Clayton County aims to minimize illness and injuries associated with contaminated or hazardous conditions in or around swimming pools, in keeping with Official Georgia Code Chapter 511-3-5. Our Office of Environmental Services is responsible for regulating public swimming pools by administering permits, overseeing construction and governing operations. Our goal is to ensure that pools are safe and enjoyable for the community.
Health Inspection Scores
Environmental Health inspections help protect the public. Click here to search for the inspection scores of establishments near you.
Swimming Pool Rules and Regulations
Rules and Regulations Public Swimming Pools, Spas, and Recreational Water Parks
Swimming Pool Applications
To acquire a permit for public swimming, please submit the following to the Office of Environmental Services via mail:
- For daily operation of a seasonal or year-round public swimming pool, complete this application and a Verification of Residency for Public Benefits Application. Credit Card Authorization
- To construct or build a public swimming pool, complete this application and submit plans (including the bathhouse and subdivision plat, if applicable), as well as a Pool and Spa Calculations Worksheet, Pool Hydraulic Analysis Worksheet, and a plan review fee of $350.
- To modify an existing swimming pool, submit this application with all changes and support documentation.
Preparing for Pool Season
Guidance for Public Swimming Pool Operators
Records and templates for Pool Operators
Compliance Monitoring
Pool operators should provide Clayton County with a valid contact number for your on-site representative. Our Office of Environmental Services is responsible for inspecting permitted seasonal pools for compliance prior to opening for the season and once during its operating period. If your pool is not staffed during normal operating hours, please be prepared to provide our employees with a gate code, key or other means of access.
Signage Requirements
All signage must be posted before the facility’s opening inspection.
Pools
- A sign stating “No Diving” and the universal international symbol for “NO DIVING” shall be permanently visible at the edge of the deck for water five feet in depth or less
- If no lifeguard is on duty, signage will be placed in clear view at or near the entrance to the pool, stating in clear, legible letters at least four inches high “WARNING – NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY” and “RISK OF DROWNING – SUPERVISE CHILDREN CLOSELY.”
- A sign with the heading “Pool Risks” in clear, legible letters at least one inch high.
- Shower before entering the water
- Children shall not use pool without an adult in attendance
- Adults should not swim alone
- All children three years old and younger and any child not potty-trained must wear snug fitting plastic pants or a water-resistant swim diaper
- Do not swim if the suction outlets are missing, broken or not clearly visible from the deck
- No glass articles allowed in or around pool
- Do not swallow the pool water
- Do not dive unless diving area is clear of other bathers
- Do not swim if you have had diarrhea within the past two weeks
- No animals are allowed in the pool or pool enclosure, except service animals are allowed on deck
Spas
- A sign stating the hours of operating in clear view near the entrance. Sign shall state the theoretical peak occupancy.
- A sign stating the safety, emergency and operational aspects of the spa, located prominently near the spa.
- A sign stating the spa’s address, location of nearest telephone with references that emergency numbers are posted at that location.
- A sign at the nearest telephone stating emergency telephone numbers, including name and phone number of nearest available police, fire or ambulance service, and “911” if available.
- A warning sign located at or near the spa stating risks of spa usage.
- Risk of Fetus Damage. Hot water exposure limitations vary from person to person. Pregnant women and small children should not use spa without medical approval.
- Risk of Drowning. Other persons suffering from heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure, and other health problems should not enter the spa without medical approval.
- Risk of Drowning. Do not use the spa while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or drugs that cause sleepiness and drowsiness or raise/lower blood pressure.
- Risk of Drowning. Use caution when bathing alone. Overexposure to hot water may cause nausea, dizziness, and fainting. Lower water temperatures are recommended for young children and for extended use (more than10-15 minutes).
- Risk of Drowning. Do not use or operate spa if the suction fitting is missing, broken, or loose.
- Risk of Child Drowning. Unsupervised use by children is prohibited. Children under five shall not use the spa.
- Risk of Injury. Check spa temperature before entering. The spa temperature should not exceed 104°F.
- Risk of Injury. Enter and exit slowly.
- Risk of Injury. Keep all glass and breakable objects out of the spa area.
- Risk of Shock. Never place electrical appliances (telephone, radio, or televisions) within five feet of the spa.
Water slides
- A sign with the heading “Risk of Illness and Injury” that states prohibited conduct.
- Running, standing, kneeling, rotating, tumbling, or stopping in any flume or tunnel.
- Rough playing on the slide or feature.
- Diving or flipping while exiting from a flume or feature.
- Use of the slide while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Use of the flume or feature by more than one person at a time.
- Failure to obey the instructions of the pool attendant or lifeguard.
- Failure to keep hands inside the flume while using the slide.
- Failure to leave the falling-entry pool promptly after exiting from the slide.
- The possession of any glass, bottle or food in or near any pool.
- Entry into an area of grass or other vegetation and returning to slide, feature or pool.
- The possession of any loose objects.
- The use of any clothing other than the swimwear on the slide or feature.
- Wearing any bracelet, watch, or other jewelry.
Change of Ownership
If your pool has changed ownership, the previous owner’s permit is no longer valid. Please submit the following to the Office of Environmental Services via mail:
- A completed operational permit application
- Copy of a photo ID
- A completed Verification of Residency for Public Benefits Application
Failure to obtain a new operational permit after a change of ownership may result in additional fees as well as administrative and/or legal action.