As pool season splashes back into Wake County, inspectors are diving into their annual process of making sure every public swimming pool is safe and ready for residents. Over the next two months, 66 Wake County inspectors will visit nearly 1,500 neighborhood pools, community centers, apartments, subdivisions, homeowner associations and clubs to conduct safety checks and issue permits ahead of the summer rush.
"When the temperatures climb this summer, pools become one of our favorite places to be," said Wake County Commissioner Cheryl Stallings. "Our job is to help prevent accidents, protect public health and give families the confidence that the pools they visit meet our high safety standards."
Pool inspections can be requested beginning today, April 1, and are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure your pool is ready for Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer, the following must be done by May 11:
- Pool permit fee of $300 has been received.
- Pool has current Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB) documentation on file.
- Inspector has been contacted to request an inspection.
Wake County inspectors ensure that emergency phone and safety equipment are accessible and working properly. They test chlorine and pH levels, which measure the level of disinfectant and acidity in the water. Inspectors also ensure the pool has an effective barrier, verify proper signage is posted and check the pool pumps and drain covers. If any critical violations are found, pools are not allowed to open until the operator corrects the violations and passes a reinspection.
Year-round pools are inspected throughout the year, and private residential pools are exempt from these rules.
For more information about pool inspections, please visit wake.gov/pools.
