In West Virginia, public and semi-public swimming pools—legally referred to as Recreational Water Facilities—are governed by the West Virginia Legislative Rule 64 CSR 16. These regulations apply to pools at hotels, apartment complexes, schools, parks, and mobile home parks.
As of 2026, the state has reinforced its "Qualified Operator" requirements to ensure that high-use facilities in mountainous or remote regions maintain consistent water safety standards.
Every public pool in West Virginia must have a Qualified Water Facility Operator responsible for its management.
Certification: The operator must pass a recognized course (such as the PHTA CPO, YMCA, or a Commissioner-approved equivalent).
Availability: The qualified operator must be available for consultation at all times the facility is open.
Weekly Reports: Facilities are required to submit Weekly Operational Reports to their local County Health Department to document chemical levels and maintenance.
West Virginia health sanitarians conduct routine inspections, often checking pools every two weeks for basic chemistry.
Free Chlorine Residual: Must be maintained between 1.0 ppm and 3.0 ppm (minimum 0.4 ppm is allowed by old code, but 1.0 ppm is the modern 2026 enforcement standard).
pH Levels: Must stay between 7.2 and 7.8.
Clarity: The water must be clear enough that the main drain or a 6-inch black disk at the deepest part of the pool is "readily visible" from the sidewall.
Testing Frequency: pH and disinfectant levels must be tested and recorded at least twice daily.
West Virginia follows the State Building Code (87CSR4) for pool enclosures, focusing on preventing unauthorized entry.
Height: Barriers must be at least 4 feet (48 inches) high.
Gate Security: Gates must be self-closing and self-latching.
Latch Height: To remain out of reach for children, the latching device should generally be located at least 54 inches above the floor or ground.
Gaps: No opening in the fence may allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through. If the fence is on a non-solid surface (like grass), the gap at the bottom is restricted to 2 inches.
The "Unit" of Rescue Gear: All pools must have:
A Shepherd’s crook and reaching pole.
A First Aid Kit that is fully stocked and readily available.
Emergency Telephone: West Virginia is unique in its distance requirement:
Telephone service must be available within 100 feet of the pool area.
A list of Emergency Phone Numbers for rescue agencies (Police, Fire, EMS) must be clearly posted at the phone.
Emergency Action Plan (EAP): Every facility must maintain a written EAP covering life-threatening emergencies, chemical spills, and environmental hazards.
Mandatory Lifeguards: Required for facilities that charge an admission fee (gate receipt or membership dues), organized camps, or child care centers.
Recommended/Not Mandatory: Lifeguards are recommended but not required for hotels, motels, apartments, and condominiums where use is restricted to residents/guests, especially if the pool is 5 feet deep or less.
Signage: If no lifeguard is on duty, a sign must state: "Warning: No lifeguard on duty - All persons under the age of fourteen (14) must be accompanied by an adult."
64 CSR 16 - West Virginia Recreational Water Facilities (Official PDF): The primary legislative rule for all public swimming and bathing facilities.
Marshall County Health Department - Recreational Water: A practical guide for applying for or renewing an operating permit in WV.
Monongalia County Pool Certification & Classes: Information on CPO classes and inspection schedules for the Morgantown area.
West Virginia Pool Code 2026 Quick Reference: A technical summary of emergency communication and safety equipment requirements.
Note for 2026: In West Virginia, any New Construction or Extensive Renovation requires plans to be submitted and approved by the Environmental Engineering Division (EED) at the state level before a local health permit can be issued.
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