Monroe County, Indiana

Permitting and Inspections for Pools, Spas, and Beaches

The Monroe County Health Department licenses and inspects all public and semi-public swimming pools, wading pools, spas, and beaches routinely for maintenance of proper water chemistry, required safety equipment, and cleanliness of bath houses, locker rooms, and proper filtration systems.

The Monroe County Swimming Pool, Spa, and Beach Ordinance follows the rules and regulations required by the Indiana Department of Health. The Monroe County Health Department has the authority to close public and semi-public water recreational facilities that do not follow the Indiana Department of Health regulations. Facilities are required to correct the cited violations before reopening.

Click HERE to apply for your Pool, Spa, and Beach Permit.

Reasons for Closure

The Monroe County Health Department shall close a facility for a violation of 410 IAC 6-2.1-43, which includes having:

• Three unsatisfactory bacteriological pool samples within six weeks OR two unsatisfactory pool samples in a row;
• Free chlorine levels below the minimum (1, 2, or 3 ppm, depending on the type of pool) or above the maximum (7 ppm);
• Water too cloudy to see the main drain in the deep end of the pool;
• A main drain cover that is broken, missing, or does not meet VGBA requirements;
• Insufficient lifeguarding;
• A pump, filter, or disinfectant feeder that is not functional;
• A fecal accident;
• Spa temperatures over 104 degrees;
• pH less than 6.8 or equal to or greater than 8.0; or
• Any other condition, situation, or installation that may result in a health or safety hazard or transmit disease.

Managers & Operators—Opening Your Pool

There are multiple steps to take before you can open your pool for the season:

1. Submit your permit application online
2. Pay your permit fees (rates and totals are explained in the application).
3. Start submitting your weekly pool samples for biological testing at least one week prior to pool opening.
4. Schedule your opening/permitting inspection with Health Department staff after you have received your first satisfactory pool sample. Inspections do not need to be scheduled for the day of opening.
5. Pass your inspection! Ensure that your pool is operating according to code for your inspection, whether or not you plan to open the pool that day.

Health Department Swimming Pool Permit Fees

• Year-Round (open more than 5 months) Pool and Spa Permits - $450.00 per unit
• Seasonal (open 5 or fewer months) Pool and Spa Permits - $250.00 per unit

*Fees are subject to change

Additional Resources

• Monroe County Code 310 - Service Fees
• Public and Semi-Public Pools - Swimming Pool Rule 410 6-2.1
• 675 IAC 20 Swimming Pool Code
• Monroe County Code: Chapter 355
• Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
• ADA Regulations for Swimming Pools
• Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) Public Swimming Pool and Spa Program

Please contact one of our General Environmental Health Specialists for more information: ehsgeneral@co.monroe.in.us or by phone: 812-349-2543, option 5. Office hours for staff are normally 8am to 9:30am Monday through Friday for walk-ins. We urge you to make an appointment prior to walking in as staff may be out of the office doing field work.

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