The Department of Health investigates complaints related to public/semi-public swimming pools & spas. If you wish to report a possible health violation, you can call (260) 449-7126 or submit it to us online via our Complaint Portal. You can leave your name or remain anonymous. If you choose to leave your name with the complaint, it may appear on the public record. We typically follow up on complaints within 24 business hours.
The Department of Health’s Environmental Services Division – Pollution Control Program issues permits and conducts inspections of public/semi-public swimming pools and spas to promote safe recreational swimming and prevent the spread of disease. These facilities include apartment complexes, country clubs, fitness centers, hotels and motels, neighborhood associations, parks, rehabilitation centers, schools, and swimming centers. Individual residential swimming pools and spas are not permitted and inspected by the Department of Health. If need to file a complaint regarding an un-maintained residential swimming pool, call (260) 449-7459 or click here to file an online complaint.
These inspections include making sure the pool is in compliance with applicable state laws and local ordinances, ensuring the water is tested regularly for correct chemistry and adequate disinfection, and verifying that the facility is free of other chemical or physical hazards. All operators are required to keep records of water quality testing results and accidents.
Year-round pools have a full facility inspection at least twice a year and seasonal pools at least once a year. A pool may also be inspected as the result of a complaint. Pools and spas have their water chemistry tested by staff weekly or biweekly. Staff also review plans for any new construction or renovation to ensure structural / mechanical issues are addressed.
Below you will find information on state and local regulations, permit applications, resources on pool safety and other helpful resources.
If you have additional questions on obtaining a swimming pool/spa permit or to wish to report a complaint, please call us at (260) 449-7126.
Rules/Ordinances
- Allen County Public and Semi-Public Swimming Pool and Spa Ordinance
- Indiana Swimming Pool Rule 410 IAC 6-2.1
- Fire Prevention & Building Safety Commission Swimming Pool Construction Code 675 IAC 20
- Interactive Water Fountains Guidance (ISDH)
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance
Plan Review for New Aquatic Venues (New Pool/Spa Facilities) & Equipment Replacement
- New Aquatic Venue Application Packet Cover Sheet
- Guidelines for New Aquatic Venues
- Aquatic Venue Pool Spa Plan Review Questionnaire
- Aquatic Venue Water Feature Plan Review Questionnaire
- Aquatic Venue Pool Spa Equipment Replacement Review Form
Permit Application
Forms/Logs
- Daily Pool/Spa Operations Log Sheet (ISDH)
- Injury/Incident Report (ISDH)
- Pool/Spa Contamination Incident Report (ISDH)
Educational Materials
Below are links to publications related to pool and chemical safety.
Additional Resources
- Adjusting Chemical Levels in a Swimming Pool (ISDH)
- How to Calculate Maximum Bather Load (ISDH)
- How to Shock the Pool (ISDH)
- Swimming Pool FAQs (ISDH)
- Indoor Air Swimming Pool Irritants (ISDH)
- Guidelines for Dog Swims at Public Pools (ISDH)
- Healthy Swimming [En español] (CDC)
- Basics of Recreational Water Illnesses (CDC)
- 12 Steps for Prevention of Recreational Water Illness (CDC)
- Fecal Accident Response Recommendations for Pool Staff (CDC)
- Vomit and Blood Contamination of Pool Water (CDC)
- Pool and Spa Test Strips Home Test Instructions (CDC)
- Educational posters on pool safety (CDC)
- Finding a Dead Animal in the Pool/Spa (CDC)
- What to Do if You Find a Live/Dead Raccoon in the Pool/Spa (CDC)
- Aquatic Health & Safety Infographic (NEHA)
For more Information on healthy swimming, visit our Recreational Water Activities page.
