Show All Answers

1. What are the minimum design requirements?

For the minimum design requirements, visit the

Design Requirements and Standards page.

2. Do you have guidance for design features not listed in the regulations?

To assist you to obtain approval for designs that include commonly submitted pool and spa features that are not addressed in the regulations, the Department has posted a reference tool. The document provides design guidance for a list of features that can be approved in plan review without a variance, and features that can be approved through a time-saving, direct appeal variance process. It also lists features that must be submitted through the formal variance process. Typical stipulations are included for each variance.

3. What is my pool's maximum allowed bathing load?

A public swimming pool is calculated as follows:
- 10 square feet of pool surface area per bather shall be provided in the "non-swimmer" area.
- 24 square feet of pool surface area shall be provided for each swimmer in the "swimming" area.
- 300 square feet of pool surface area shall be reserved around each diving board or diving platform. This reserved area shall not be included in determining the "swimming" area.

4. What is my spa’s maximum allowed bathing load?

Per the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code Chapter VI, Section 6, Regulation 1(h), the maximum allowed bathing load for a public or semi-public spa is calculated as follows:
- The maximum bathing load for a public or semi-public spa shall not exceed the area of the spa in square feet divided by nine square feet.

5. What are the requirements for water used to fill a pool, spa or bathing lake?

A pool, spa or bathing lake must be filled only with potable water from an approved source. An approved backflow prevention device or an air gap must be installed on the potable water supply line.

6. Is drinking water required at a public pool or spa?

One or more drinking fountains dispensing drinking water from an approved source must be located on the deck of each public swimming pool or spa.

7. Must a pool, spa or bathing lake be disinfected?

All pools and spas must be continuously and automatically disinfected by an approved means, which will maintain an adequate and readily measurable residual of disinfectant in the water. Bathing lakes may not be required to be disinfected unless disinfection is necessary to meet bacteriological standards.

8. Where can filter backwash or wasted water be disposed?

The Maricopa County Environmental Health Code Chapter VI, Section 3, Regulation 21(b) states; "Filter backwash and wasted swimming pool or spa water shall be discharged into a sanitary sewer through an approved air gap, an approved subsurface disposal system or by other means that are approved by the Department. The method of disposal shall comply with applicable disposal requirements established by a municipal or other local authority. There shall be no direct physical connection between the sewer system and the water circulation system of a public or semipublic swimming pool or spa."