In North Dakota, public swimming pools and spas are regulated primarily through the North Dakota Administrative Code (NDAC) and overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and local health districts (such as the First District Health Unit).
As of 2026, North Dakota has updated its administrative rules for recreational facilities to streamline the inspection and reinspection process, introducing specific fees for repeat violations.
North Dakota mandates continuous disinfection and high water clarity to prevent waterborne illnesses.
Water Chemistry:
Free Chlorine: Minimum 1.0 ppm (mg/L) must be maintained at all times.
pH Levels: Must be strictly maintained between 7.2 and 7.8.
Water Clarity: The "Secchi Disk Test" or main drain visibility is the legal standard. A 6-inch black and white disk (or the deepest main drain) must be clearly visible from the deck.
Daily Logs: Operators are required to record pH, disinfectant residuals, and temperature daily. These records must be retained on-site for at least 3 years.
Reinspection Fees (New for 2026): Under updated NDAC provisions, the department now charges a $100 reinspection fee for facilities that fail to correct repeat violations during a standard audit.
North Dakota is specific about the "lifesaving unit" requirements for all public and semi-public (hotels/HOAs) facilities:
The Pool Phone: At least one functional telephone is mandatory. It must be accompanied by a legible list of emergency phone numbers and the physical address of the pool facility.
Rescue Tools: Every pool must be equipped with:
A reaching pole with a shepherd’s crook.
A U.S. Coast Guard-approved ring buoy with an attached throw line.
Signage: If a lifeguard is not provided, a sign stating "Warning: No Lifeguard on Duty" must be posted.
While North Dakota uses the International Building Code (IBC) as a baseline, local ordinances (like those in West Fargo and Bismarck) provide the specific technical requirements for 2026:
Height: Barriers must be at least 4 feet (48 inches) high, measured from the side facing away from the pool.
Gate Security: Pedestrian access gates must open outward (away from the pool), be self-closing, and self-latching.
Latch Height: To prevent child access, the latch release must be at least 54 inches above the ground.
Gap Limits: The vertical clearance between the bottom of the fence and a solid surface (like concrete) must not exceed 4 inches. If the surface is grass or gravel, the gap is restricted to 2 inches.
The "4-Inch Sphere" Rule: No opening in the barrier may allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through.
For hotels, campgrounds, and RV parks (regulated under NDAC 33-33-02), the state requires specific licensing:
Plan Review: Any new construction or major enlargement of a pool at a licensed facility requires a plan review. The application fee is 50% of the annual license fee.
Service Buildings: Bathrooms and showers associated with the pool must be kept clean, in good repair, and supplied with toilet tissue at all times.
North Dakota Administrative Code - DHHS Rules: The full text of Chapter 33-33-02 regarding recreational facilities, updated for 2026.
North Dakota Pool Code 2026 Quick Reference: A technical guide focused on emergency phone compliance and the shift to cellular pool phones.
West Fargo Ordinance 1245 (Pool Fencing): A detailed example of local barrier and gate requirements.
Note for 2026: If your facility is located in a district like Wells County, inspections are a matter of public record. You can often look up a facility's most recent sanitation and safety score online before visiting.
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