New York, NY Swimming Pools & Spas: Safety Rules (2026)

Section 165.27 of the NYC Health Code sets the operation-and-maintenance standard for bathing-establishment pools: the pool must be kept free from sediment, lint, dirt and hair; the walls and bottom must be vacuumed or brushed daily or as needed when the pool is closed; and walls, floors, ceilings and equipment must be protected from deterioration. Section 165.27(a)(2) requires pool enclosures, fencing and gates to be maintained consistent with Section 165.41(l), and decks must be kept clean, free of puddled water, and free of tripping hazards for a 5-foot walkway around the pool; spa pools must be drained and cleaned at least once every two weeks. For one- and two-family residential pools, the NYS Department of State bulletin (TB-1014) explains that, unless equipped with an automatic safety cover compliant with ASTM F1346, any swimming pool installed, constructed or substantially modified after December 14, 2006 must be equipped with an approved pool alarm meeting ASTM F2208. Water chemistry, disinfectant and water-quality standards for permitted pools are set separately in Sections 165.23 and 165.25.