In Indiana, public and semi-public swimming pools (including those at hotels, apartments, schools, and parks) are primarily governed by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) under Rule 410 IAC 6-2.1. Construction and structural safety fall under the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) via the 675 IAC 20 (Swimming Pool, Spa and Water Attraction Code).
This is the core operational rule that health inspectors use to ensure pools are sanitary and safe for the public.
Operating Permits: Public pools must have a valid permit from their local health department. Inspections are typically conducted twice a year for year-round pools and at least once for seasonal pools.
Water Chemistry Standards:
Free Chlorine: Minimum 1.0 ppm for pools; 3.0 ppm for spas.
pH: Must be maintained between 7.2 and 7.8.
Combined Chlorine: Remediation is required if combined chlorine levels reach 0.5 ppm or higher (breakpoint chlorination/shocking).
Water Clarity: A black disc (6 inches in diameter) must be clearly visible at the deepest point of the pool.
Operational Logs: Operators are legally required to record chemical tests and bather loads daily. These logs must be kept on-site for inspection.
Indiana distinguishes between "lifeguard required" and "no lifeguard" facilities:
Lifeguards: Required at all public pools (Class A). Lifeguards must be certified (e.g., American Red Cross or YMCA) and have current CPR/First Aid training.
Semi-Public Pools: Apartment and hotel pools may operate without a lifeguard if they post a "Warning: No Lifeguard on Duty" sign in letters at least 4 inches high.
Maximum Bather Load: The facility must calculate and post its maximum capacity based on surface area (e.g., 15 sq. ft. per person in shallow areas).
Emergency Phone: A functional telephone must be accessible within 200 feet of the pool with "911" instructions clearly posted.
Indiana’s construction code mandates strict physical barriers to prevent unsupervised access:
Fence Height: Barriers must be at least 4 feet (48 inches) high.
Gate Security: Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch located at least 54 inches above the ground (or on the pool side, shielded).
Automatic Covers: In some Central Indiana municipalities (like Carmel and Fishers), an automatic safety cover that meets ASTM F1346 standards may be used in place of a fence for certain residential or semi-public classes, but fencing remains the standard for most public venues.
Indiana has specific guidelines for end-of-season dog swims. Pools must be closed to humans immediately following the event, then undergo a "super-chlorination" (shock) and a full turnover/filtration cycle before the next season.
IDOH Public Swimming Pool & Spa Program: The central hub for Rule 410 IAC 6-2.1, permit applications, and injury report forms.
Rule 410 IAC 6-2.1 (Official PDF): The full text of Indiana's public and semi-public pool regulations.
Indiana Swimming Pool Construction Code (675 IAC 20): Managed by the Department of Homeland Security for new builds and renovations.
Daily Log of Operating Conditions (PDF): The official IDOH template for record-keeping.
Note for 2026: Indiana local health departments (such as Allen, Marion, or Clark County) often have their own online portals for viewing recent inspection scores. If you are a patron, you can check these scores to see if a facility has a history of chemical or safety violations.
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