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Swimming Pool and Bathing Beach Operating Permit Requirements
All public bathing facilities (swimming pools and bathing beaches) in Suffolk County are required to apply for an operating permit and must comply with all applicable sections of the New York State Sanitary Code, including Subpart 6-1 (swimming pools) and Subpart 6-2 (bathing beaches), in addition to Article 16 of the Suffolk County Sanitary Code (regulating recreational facilities).
Code requirements include (but are not limited to) maintaining adequate bathing water quality, providing a level of supervision (lifeguard protection) pertinent to the facility type, having necessary safety equipment available, maintaining sanitary conditions in bathhouses and toilet facilities, and meeting various lighting, fencing, ventilation, and electrical requirements. Operators are additionally required to draft, routinely update, and implement a facility safety plan that specifies how emergencies are handled.
The codes mentioned above, in addition to various fact sheets prepared by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the SCDHS, are available to be printed or downloaded in . For a listing of available documents, click on the following link:
Codes, Forms, & Fact Sheets Pre-printed permit applications and instructions can be obtained by contacting at the following numbers:
For Swimming Pools: (631) 854-2525
For Bathing Beaches: (631) 852-5760
Frequently Asked Questions
What Lifeguard and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certifications are acceptable at swimming pools and bathing beaches in Suffolk County?
The New York State Department of Health annually produces fact sheets listing the lifeguard and CPR certifications that are currently acceptable at pool and beaches in the state. Copies can be obtained by contacting us at the following numbers.
For Swimming Pools: (631) 854-2525
For Bathing Beaches: (631) 852-5760
Copies can be also downloaded (in “portable document format”) and printed by clicking on the following links:
Aquatic (lifeguard) Certifications
CPR Certifications (Supervision Levels I & II)
CPR Certifications (Supervision Levels III and IV)
Where can I locate a lifeguard for my facility?
In Suffolk County, lifeguards may receive training from a variety of agencies, including town recreation departments, YMCAs, the Suffolk County Department of Parks, or high school districts that have bathing facilities. Contact these agencies for lists of successful candidates that may be looking for employment.
What is a Qualified Pool Operator (QPO)?
A Qualified Pool Operator (QPO) is defined by Article 16 of the Suffolk County Sanitary Code as an individual who has successfully completed an approved QPO training course.
Is my swimming pool required to have a QPO?
Every swimming pool at a recreational facility in Suffolk County must be under the supervision of at least one individual possessing certification as a QPO. A QPO associated with a homeowners association, condominium or cooperative, as defined in §6-1.2(o) of the State Sanitary Code, must be an employee or full-time resident of the association, condominium or cooperative, but need not be on-site at all times of pool operation.
Where can I obtain certification as a Qualified Pool Operator and how much will it cost?
A Qualified Pool Operator training course is offered by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services at the Eastern Campus of Suffolk Community College in May of each year. Tuition for Suffolk County residents is approximately $135.00 with the textbook costing approximately $30.00. To receive notification of the course and receive application materials, contact the Swimming Pool division at (631) 854-2525.
For a listing of currently approved courses and organizations offering those courses, click on the following link:
QPO Fact Sheet
What topics does the Qualified Pool Operator training course cover?
While course content may vary among organizations, the basic topics covered will likely include the following:
- Local, state and federal regulations
- Liability and risk management
- Treatment and filtration systems
- Pool chemistry and calculations
- Pool maintenance
- Water testing and sanitizing
- Management and personnel
- Renovations
- Spa pool and hot tub management and operation
What lifesaving equipment is required at swimming pools and bathing beaches in Suffolk County?
References to required lifesaving equipment can be found in §6-1.23 (b) and §6-2.17 (b) of the State Sanitary Codes for swimming pools and bathing beaches, respectively. Additional fact sheets prepared by this department can be downloaded by clicking the following links: Beach Equipment and Pool Equipment.
What levels of chlorine and pH are required at swimming pools and hot tubs (spas) in Suffolk County?
References to disinfection with chlorine can be found in the State Sanitary Code §6-1.11 (c) (for swimming pools) and §6-1.25 (c)(for spa pools). A fact sheet prepared by this department that summarizes acceptable chlorine and pH levels can be found at the following link: Chlorine Fact Sheet
What signs do I need at my swimming pool?
A summary of the various signs required to be posted at all swimming pools can be found in the following fact sheet: Required Signs
Are there specific requirements for ventilation at indoor pools?
A fact sheet describing indoor swimming pool ventilation requirements can be found at the following link: Ventilation
How can I obtain blank forms needed for the operation of my swimming pool or bathing beach?
