Swimming Pool Requirements – Swimming pools must be approved by the Health

Swimming Pool Requirements – Swimming pools must be approved by the Health Department and routinely tested according to Health Department standards. 1. Physical Barriers to Pool Entrance. a. The pool must be enclosed with protective fencing (a fence, wall or other barrier) so that the pool is separated from the facility or otherwise made physically inaccessible to a child. b. The wall, fence or barrier must not contain openings for handholds or footholds accessible from the exterior side of the enclosure. c. If any window, door or other openings of the facility constitute part of the swimming pool enclosure, the openings must be permanently secured and must not be essential as a fire exit. No bedrooms should have an opening into the swimming pool area. d. All entrances to the swimming pool must be self-closing and self- latching with the latch located at least fifty-four (54) inches above the underlying ground. 2. Physical Characteristics of Pool. a. Diving boards and water slides into the pool are strictly prohibited. Markings for water depth must be visible at each additional six (6) inches of depth. A rope must be secured across the swimming pool to indicate the four (4) foot depth. b. The following signs must be clearly posted and easily readable: i. Running or boisterous play is not allowed in the pool area. ii. Glass articles, sharp metal objects and other hazardous objects are not allowed in the pool area. 3. Safety Measures. a. Any facility with a pool must carry the appropriate liability insurance. Proof of current insurance must be provided to the MDCPS Congregate Care Unit. b. There must be safety measures in place for all bodies of water located at or near the facility. c. The facility must have one staff member with a current Advanced Life Saving certificate or certified lifeguard on duty and one additional staff person present when any water activity is in progress. At least one CPR-certified staff must be present at all times when children are at or near a body of water.