In Maryland, public swimming pools and spas are governed by the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 10.17.01. The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) sets the baseline, but the state is unique in that it grants significant authority to local county health departments (like Montgomery, Prince George's, and Baltimore) to enforce—and sometimes exceed—these standards.
As of 2026, Maryland has largely finalized the adoption of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) for all new construction and substantial renovations.
Maryland has some of the most complex barrier requirements in the U.S., specifically regarding "Public" vs. "Semi-public" (HOAs/Apartments) facilities.
Public Pools (Class A): The state standard for public pools is a 6-foot (72-inch) fence.
Semi-public Pools (Class B): These generally require a minimum height of 5 feet (60 inches).
County Exceptions: * Prince George’s County: Mandates a 6-foot fence for all pools, including existing ones.
Montgomery County: Requires a 5-foot fence.
Gate Requirements: Must open outward (away from the pool), be self-closing, and self-latching. The latch release must be at least 54 inches from the ground.
Health inspectors from the local health departments conduct routine audits to ensure compliance with COMAR 10.17.01.21-30.
Disinfection: * Free Chlorine: Minimum 1.5 ppm for pools; 3.0 ppm for spas.
Combined Chlorine: Must not exceed 0.5 ppm. If it does, "super-chlorination" is required.
pH Levels: Must be strictly maintained between 7.2 and 7.8.
Clarity: A 6-inch black disc at the deepest part of the pool must be clearly visible.
Testing Logs: Operators must test and record water quality at least once daily (though many counties require every 2-4 hours during peak use).
Maryland requires a "full kit" of rescue gear to be available on the deck:
Lifesaving Units: At least one unit per lifeguard station, consisting of:
A 10-foot to 12-foot reaching pole (shepherd’s crook).
A rescue tube or a U.S. Coast Guard-approved ring buoy with a throw line.
Backboard: Mandatory for all public recreational pools, complete with three straps and a head immobilizer.
Emergency Telephone: A hard-wired or AHJ-approved dedicated emergency phone must be located within the pool enclosure. It must dial 911 directly without going through a switchboard. A sign must be posted at the phone with the facility’s physical address.
As of late 2021/2022, Maryland shifted its lifeguard licensing process:
No More State Licenses: The MDH no longer issues physical state "Lifeguard Licenses." Instead, lifeguards must keep a digital or paper copy of their training certificate (Red Cross, YMCA, Ellis, etc.) on-site.
Certified Pool Operator (CPO): Every facility must have a CPO responsible for the mechanical and chemical systems.
CPR/First Aid: At least one person with valid Professional Rescuer CPR and First Aid certification must be on-site whenever the pool is open.
COMAR 10.17.01 (Public Swimming Pools and Spas): The official Maryland state regulations (Searchable Database).
Maryland Dept of Health - Aquatic Facility Regulations: The central hub for updates on the ISPSC adoption and barrier compliance extensions.
Montgomery County Pool Licenses & Permits: Local application forms and inspection schedule for the Bethesda/Silver Spring area.
Note for 2026: If your facility’s barrier was built before 2022 and is only 5 feet tall, you may be "grandfathered" in under certain COMAR provisions unless you undergo a "substantial structural change." Once you renovate, you must upgrade to the current 6-foot (72-inch) standard for public pools.
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