The Southern Nevada Health District carries out a Public Bathing Place (swimming pool and spa) Construction and Inspection Program under the authority of Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) Chapter 444.010.
This program originated with the Southern Nevada Health District in 1954, when there were approximately 25 public swimming pools in the entire state of Nevada. By January 2005, we had 4,381 public swimming pools and spas permitted by the health district.
Environmental Health Specialists in the Plan Review and Construction section of the Swimming Pool Program review plans with architects, engineers and contractors to assure conformity with regulations.
Several field inspections, including a final inspection, are made during construction to assure safety items, such as:
- Proper ground fault interrupters
- Water quality
- Proper operation of the entire circulation and filtration system
Once a public swimming pool or spa has been permitted, routine inspections address:
- Cleanliness and condition of the deck
- Pool interior and the pool area
- Availability of safety equipment
- Approved test kits
- Water quality
- Appropriate signs
- Number of lifeguards present
The equipment area and bathhouse are also checked for proper use and functioning of equipment.
Pools are closed if there is a safety concern or a chemical imbalance of the pool water. The most common reason for closing a pool is an improperly working self-locking gate.