A list of commonly requested forms utilized in the operation of a swimming pool or bathing beach can be viewed by clicking the following link: Codes, Forms, & Fact Sheets Some are available online while others must be Requested by contacting us:
For Swimming Pools (631) 854-2525
For Bathing Beaches (631) 852-5760
Will the Health Department inspect my pool/beach?
Each pool and beach facility in Suffolk County is inspected at least annually with follow-up inspections performed as necessary.
What happens if violations are found during an inspection?
If upon inspection, violations that are considered to be "public health hazards" are found, and they cannot be immediately corrected, the facility is closed to bathing until such time that compliance can be demonstrated. All public health hazard violations are subsequently addressed in formal proceedings. Minor violations are dealt with on a more informal basis, but must be corrected before the next regularly scheduled inspection.
How can I obtain a copy of the latest Inspection Report for my swimming pool or bathing beach?
A copy of your latest Swimming Pool Inspection report may be requested by contacting us at (631) 854-2525
A copy of your latest Bathing Beach Inspection report may be requested by contacting us at (631) 852-5760
If I have a concern or complaint about a swimming pool or bathing beach in Suffolk County where can I go for help?
Complaints and Concerns about Swimming Pools should be directed to the Swimming Pool division at (631) 854-2525.
Complaints and Concerns about Bathing Beaches should be directed to the Bathing Beaches division at (631) 852-5760.
If you are concerned about a Stagnant backyard swimming pool please call (631) 853-3074.
ALL COMPLAINTS ARE HELD IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE.
What should I do if fecal material is released into my swimming pool?
The recommended procedure for handling fecal releases into swimming pools involves first removing patrons from the pool, attempting then to remove the offending material, followed by disinfections of the water through super-chlorination. Click the following link to see a fact sheet describing the recommended procedure in more detail: Fecal Procedure
How do I report an injury or illness at a swimming pool or bathing beach in Suffolk County?
Injuries or illnesses that occur at regulated swimming pools and bathing beaches in Suffolk County should be reported to the Reported to the appropriate office divisions.
For Swimming Pool related injuries and illness, please call at (631) 854-2525 For Bathing Beaches related injuries and illness, please call at (631) 852-5760.
Pertinent information should be provided following the format found on the following form: Bathing Facility Injury/Illness Report
I want to build a Public Swimming Pool, do I need a permit?
Yes, the following must be submitted to obtain approval to construct a public pool (contact the Bureau of Environmental Engineering at (631) 854-2544 for the appropriate forms):
- Application for Approval of Plans and Specifications for the Construction of, or Alterations to, a Swimming Pool and Appurtenances (Form HM 134SC).
- Engineering Report for Swimming Pool Plans (Form DOH-139)
- Complete Set of Engineering Plans with construction details and equipment specifications.
- The appropriate fee in accordance with the official SCDHS fee schedule
What do the plans have to show?
The plans must show all the necessary details as enumerated in Subpart 6-1, Swimming Pools. Some of the details required are the size of the pool, the volume of water, the turnover rate, the safety equipment, etc.
How many inspections are required?
Two inspections are required. A piping inspection is required before the piping trenches can be backfilled. A certification inspection is required when the pool is ready to be placed into service. All items must conform to the previously approved plans.
What certifications are needed for final approval?
Two certifications are needed before the pool can be certified for use, including:
- The Construction Compliance Certificate. This certificate must be prepared and signed by a professional engineer or architect licensed to practice in New York State.
- The UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Certificate for the electrical work performed.
After I have passed the Certification Inspection can the pool be placed into service?
No, the Swimming Pool division must be contacted at (631) 854-2525. They will issue the Annual Operating Permit, which will allow the facility to use the pool.
If I make changes to a Public Swimming Pool do I need to submit plans?
Yes. However, if the changes are minor, a letter outlining the changes may be sufficient.
Is the water quality at bathing beaches tested by the Health Department?
Bacteriological water quality is monitored throughout the summer at bathing beaches. Sampling is concentrated in areas that have demonstrated suspect water quality in the past, including inland lakes, north shore harbors, and along the northern shoreline of Great South Bay. If the monthly average concentration of enterococci bacteria exceeds state standards, bathing is suspended until such time as additional samples show the water quality to have improved.
How do I get results of sampling done at my beach?
Currently, results of samples collected at bathing beaches are not available for downloading. To obtain copies of data printouts or inquire about the status of your beach, contact the Bureau of Marine Resources at (631) 852-5760.
Links
National Swimming Pool Foundation
EPA Beach Watch
CDC Health Swimming Campaign
Professional Pool Operators of America
EPA Clean Beaches Plan
National Water Quality Criteria
Bacterial Water Quality Standards for Recreational Waters
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