Public and commercial swimming pools in Lexington-Fayette Urban County must comply with Kentucky Administrative Regulations 902 KAR 10:120 (Public Swimming and Bathing Facility Operations) and Lexington-Fayette County Health Department (LFCHD) Board of Health Regulation No. 31. LFCHD inspects all 322 public pools and spas in Fayette County, requires at least one Certified Pool Operator (CPO) on duty during operating hours, and enforces the 2023 lifeguard staffing rule of one lifeguard per 2,000 sq ft of water surface.
902 KAR 10:120 sets statewide operational standards including disinfectant residuals (1.0-10.0 ppm free chlorine, 3.0-8.0 ppm bromine), pH range 7.2-7.8, daily chemistry logs, and water clarity (bottom drain visible from deck). 902 KAR 10:121 requires plan review and a permit before construction or substantial alteration, and 902 KAR 10:125 mandates safety equipment (rescue tube, reaching pole, first aid kit). Kentucky HB 109 (2023) mandates one lifeguard per 2,000 sq ft of water at every public pool regardless of facility layout — a rule that threatened to close 5+ Lexington pools in 2023 before staffing adjustments. LFCHD Regulation No. 31 supplements the state code with local inspection priorities; routine inspections occur at least once per operating season with re-inspection on any failure. LFCHD operates a Pool & Spa Operators School ($35 registration) for CPO certification.
Operating without a valid LFCHD permit or failing to maintain disinfectant residuals can result in immediate closure under 902 KAR 10:120 §5. Civil penalties under KRS 211.990 reach $100 per day per violation; LFCHD may revoke the operating permit. Failure to maintain the lifeguard staffing ratio under HB 109 is grounds for closure pending compliance.
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