Swimming Pools, Spas and other Water Features

This page provides an overview of the rules and laws regulating pools, spas, and water features, information on plan reviews, CPO courses, and provides resources like posters and water chemistry logs for owners/operators. If you have questions regarding a plan review, please contact EHFS. If you have questions regarding inspections, please contact your local environmental health office. 

Montana Administrative Rules

ARM 37.115.106 has been amended to adopt Circular FCS 3-2022, the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code 2021, and ANSI/APSP/ICC 7 - 2020, effective February 25, 2023.  Please use the following documents as resources for planning and operating your public facility.

• • • Circular FCS 3 - 2022
    • International Swimming Pool and Spa Code 2021
    • Circular FCS 1-2016, Non-public Water Supplies

Montana Code Annotated

• • • Public Swimming Pools and Swimming Areas - MCA 2019

Plan Review

New construction and remodels must be reviewed by both DPHHS and Department of Labor and Industry Building Codes (DLI).  Please refer to the following DLI website to find contact information for the appropriate building codes official, Certified City, County, and Town Programs.  Contact the State Building Codes Bureau for projects being built in a jurisdiction that is not certified for swimming pools.

• • • Plan Review Checklist for Pools, Spas, and other Water Features (PDF) (NEW 02/22/2021)
      (Incomplete applications will not be accepted)
    • Pool Plan Review Fee Calculator (Excel)
    • Online payments for Pool/Spa Plan Review
    • Submit electronic PDF plans and calculations via the state file transfer service

Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Class

• • • NSPF Certified Pool/Spa Operator Courses 

CDC Fecal Incident Response

• • • CDC Fecal Incident Response - What do you do when you find poop in the water?
    • Water Contamination Response Log

Chlorine Institute Pamphlets

• • • Pamphlet 1 - Chlorine Basics
    • Pamphlet 65 - Personal Protective Equipment for Chlor-Alkali Chemicals
    • Pamphlet 82 - Recommendations for Using 100 & 150 Pound Chlorine Cylinders at Swimming Pools

Float Tanks

• • • North American Float Tank Standard
    • NSF International Component Certification Specification (CCS-12804)

Handouts

• • • Water Chemistry Log
    • Staffing Plans and Zones of Patron Surveillance
    • Best Practices for "Dog Swim Days"
    • Cyanuric Acid fact sheet
    • Non-Hygienic Behavior at Splash Parks

Posters

• • • Diaper Changing Posters
    • How Swimmers Affect Water Clarity
    • Water Illness General
    • Water Illness Office

Other Helpful Information

• • Ultimate Tech Manual
  • Model Aquatic Health Code
  • ADA: Frequently asked questions regarding 'accessible Pools'
  • Recreational Water Illness and Injury Prevention Campaign