Ohio Administrative Code 3701-31 universally governs public pool safety equipment, lifeguard ratios, and signage, applying uniformly to every licensed public pool statewide.
Under ORC 3749.04, the Ohio Department of Health adopts uniform safety rules in OAC Chapter 3701-31. Public pools must have rescue equipment, first aid supplies, depth markings, and either lifeguards or posted no-lifeguard signage with required warnings. Spray pads, wave pools, and special-use pools have additional rules. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (federal) is incorporated requiring anti-entrapment drain covers. Pool operators must maintain water quality logs and chemical records. These standards apply uniformly statewide; municipalities cannot relax them but local health districts handle inspection and enforcement.
Safety violations can lead to immediate closure, license suspension, and misdemeanor charges under ORC 3749.99 with fines up to $500 and possible criminal liability for injuries.
See how Liberty Township's safety rules rules stack up against other locations.
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