Pools and Spas

Pool Drain Cover Recall

A nationwide recall has been issued on approximately 1 million pool drain covers. Operators of wading pools, must remain closed until they can replace or fix the defective covers. More»

Pools and Spas

All public swimming pools, spas and water attractions must be licensed and pass regular health inspections. This applies to all public pools, spas, wading pools, swim beaches and similar water recreation sites.

You must obtain a plan review and license before:

  • Building a new public pool or spa
  • Remodeling a public pool or spa

You must also contact us prior to changing any pump, filter, heater or disinfection device.

Facilities are considered public if they are:

  • Associated with more than 4 housing units (including apartments, condo associations and neighborhood associations)
  • Private clubs
  • Fitness clubs
  • Hotels
  • Motels
  • Schools
  • Commercial concerns or parks
  • Recreation departments

Types of public pool facilities include:

  • General use - any member of the general public can pay at the door.
  • Limited use - membership, or member guest status, is required for use.

Requirements

Oregon Pool and Spa Rules

All public swimming pools are required to provide entrapment protection according to the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. For more information, visit PoolSafety.gov.

Get a License

Submit a completed pool/spa license application along with the license fee payment.

If you are building or remodeling a pool or spa:
You must obtain a plan review before starting construction. Submit to Multnomah County Environmental Health:

Once your plan has been approved (about 3-4 weeks) you may begin construction. After the work has been completed, call us to schedule a pre-inspection. You will receive your license after the facility passes the final inspection.

Fees:
Based on the number of pools/spas at the same location.

  • 1-2: $585
  • Over 2: $210
  • 1-2 seasonal: $305
  • Over 2 seasonal: $200
  • Minor plan review: $190
  • Plan review, new construction or complete replacement less than 2000 sq ft: $935
  • Pool/Spa plan review, new construction or complete replacement 2000 sq ft and up: $1,175
  • Construction permit renewals: $75

Renewals

Licenses are good for one calendar year. You may also get a seasonal license that is good for 6 consecutive months. Renew your license by paying the license fee by January 1 of each year.

Are fountains safe to play in?

Some city fountains were designed as art and never intended to serve as sites for public wading, bathing or playing. You can look for signs at fountains you visit for clues as to whether they are okay to play in. If there is a sign warning you not to get into the water, for your own health and welfare, please heed the warning. If you do use these public places, NEVER drink the water. Be smart, be safe and enjoy!

Regulated public facilities
If the water is collected in a tank and recirculated with pumps, these facilities still fall under Oregon’s pool rules. This water must be filtered and sanitized once an hour to comply with pool rules and protect the health of people exposed to it.

Unregulated public facilities
The new spray and play fountains with push button activation found in several Portland parks are not regulated under the pool rules because the features use only fresh, potable water that runs directly to the sewer and is not recirculated.

Wading Pools

Because of the potential for waterborne-disease outbreaks, the old fill-and-drain wading pools in many Portland parks are no longer in service. These structures were poorly designed and maintained. As a result, pools of water would accumulate that had not been filtered or disinfected properly.