Ohio Public Swimming Pool Licensing Statewide

ORC Chapter 3749 and Ohio Administrative Code 3701-31 require any public swimming pool, spa, or special use pool to obtain an annual operating license from the local health district acting under state authority. Plans for new construction or alteration must be approved by the Ohio Department of Health before work begins. The state code uniformly governs water quality, recirculation, disinfection, and lifeguard requirements. For private residential pools, the Ohio Residential Code (RCO Appendix G or Section 4101:8) sets baseline construction and barrier requirements adopted statewide, though municipalities issue building permits and may add stricter rules.

Operating an unlicensed public pool violates ORC 3749.99 and is a third-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine, plus closure orders.