operator of a public swimming pool shall enforce the following rules and list them on a placard posted either at the public swimming pool or in the dressing rooms: (1) All persons using the public swimming pool shall take a cleansing shower bath before entering the public swimming pool... (3) Spitting, spouting of water, and blowing the nose in the public swimming pool shall be strictly prohibited... (5) The public swimming pool shall be immediately closed for cleaning in the event of an accidental fecal or vomitus discharge... (6) Pets are not allowed in a public swimming pool.

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Full Breakdown

Under HAR §11-10-22 the operator of any public swimming pool must post a placard, at the pool or in the dressing rooms, and enforce six rules: bathers take a cleansing shower before entering (and again after using the toilet); anyone with an infectious or communicable disease is excluded; spitting and nose-blowing in the pool are prohibited; infants and toddlers must wear swim diapers; the pool is closed immediately for cleaning after any fecal or vomitus discharge; and pets are barred. Chapter 11-10 applies to all public pools but not to private residential pools, spas, ornamental pools, or beach venues (§11-10-1). Operating without a Department of Health permit is barred by §11-10-4.

Violations & Penalties

Violations of chapter 11-10 are subject to the penalties in HRS §321-18 and §321-20, and the Department of Health may deny, revoke, or suspend the pool's operating permit under HAR §11-10-5.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this rule cover backyard pools?

No. HAR §11-10-1 exempts private residential swimming pools, private spas and hot tubs, ornamental pools, and beach venues; the chapter governs only public swimming pools.

What must be posted at a public pool?

A placard listing the six §11-10-22 rules, posted at the pool or in the dressing rooms, covering showers, disease exclusion, swim diapers, discharge closures, and a no-pets rule.

Who enforces these pool rules?

The Hawaii Department of Health, which also issues the five-year operating permit and can revoke or suspend it for violations under HAR §11-10-5.

Sources

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