Pool Licensing & Operator Resources
We license and inspect over 400 public indoor and outdoor swimming pools and water attractions to make sure they follow state laws and regulations to prevent illness and injury.
Want to know how your favorite pool handles safety? You can read inspection reports for local pools. These reports give you information on the conditions we saw at the time of inspection. Reports may not reflect corrective actions the establishment made, or the current condition.
LOOK UP HEALTH INSPECTION REPORTS
Licensing for New Pools and Changes of Ownership
To relieve some of the financial burden on our licensed establishments due to COVID-19, we have reverted our license fees back to 2019 rates.
To apply for a license for a new pool or when there is a change of ownership:
- 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.
- Contact a public health sanitarian at (608) 242-6515 or LEadmin@publichealthmdc.com for a pre-inspection prior to opening to the public.
Licenses are valid each year from July 1 to June 30. Each license we issue expires on June 30.
Licenses issued after April 1 will be valid until June 30 of the following year. For example: We issue a license on April 1, 2021. The license will expire on June 30, 2022.
Licensing for Current Licensees
Licenses require annual renewal. Notices are mailed to current license holders and payment must be submitted before June 30 of each year.
Safety, Maintenance, and Operation of Public Pools and Water Attractions
- Chapter ATCP 76 Safety, Maintenance, and Operation of Public Swimming Pools and Water Attractions, Wisconsin Administrative Code
Prerequisites for New Pool Construction
Prior to construction of a new public swimming pool, plans must be approved by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
- Chapter SPS 390 of Design and Construction of Public Swimming Pools and Water Attractions, Wisconsin Administrative Code
How We Communicate about Pool Safety
Get updates and resources about pool safety by signing up for our Pool Facts newsletter.
Operational Resources
- Chemical Levels, Temperatures and Testing Frequency
- Pool Disinfection and Breakpoint Chlorination
- VGBA fact sheet
- VGBA log sheet
- DATCP Public Swimming Pools Webpage
Incident Reporting Forms
Certified Water Attraction Operator Courses
- Aquatic Facility Operator Certification Program, National Recreation and Park Association
- Certified Pool/Spa Operator Certification Program , Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
Healthy Swimming Information from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- 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