Swimming Pools

Pools and spas that open on or after April 1 and close on or before October 31 are considered seasonal and shall be inspected by Catawba County Environmental Health once during the period of operation. All other pools and spas shall be inspected at least twice a year and are considered year-round pools or spas.

Download the Pool Application Form and Safety Compliance Form here.

Plan Submission

Public swimming pool plans and specifications shall be prepared by a registered professional engineer or registered architect, and shall be approved by Catawba County Environmental Health prior to construction. Public swimming pools shall be constructed by swimming pool contractors licensed by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. The General Contractor's license must include the Swimming Pool Classification.

A minimum of two complete sets of plans shall be submitted to Environmental Health for review. Environmental Health shall approve, disapprove, or provide written comments on plans and specifications for public swimming pools within 30 days of their receipt. Construction must begin within one year from the date of approval, or the approval shall be voided.

Full rules for plan review and approval can be found at 15A NCAC 18A .2509.

In addition, the Plan Review Application, together with a permit fee, payable to Catawba County, must be submitted with the plans. The application may also be used for annual renewal of the permit to operate when accompanied by the permit fee. Find the checklist here.

Find inspection scores here.

Operation Permit

A separate application for an operation permit must be submitted for each public swimming pool. The owner or operator shall apply annually to Catawba County Environmental Health for an operator's permit. A form must be obtained from the Department to provide the following information:

1. the owner's name, address, and phone number;
2. the operator's name, address, and phone number;
3. street address of the public swimming pool;
4. the physical location of the public swimming pool;
5. type of public swimming pool;
6. construction date;
7. proposed operating dates;
8. type of disinfection;
9. signature of owner or designated representative.

Each public swimming pool, wading pool and/or spa shall be inspected by Environmental Health to determine compliance.