In South Dakota, public swimming pools and spas are regulated by the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) under the Administrative Rules of South Dakota (ARSD) 44:02:02:22 (for lodging facilities) and ARSD 44:02:05 (for specialty resorts).
As of 2026, South Dakota continues to rely on the "Recommended Standards for Swimming Pool Design and Operation" (Great Lakes-Upper Mississippi River Board) as its primary technical benchmark for construction and maintenance.
South Dakota has one of the strictest weekly testing requirements in the Midwest to monitor for bacteriological contamination.
Weekly Bacteriological Analysis: Every pool and spa must submit at least one water sample weekly to an EPA-certified laboratory.
Unsafe Results: If a sample is unsafe, it must be reported to the DOH within three days. The facility must then submit two consecutive negative samples to prove the contamination is gone.
Daily Chemistry Logs: Operators must maintain a daily log of:
Disinfectant Residuals: (Free Chlorine or Bromine).
pH Levels: Must stay between 7.2 and 7.8.
Test Kits: A colorimetric test kit is legally required for on-site monitoring.
South Dakota administrative rules mandate that all water recreation facilities be designed to prevent unauthorized access.
Height: Barriers must be at least 4 feet (48 inches) high, measured from the side facing away from the pool.
Gate Security: Access gates must be self-closing and self-latching.
Above-Ground Pools: For above-ground pools, the pool wall itself may serve as the barrier if it is at least 48 inches high, but the ladder must be secured or removed when the pool is not in use.
Clearance: To prevent children from crawling under the fence, the gap between the bottom of the barrier and the ground must not exceed 4 inches (or 2 inches if on a non-solid surface like grass).
South Dakota requires specific lifesaving units to be "mounted in conspicuous places" around the pool deck.
The Unit Includes:
A reaching pole (shepherd’s crook) that is at least 12 feet long.
A U.S. Coast Guard-approved ring buoy with a throw line.
First Aid & Spinal Safety: Every public pool is required to have a spineboard (backboard) with straps and a fully stocked first aid kit readily accessible.
Warning Signs: If a lifeguard is not provided (standard for hotels and motels), a sign stating "Warning: No Lifeguard on Duty" must be posted in clear view.
South Dakota is very specific about telephone accessibility for emergency services.
Location: A telephone must be located in or immediately adjacent to the pool area.
Required Postings: Emergency numbers (911) and the physical address of the facility must be posted at the phone.
2026 Modernization: Many South Dakota facilities have transitioned to cellular pool phones that meet the "immediately adjacent" requirement without the need for expensive landline trenching.
The DOH enforces several hygiene rules to protect water quality:
Mandatory Showers: All swimmers are required to shower before entering the pool to remove oils and contaminants.
Communicable Diseases: Persons with boils, infected wounds, or acute respiratory infections are strictly prohibited from using public water facilities.
Food & Drink: No food, beverages, or glass containers are allowed on the pool deck or in the water.
ARSD 44:02:02:22 - Water Recreation Facilities (Official Text): The primary administrative rule for pools operated by hotels or used by the public.
SD DOH Lodging and Food Service FAQ: General health protection guidelines that include pool and spa oversight.
South Dakota Pool Code 2026 Quick Reference: A technical summary of emergency communication and safety equipment requirements.
Sioux Falls Zoning - Fence Permits: An example of local municipal requirements for pool fencing and permit fees in South Dakota's largest city.
Note for 2026: In South Dakota, weather-related closures are common. Most municipal pools (like those in Canton or Sioux Falls) will not open unless the air temperature is at least 68°F and the water temperature is at least 70°F.
5170A Timberlea Blvd.