Frequently Asked Questions

1. What steps do I need to follow to open a public pool or spa?

 All plans must be approved by Ohio Department of Health (ODH). Once the plans have been approved, you will need to purchase your Pool/Spa License from the Greene County Combined Health District (GCCHD). Your contractor will contact ODH for construction inspections.  When the final construction inspection has been completed and approved by ODH, GCCHD will perform an inspection and issue the license for operation.

 2. I am getting ready to open for the summer. Do I need to let the Health Department know?

 Yes. Contact the Health District to schedule your opening inspection(s).

3. Someone had an accident in the pool. How do I clean up the mess?

 Body fluid spills (blood, vomit and feces) must be cleaned up and all contaminated surfaces disinfected immediately. Please be advised that during the cleanup process you may have to temporarily close your pool or spa until the pool chemistry stabilizes. Please refer to the CDC Healthy Swimming Fact Sheet and Fecal Accident Response Recommendations for Pool Staff  for cleaning up body fluid spills. You must also record all body fluid spills on your daily records log. You may contact the Health District at 937-374-5606 or 1-866-858-3588 if you have any questions.

 4. What kind of pool requires a license?

 Any indoor or outdoor structure, chamber, or tank containing a body of water for swimming, diving, or bathing that is intended to be used collectively for swimming, diving, or bathing, and is operated by any person whether as the owner, lessee, operator, licensee, or concessionaire, regardless of whether or not a fee is charged for use. Public bathing areas, such as an impounding reservoir, basin, lake, pond, creek, river or other similar natural body of water, are also licensable.

5. My neighbor and I share a swimming pool. Do I need a license?

 Any indoor or outdoor structure, chamber, or tank containing a body of water for swimming, diving, or bathing located at a dwelling with no more than three families and used exclusively by the residents and their non-paying guests does not require licensure. A dwelling includes an individual room or individual suite of rooms at a hotel, motel or other establishment providing temporary housing.

6. I am replacing equipment in the pump room. Do I need to let the Health Department know?

Contact the Health District at 937-374-5606 or 1-866-858-3588 to see if a plan review or an equipment replacement notification form will need to be submitted to Ohio Department of Health.