Public Swimming Pools

• Information:
  • Some pool pump systems have been approved with a “flow reduction” method.
  • This must be done by measuring the maximum flow of the pumping system. There are two acceptable methods for measuring the maximum flow:
    • Vacuum and pressure gauges, or
    • Flowmeter with 5% accuracy.
• How this applies to pools in Wake County:
  • Wake County requires VGB documents signed/sealed from a Registered Design Professional (RDP). For pump systems with “flow reduction” approval, the RDP has provided Total Dynamic Head calculations with measurements using vacuum and pressure gauges to determine the maximum flow of the system. Therefore, no additional documents or equipment is required.
  • Inspectors will continue to verify during the inspection the VGB documents and the current flow rate to ensure the pumping system is performing less than the drain cover rating.

• Must be installed by a licensed electrician and inspected by the local municipality
• If the new pump make/model differs from VGB documentation:
  • Update documentation and send to Wake County
• If same make/model pump:
  • Only municipal electrical inspection required

• Maximum: 100 ppm
• Recorded weekly in pool records

Pools must meet all provisions of the Wake County Regulations Governing Swimming Pools and the NC Rules Governing Public Swimming Pools (15A NCAC 18A .2500).

Common failure items include:

• Emergency phone not working
• Gates or doors not functioning properly
• Chemical levels out of range
• Damaged or broken bonding wires
• Broken or loose main drain covers
• Missing required signage
• Equipment not matching VGB approvals
• Missing or invalid CPO certification

If your pool fails inspection, a $75 reinspection fee applies. This fee cannot be waived.

If notified by your inspector that a reinspection is required, it is the operator’s responsibility to contact our Customer Service Team at 919-856-5700, Option 1.

Our Customer Service Team will assist with setting up an invoice and provide support. Once payment is made, you may contact your inspector to request a reinspection. Once a reinspection request is received, inspectors will work to schedule the reinspection within three (3) business days.

Pool inspections can be requested beginning April 1 and are scheduled on a first-come first-serve basis. We strongly encourage submitting a request for an inspection as soon as possible.

To ensure your pool is ready for the Memorial Day holiday, the following must be done by May 11:

1. Pool permit fee has been received,
2. Pool has current VGB documentation on file, and 
3. Inspector has been contacted to request an inspection.

Annual Permit Fees – The cost for the annual operation permit is $300. This fee must be paid before the permitting inspection can be scheduled to open the pool. Payment Options:

1. Online:

• Year-round pools (State ID# starts with 53, 54, 55, 57) – Invoices are mailed in December each year.
• Seasonal Pools (State ID# starts with 50, 51, 52, 56) – Invoices are mailed in March each year.

Once the invoice is received, you may pay via the QR code on the invoice. You will need the account # and invoice # to make a payment online.

If the invoice is not received, please contact 919-856-5700 to update our records for the mailing address of the pool.

2. Write and mail a check:

• Make check payable to: Wake County

(TO PROPERLY CREDIT YOUR ACCOUNT, WRITE STATE ID# AND INVOICE # ON CHECK)

• Mail payment to:

Wake County

ATTN: Environmental Health & Safety

PO Box 550

Raleigh, NC 27602

Re-inspection Fees – During the pool season, if your swimming pool fails the permitting inspection, a $75 re-inspection fee is required prior to a second permitting visit. To pay this fee, you will need to be invoiced. Please complete the following steps:

1. Call  919-856-5700 to speak with an agent. You will need the State ID# for your pool. The Re-inspection fee invoice will be created and emailed to you.
2. The QR code to pay the fee online will be included on the invoice.
3. Once payment has been made, contact your inspector to schedule the re-inspection. The receipt can be forwarded to your inspector as proof of payment.

Plans for new or remodeled swimming pools are submitted online. Click the link below to the Permit Portal to begin the application process. There is a $250 plan review fee due at the time of submittal.

Submittal Guide – This can be used to assist with the online application.

Permit Portal 

All public swimming pool operators must be certified by Wake County and one of the following certified pool operator’s courses:

• Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
• American Swimming Pool and Spa Association, or
• Aquatic Training Institute


•  

To become Wake County certified, the operator must pass a test administered by the Department. Call Environmental Health & Safety at 919-856-5700 for available test times and to get signed up. We are not set up to accommodate walk-in customers for the exam. The test is based on Wake County Swimming Pool Regulations.

Wake County Certified Pool Operators

Operator Resources

Opening Inspection Checklist

Hyperchlorination Guidance

Healthy Swimming Poster (English)

Healthy Swimming Poster (Spanish)

North Carolina .2500 Rules 

Wake County Swimming Pool Regulations 

Application for Operation Permit 

CPO Daily Checklist

Sign Requirements

Gate and Fence Requirement Flowchart

Pool Night Lighting Requirements

Pool Night Lighting Documentation Form

DHHS Position Statements

Changes to Rule .2518 and .2539

Electrical Safety

Lighting

Pool Fence Area

Dogs in Pools

Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA)

Swimming pools must be compliant with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA) before permitted to operate. Wake County requires new documentation for each public swimming pool, wading pool and spa when the original drain covers/grates are replaced at the end of their useful life rating based on the manufacturer specifications. These documents must be signed and sealed by a NC registered Engineer or Architect upon submittal to Wake County.

Steps to submit new VGB documentation:

     1.     Use the  Pool Drain Safety Compliance Data Sheet (fillable version) to provide the required information.

     2.     Review the Instructions for Submitting VGB Documentation.

     3.     Email the documentation to wcpools@wake.gov. 

To view the VGB expiration dates for each pool, view the Swimming Pool List.

To request the VGB documentation we have on file, you will need to submit a public record request to Wake County. Enter your information and a description of the request. As part of your request, include the name and address of the pool and select “VGB and Pools” for the Department. Please allow several days for processing.

Environmental Health staff investigates complaints received from the public alleging sanitation deficiencies and safety concerns associated with public swimming pools located in Wake County.

Please note that all information received by this office, except for reports containing medical information, are public records and can be reviewed by anyone making a request to view the record.​