Public swimming pools, spas, special use pools, wading pools, and spray grounds are collectively referred to as public swimming pools. The Ohio Department of Health is responsible for conducting plan reviews and inspections of newly constructed and renovated public swimming pools. Columbus Public Health licenses the operation of these pools annually and performs inspections to ensure compliance with regulations. License renewals take place in April, with the licensing period running from June 1 to May 31.

Renew a License - To renew a license online, you need your account number and invoice number.

Change of Ownership - Please enter your change of ownership information on this google sheet.

All equipment changes that are not like-for-like must be submitted to the Ohio Department of Health: Equipment Replacement Notification.

 Drain Cover Consultation for Commercially Licensed Pools:

You must maintain Certificates of Compliance on site at your facility for your main drain covers at the bottom of your pool. If you’re unsure of what drain covers you have or when they were installed, contact Austin Sprayberry at ACSprayberry@columbus.gov to set up a consultation to ensure your drain covers are in compliance. 

Visit our Swimming Pool and Spa Inspection Activity Dashboard to get more information on licensed pools in the City of Columbus and the City of Worthington.

CPO Class:

Columbus Public Health no longer offers Certified Pool Operator classes but offers a list of educational materials: 

Free Pool & Spa Safety Training Course for Operators

Water Chemistry Adjustment Guide(PDF, 147KB)

Water Chemistry Guidelines(PDF, 148KB)

Water Parameters(PDF, 179KB)

Weekly Operation and Incident Report(PDF, 85KB)

Public Pool and Spa Injury Incident Report Form

Approved Interior Surface Colors(PDF, 180KB)

Ohio Pool Code

Ohio Department of Health Public Swimming Pool Forms

If you or a loved one have been involved in a water related incident and want to share your experience to help prevent future accidents, our Program Manager, Austin would love to talk. Please reach out to set up a time for you to share your story.   

• Email (Preferred): ACSprayberry@columbus.gov
• Phone: (614) 645-6321

What is the Pool Safely Pledge?

• The Pool Safely pledge is four simple talking points that adults can review with children to ensure safety around the pool and prevent suction entrapment incidents.
• Take the Pool Safely pledge today to reduce your risk of water related incidents.
• Or review our Pool Safely page for tips and tricks to keep your pool or spa running smoothly.

Pool Safely Pledge - Take the Pool Safely Pledge with Columbus Public Health.

Pool Safely Page - Review our Pool Safely page to keep your pool or spa running smoothly, and to gain some additional education. 

Want to keep your home pool healthy and safe? Download our free resources:

Pool Safely - Learn how to keep children safer around water. 

Residential Code Requirements(PDF, 103KB) - See what pool permit. 

Neighborhood Safety Tip Poster(PDF, 1MB) (Spanish(PDF, 1MB)) - Learn safety tips to prevent drownings. 

Portable Pool Tip Card(PDF, 2MB) (Spanish(PDF, 2MB)) - See do's and don'ts of owning a portable pool.

Pool Safely Fencing Video - Understand the importance of proper barriers. 

Email Austin Sprayberry at ACSprayberry@columbus.gov to join the Columbus Alliance for Preventing Drownings.

• Receive updates on Alliance meetings and how you can play a part in your communities.

Over the past five years, Columbus had an average of 47 drownings/water rescues per year. 

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 in the United States. 

Formal Swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% for children ages 1-4. 

CDC Drowning at a Glance(PDF, 378KB)

Kids Activity Worksheets

• Adventures Of Splish And Splash(PDF, 644KB)
• All About My Day At The Pool(PDF, 308KB)
• Count The Pool Objects(PDF, 1MB)
• Crossword(PDF, 308KB)
• Water Watcher Coloring Sheet(PDF, 287KB)
• What's In Your Pool Bag(PDF, 467KB)
• Worksheet Answers(PDF, 2MB)

The Pool Safely Song (by Laurie Berkner)

Download the Splish and Splash Water Safety App:

• App Store (Apple)
• Google Play (Android)