Iowans use public swimming pools and spas throughout the year at a variety of locations such as municipal pools, schools, hotels, motels, camps, health clubs, country clubs, apartments, condominiums, and water parks. The Iowa Department of Public Health Swimming Pools and Spas Program has established minimum standards, 641 IAC Chapter 15, applicable throughout Iowa for the design, installation, operation and maintenance of these facilities in order to protect the bathing public from injury, minimize the potential for disease transmission and provide a safe and healthy aquatic recreational environment.
These minimum standards apply to all public swimming pools, spas, wading pools, water slides, wave pools, leisure rivers, and spray pads. The Swimming Pool and Spa Program contracts with local environmental health agencies that annually inspect about 1300 pools, more than 420 spas, 260 wading pools, and 260 water slides at about 1,260 locations in Iowa.
How do I file a Complaint?
Complaints are a method of informing the Swimming Pool and Spa program about concerns at a public swimming pool or spa.
There are two ways to file a complaint:
- A person may call the designated inspection agency directly. Typically this is the county public health department, but may be a neighboring county.
- A person may complete a Complaint Form.
For certified pool operator and lifeguard requirements please visit our facility resources tab.