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Public Health Madison & Dane County

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  1. Public Health
  2. Environmental Health
  3. Beaches, Lakes & Pools
  4. Pool Licensing & Operator Resources

Pool Licensing & Operator Resources

Swimming PoolWe license and inspect over 400 public indoor and outdoor swimming pools and water attractions to make sure they comply with state laws and regulations to prevent illness and injury.


Licensing for New and Change of Operators

To alleviate some of the financial burden on our licensed establishments due to COVID-19, we have reverted our license fees back to 2019 rates effective April 2, 2020.

  1. Complete and Submit an application and pay fees to the Madison City Clerk's Office. Fees and application must be mailed, or paid in person at the Madison City Clerk's Office.
  2. Contact a public health sanitarian at (608) 242-6515 or LEadmin@publichealthmdc.com for a pre-inspection prior to opening to the public.

Licenses require annual renewal. Notices are mailed to current license holders each spring for renewal by June 30th.

  • Chapter ATCP 76 Safety, Maintenance, and Operation of Public Swimming Pools and Water Attractions, Wisconsin Administrative Code

New Pool Construction Requirements

New construction must meet Department of Safety and Professional Services standards:

  • Chapter SPS 390 of Design and Construction of Public Swimming Pools and Water Attractions, Wisconsin Administrative Code 

Pool Operator Resources

  • Chemical Levels, Temperatures and Testing Frequency
  • Pool Disinfection and Breakpoint Chlorination
  • VGBA fact sheet
  • VGBA log sheet
  • DATCP Public Swimming Pools Information and Resources

Incident Reporting Forms

  • Death, Injury or Illness Report Form, DATCP
  • Fecal Incident Response Form, DATCP

Other Resources

  • Information for Pool Operators, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Fact sheets on Recreational Waterborne Illness, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • How to Swim Healthy, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Aquatic Facility Operator Certification Program, National Recreation and Park Association
  • Certified Pool/Spa Operator Certification Program, Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Beaches, Lakes & Pools

  • Beach Water Quality
  • Blue-Green Algae Precautions
  • How We Monitor Beach Water Quality
  • Protecting Lake Water Quality
    • Fish Advisories
    • Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
  • Pool Licensing & Operator Resources

Contact Us

Environmental Health
2300 S. Park St. Suite 2010
Madison, WI 53713

  • Phone: (608) 242-6515
  • Email: LEadmin@publichealthmdc.com
  • Español: (608) 243-0380
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Public Health Madison & Dane County Logo

Public Health Madison & Dane County

Office Location & Hours

  • Main Phone: (608) 266-4821
  • Environmental Health Phone:
    (608) 242-6515
  • Fax: (608) 266-4858
  • WI Relay Service and Interpretation Services Available
  • Email Public Health
  • City of Madison, Wisconsin Logo
    City of Madison, Wisconsin
  • Dane County Logo
    County of Dane, Wisconsin

Healthy People. Healthy Places.

Public Health Services are available to all residents and visitors of Madison and Dane County. Citizenship is not a requirement. We provide services regardless of a person's race, color, gender/gender expression, ability, religion, sexual orientation or place of birth/place of residence.

Our Mission


Working with the community to enhance, protect, and promote the health of the environment and the well being of all people.


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