The Environmental Health Unit inspects public recreational bathing places including swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs, spas, aquatic recreational facilities and bathing beaches. The Unit also reviews plans for new or altered swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs and spas. Indoor facilities are inspected twice per year while seasonal facilities are inspected at least once. A recreational bathing area may be closed by the health authority when such action is necessary to abate a present or threatened menace to public health. This could include conditions such as physical safety hazards or failure to meet water quality standards. 

New: In 2018, the New Jersey Public Recreational Bathing Code was revised. There is a link to the revised code below. Letters are being mailed out to all facilities to notify them of some of the rule changes. One of the new rules (N.J.A.C. 8:26-2.5b) now requires the pool owner, operator or trained pool operator to complete a "Checklist."  This Checklist will have to be submitted annually to this office and certified by the owner, operator or the trained pool operator (TPO). A separate Checklist will have to be submitted for each swimming pool, wading pool, hot tub or spa. Seasonal pools must submit the Checklist 21 days before the bathing facility is scheduled to open. The Checklist is listed below under forms and documents.  If you have any questions on the new rule changes, please contact our office at 609-645-5971 ext. 4379. 

Checklists can be mailed to:  

Atlantic County Division of Public Health
Environmental Health Unit, Room 261
201 S. Shore Road
Northfield, NJ 08225

or faxed to 609-645-5923

New Bathing Code Information

2018 Indoor Pool Letter

Public Recreational Bathing Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful Links:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Healthy Swimming/ Recreational Waters
• New Jersey Department of Health – Recreational Bathing Information

Forms and Documents:

• Certification For The Replacement Of Main Drain Covers In Pool/Spa
• Checklist for Public Recreational Bathing Facilities
• Fecal Accident Response Recommendations for Pool Staff
• Public Recreational Outdoor Pool, Spa Owners, Trained Pool Operators and Natural Bathing Beach Owners and Operators