Public Pools, Spas and Splash Pads

• Minor Modifications – prior to filling the pool with water following completion of the update, the Department must complete a final inspection and approve the minor modification updates.
• Pipe and/or Steel Inspections – prior to covering up pipe and/or steel construction, the Department must be scheduled to complete an inspection.
• Final Inspection – once all construction is complete and the pool water is balanced, a written request must be submitted for a final inspection.

Please note, it is recommended to request inspections at least one (1) to two (2) weeks in advance as the inspector schedule may fill up depending on the time of year.

Requests for inspection may be made directly to the assigned Department inspector that approved the original permit, or an email may be sent to CHSLicensing@health.ok.gov.

Once the facility is approved during the final inspection, the inspector will issue a license application. Payment must be made within four (4) days to the State Department of Health.

Routine inspections are conducted unannounced by county health department inspectors. The number of inspections per year is dependent on the type of public bathing place:

• Seasonal – typically outdoor pools only operate around the April-September swim season
  • Conducted two times per year during the swim season
• Year Round – typically indoor pools operated year round
  • Conducted four times per year throughout the year

In the event multiple violations are identified during a routine inspection and are not corrected timely, the Department may enact the enforcement process. Upon notification, an unannounced inspection will occur typically around 15 days after the notice of enforcement has been received. This timeframe following the notice is an opportunity to correct any noted violations.

An initial application will only be issued at the time of a final inspection or during an ownership change. Initial application forms are completed and signed by the inspector and issued to the owner. It is the owner’s responsibility to send a copy of the paperwork into the State Department of Health with payment within four (4) business days of issuance.

Public Bathing Place licenses must be renewed annually. A courtesy renewal reminder will be mailed out to the last known address; however, it is still the responsibility of the owner to submit payment.

The licensee should always include either a copy of the renewal form or a copy of the current license with the payment to ensure the payment is applied appropriately and timely. Fees mailed without supporting documentation may delay the processing of the renewal application.

Payments postmarked thirty (30) days after expiration will be subject to an additional fee equal to half (50%) of the current renewal fee. For example, if the license renewal fee is $75, then at 30 days or more late, the required amount owed would be ($75 renewal + $37.50 late fee) a total of $112.50.

Payments postmarked ninety (90) days or more after expiration must pay an amount equal to the initial license fee for a new establishment. For example, if the initial license fee is $125, then at 90 days or more late, the required amount owed would be a total of $125. 

Renewals may be mailed to:

Oklahoma State Department of Health
Consumer Health Service
P.O. Box 268815
Oklahoma City, OK 73126-8815

The Oklahoma State Department of Health only regulates public bathing place venues which includes numerous types of pools or other water recreational venues that the public has access to. In some instances, a “public” pool is considered private because only certain members may gain access or member’s guests. Regardless if a public pool is private or public, both are under the regulatory authority and must be licensed. Below are just a few examples.

• Public – requires licensure
  • Public
    • Fun park
    • Municipal pool/spa
    • Schools
    • Government Run Campgrounds
  • Private
    • Apartments
    • Country club
    • Exercise club
    • Home owners associations with more than 30 homes
    • Hotel/Motel
    • Retirement center
    • Summer camps
    • Therapy pool/spa
    • University pool/spa
• Private – no licensure
  • Home owners associations with 30 OR LESS homes
  • Individual home owners

These may either be indoor or outdoor venues:

• Lazy River
• Pool
• Slide Pool
• Spa
• Wading Pool

Spray pads, spray grounds or splash pads are not regulated in the State of Oklahoma.

Float tanks, or isolation tanks, are not regulated in the State of Oklahoma at this time. 

To change ownership on a property with a pool license, contact the local county health department.

Local inspectors will schedule a site-visit and issue an initial license application to update the contact owner information. The owner is responsible for mailing in a copy of the application along with payment.

If a mailing address or contact information needs to be updated, an email may be sent to: CHSLicensing@health.ok.gov

Please include the pool license number(s), the previous information, and the updated information. These changes typically may occur if there is a change in a management company yet the owner remains the same.

NOTE: If the change is due to an ownership change, then steps must be followed above to schedule a local inspector to issue the initial application.