Montgomery County, OH Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Montgomery County, OH, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Licensor
- Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County
- State rule
- OAC Chapter 3701-31
- Applies to
- Public, municipal, special-use pools
- Private pools
- City/township building permit
- Inspection frequency
- Bi-weekly and as needed
Summary
Public and municipal pools, spas and splash pads in Montgomery County must be licensed and inspected by Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County under Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3701-31. Private backyard pools instead need a building permit from your city or township.
No person will operate or maintain a public swimming pool without a license issued by the licensor having jurisdiction.
Full Breakdown
Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County (PHDMC) licenses and inspects every public, municipal and special-use pool, whirlpool and splash pad in the county. State rule OAC 3701-31-04(A)(1) requires a license from the local licensor before operating. PHDMC checks design, safety, maintenance and water chemistry (clarity, alkalinity, chlorine, pH), inspecting pools roughly bi-weekly: over 3,400 inspections at 300-plus licensed pools in 2024. For a private residential pool there is no PHDMC license; you obtain a construction permit from your municipal or township building department under the Residential Code of Ohio.
Violations & Fines
Operating a public pool without a license violates OAC 3701-31; the licensor may deny, suspend or revoke the license and order closure. Incidents must be reported within 72 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license for my backyard pool?
Who licenses public pools here?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Ohio swimming pools & spas overview
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