In Kentucky, public swimming pools and bathing facilities are primarily governed by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services under the Kentucky Administrative Regulation 902 KAR 10:120. This regulation sets the state-wide "uniform standards" for design, construction, and daily operation.
This regulation acts as the "Standard of Care" for all public venues, including municipal pools, water parks, schools, and "semi-public" pools at hotels and apartments.
Permit to Operate: No public pool can open without an annual permit from the local health department. Inspections are conducted at least once per year for seasonal pools and twice for year-round facilities.
Certified Operator: Kentucky strongly encourages (and many local health districts require) that a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) be responsible for the facility's water chemistry and mechanical systems.
Water Clarity: The "Main Drain" rule is strictly enforced. The grate of the deepest main drain must be clearly visible from the pool deck. If the water is too cloudy to see the bottom, the facility must close immediately.
Bather Load: Every pool must have its maximum bather capacity calculated and posted near the entrance.
Kentucky’s health departments monitor these specific ranges during inspections:
Free Chlorine: * Standard Pools: Minimum 1.0 ppm (max 5.0 ppm).
Spas/Hot Tubs: Minimum 2.0 ppm (max 10.0 ppm).
pH Levels: Must stay between 7.2 and 7.8.
Daily Logs: Operators are legally required to maintain a daily log of disinfectant levels, pH, flow rates, and any "accidental bather discharges" (fecal/vomit). These logs must be kept for at least one year.
Lifeguards: Required for all Class A (Public) pools. Lifeguards must hold current certification from an approved agency (like the American Red Cross or YMCA).
Rescue Gear: Every public pool must have:
A 12-foot rescue pole (shepherd’s crook).
A ring buoy (minimum 18-inch diameter) with a throw line long enough to reach across the pool.
"No Lifeguard" Signage: For semi-public pools (hotels/apartments) that do not provide guards, a sign stating "WARNING: NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY" must be posted in letters at least 4 inches high.
Emergency Communication: A functional telephone must be accessible within the pool area with "911" instructions clearly displayed.
Kentucky follows the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) for most barrier requirements:
Height: The fence or barrier must be at least 4 feet (48 inches) high.
Gate Safety: Must open outward (away from the pool), be self-closing, and self-latching.
Latch Height: To keep it out of reach of children, the latch must be at least 54 inches from the ground.
Spacing: Vertical slats or pickets must not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through.
902 KAR 10:120 (Full Official Text): The primary administrative regulation for Kentucky public swimming and bathing facilities.
Kentucky Public Pool Permit Process Guide: A practical breakdown of the 2026 permit and inspection steps for the Bluegrass State.
Louisville Metro Public Health - Swimming Pool Program: A great resource for those in the Louisville area, including local permit fees and inspection checklists.
Kentucky Lifeguard Training - Louisville Parks: Information on the 2026 certification schedule and requirements.
Note for 2026: In many Kentucky counties (like Fayette and Jefferson), it is strictly prohibited to drain pool water directly into sanitary sewers. Operators must follow a specific Drainage Plan that involves dechlorination and controlled discharge to the storm system or on-site absorption.
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