Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 511 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Chapter 511-3 - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS
Subject 511-3-5 - PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS, AND RECREATIONAL WATER PARKS
Rule 511-3-5-.03 - Permits

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a public pool, spa, or recreational water park without having first obtained a valid operating permit from the health authority pursuant to this Chapter. Each pool must operate under a separate permit.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to build, alter, or remodel a public pool, spa, or recreational water park without first having obtained a valid construction permit from the health authority pursuant to this Chapter.

(c) Prior to the issuance of any permit under these rules, the applicant shall provide evidence of satisfactory compliance with the provisions of this Chapter and all other laws which apply to the location, construction, and maintenance of the pool, spa, or recreational water park, and the safety of persons therein.

(d) All permit applications shall be prepared in duplicate on forms provided by the Department. The original shall be filed with the health authority for the county in which the pool is located and a copy retained by the applicant.

(a) Two complete sets of scaled construction plans must be submitted to the local health authority for approval when a public swimming pool, spa, or recreational water park attraction is to be constructed, altered, or remodeled, or when an existing or abandoned structure is to be converted for use as a public pool, spa, or recreational water park attraction. The plans shall be submitted at least thirty days prior to beginning construction and shall indicate, at a minimum, the proposed layout, the mechanical plans, the construction materials, and the type and model of proposed equipment.

(b) The theoretical peak occupancy shall be stated on the plans.

(c) One approved set of the construction plans shall remain at the construction site at all times during construction, and all contractors must have access to the plans.

(d) The construction plans must bear the seal of a licensed architect or professional engineer, unless the health authority deems it to be unnecessary.

(e) Complete specifications for the project shall accompany the plans, including manufacturer's cut sheets and specifications on all equipment.

(f) A professional engineer licensed in the state must sign the department hydraulic analysis form and submit the completed worksheet with the construction plans, unless the health authority deems it to be unnecessary.

(g) Any additional data required by the health authority for purpose of clarification, anticipated use, or to support any changes in design or scope of the project, must be submitted before issuance of a construction permit.

(h) The swimming pool, spa, or recreational water park shall be built in compliance with the plans as approved unless written approval of changes has been given by the health authority.

(i) A construction permit is valid for twelve months from the date of issue. If the project has not been completed within that time, then the owner must apply to renew the permit.

(j) The owner or its agent shall notify the health authority at specific, predetermined stages of construction and at the time of completion of the pool to allow inspections.

(k) The health authority may make or require third party inspections of any new or existing construction work to determine compliance with the provisions of this chapter and other ordinances or laws.

(a) The permit shall be prominently displayed at all times, as close to the main entrance as practicable or as determined by the health authority.

(b) An operating permit shall not be valid for more than twelve months.

(c) An operational permit will not be issued to a facility if any violation of this Chapter is found during the permitting inspection, if applicable, written evidence of compliance with other state laws or local ordinances is not provided at the time of inspection, or if any outstanding fees are due.

(d) The owner must provide the health authority with a letter from a licensed architect, or professional engineer stating that the pool was built in compliance with the regulation and applicable codes. This letter need only be provided once.

(e) Copies of any testing reports for systems, such as air handling, are conducted, shall be furnished with the application.