Brown County, WI Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- County Health Officer license, § 37.08(2)(e)
- Standard applied
- State pool code, incorporated by reference
- Enforcement
- Inspection + license suspension, § 37.09
- Penalty
- $250-$2,500 forfeiture
Summary
Brown County requires a Health Officer license for public swimming pools and applies the state pool sanitation code adopted by reference under its Public Health Ordinance.
(2) Granting of Licenses. The County Health Officer may issue the following licenses subject to the standards established by this chapter. ... (e) Swimming Pools. ... (4) Incorporation of Provisions by Reference. This chapter incorporates by reference the applicable rules, regulations and laws ... Ch. ILHR 90 and CH. HSS 172, relating to Public Swimming Pools ... of the Wisconsin Administrative Code.
Full Breakdown
Brown County Code § 37.08(2)(e) lists swimming pools among the establishments the County Health Officer licenses, and § 37.05(4) incorporates by reference the state public-pool sanitation code - printed in the chapter as Ch. ILHR 90 and Ch. HSS 172 - as the applicable standard. The rule reaches public pools countywide except in any city that has opted out of the countywide public health system under § 37.02. Pools operate under an unrevoked county license, subject to Health Officer inspection, and the license can be suspended for sanitation violations, with appeal rights to the Board of Health under § 37.09.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unlicensed public pool, or one failing the incorporated state sanitation standards, risks license suspension and a forfeiture of $250 to $2,500 under § 37.12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Brown County set its own swimming pool safety rules?
Where does the county's pool licensing rule apply?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brown County
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