In Montana, public swimming pools, spas, and other water features are governed by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) under Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) 37.115.
Montana is currently in a transition period; while the state has historically used older versions of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), it is in the process of adopting the 2024 ICC family of codes (including the 2024 ISPSC) by mid-2026.
In Montana, "public" is defined broadly, covering municipal pools, hotels, HOAs, schools, and even hot springs or "cold plunges" that are not drained between users.
Licensing: All public pools must be licensed by the DPHHS. The process begins with a formal Plan Review before construction or major renovation.
Inspection Frequency:
Year-round facilities: Inspected twice annually.
Seasonal facilities: Inspected once annually before or during operation.
Local Enforcement: While the DPHHS sets the rules, many counties (like Flathead, Lewis & Clark, and Missoula) manage the licensing inspections locally.
Montana emphasizes strict disinfectant residuals to ensure bather safety, especially in the state’s many commercial hot springs.
Water Chemistry (Standard Ranges):
Free Chlorine: Minimum 1.0 ppm for pools; 3.0 ppm for spas.
pH Levels: Must be strictly maintained between 7.2 and 7.8.
Clarity: The deepest main drain or a 6-inch black disc must be clearly visible from the deck.
Temperature: Spas and hot tubs are strictly limited to a maximum of 104°F (40°C).
Operator Requirement: Montana law requires that all public pools be operated by a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or an equivalent. The certificate must be available for inspection.
Montana currently adopts the ISPSC 2021 (with 2024 standards arriving mid-year) for design and barrier safety.
Height: Barriers must be at least 4 feet (48 inches) high.
Gate Security: All gates must be self-closing and self-latching. They must open outward (away from the pool).
The "Key Rule": For indoor facilities (like hotel pools), the "barrier" can be the room itself, provided it is accessible only by a key or electronic card and remains locked when not in use.
Gap Limitations: Spacing between vertical pickets must not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through, and the gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground must be no more than 2 inches.
Montana distinguishes between "lifeguards" and "attendants" for specific venue types:
Lifeguards: Required for high-risk features like water slides or diving areas.
Attendants: Often used for wading pools or hot springs. An attendant must be at least 15 years old and certified in CPR (Infant, Child, and Adult) and First Aid (American Red Cross or AHA).
"No Lifeguard" Signage: For facilities not requiring a guard (like many hotels), a sign stating "Warning: No Lifeguard on Duty" is mandatory, along with rules prohibiting children from swimming alone.
Montana DPHHS Public Swimming Pools & Spas: The main state hub for regulations, plan review applications, and licensing info.
Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) 37.115: The full, official legal text governing pools, spas, and water features.
Montana 2026 CPO Course Schedule (Flathead County): An example of local training opportunities (such as the March 2026 course in Columbia Falls).
CDC Healthy Swimming - Montana Guidelines: Guidelines for fecal/vomit incident response that Montana health inspectors follow.
Note for 2026: If you are a designer or contractor, be aware of the mid-2026 Code Update. Projects submitted for permit after the adoption date must comply with the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, which introduces more rigorous standards for aquatic recreation facilities and splash decks.
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