Staying Safe at the Pool
Heading to the pool is a great way to spend the summer in Alexandria! Don’t let accidents and illness ruin a pool day. No matter what level of swimmer you or your loved ones are, follow the tips below for safe, healthy swimming.
Prevent Drowning in 6 Simple Steps
- Ensure there is capable and competent supervision.
- Learn to swim. Check out local lessons: Alexandria Parks & Rec, VA - Splash (myvscloud.com)
- Prevent unsupervised access to water.
- Swim with a buddy.
- Wear a lifejacket.
- Be prepared for emergencies.
Prevent Pool-Related Illnesses
- Don’t head to the pool if you’re sick.
- Don’t go in the pool if you’ve had diarrhea.
- Shower with soap and water BEFORE and AFTER enjoying a swim.
- Try not to swallow pool water.
- Wear sunscreen. Don’t forget to re-apply!
Dive Deeper
Want to dive deeper? Learn about everything from splash pad safety to finding floaties here: Swim Healthy Virginia - Environmental Health
Pool Permits & Inspections in Alexandria, VA
Alexandria Health Department inspects and permits approximately 150 public aquatic facilities including pools, spas, water parks, and interactive fountains. These can be found in recreation centers, apartment communities, condo associations, hotels and motels, gyms, and amusement parks.
Most of the permitted facilities only operate during the pool season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Some are open year-round.
The Health Department will conduct a plan review before issuing a permit. A plan review checks that a facility can meet the local health codes. After issuing a permit, the Health Department will regularly inspect the facility.
For Pool & Aquatic Facility Operators/Managers - Requirements, Permits, Inspections, and Tickets
Plan Reviews (Required before constructions, equipment replacements, and most renovations)
In Alexandria, several City departments require a plan review to ensure that a business can meet the local building, fire, health and safety codes. Alexandria Health Department will review all aquatic facility's plans, equipment, and layout.
Plan reviews must be completed prior to construction and equipment replacement. In most cases, a plan review is required before a renovation - if a facility is applying a new white coat only, a review is not necessary. An Environmental Health Specialist will inspect the plumbing and equipment before pouring concrete or opening the facility to the public.
Health Plan Review Application
Questions? Call AHD at 703.746.4910. More City plan information is available on the Permit Center website for more information.
Get or Renew an Aquatic Facility Permit
In Alexandria, regulated aquatic facilities are required to get a permit. Visit the health permit website for information on how to apply for or renew a permit.*
*Single family homes typically do not need a permit, unless they also operate a daycare or Bed & Breakfast on their property. In all cases, pools, spas and hot-tubs should be properly fenced or locked to prevent accidental drowning.
Pre-Season Needs
Each year as Memorial Day approaches, the Health Department will get hundreds of requests from the seasonal facility owners and operators for new permits and inspections. To help everyone make the best use of their time, owners and operators can use the following resources to get their seasonal facilities ready.
Pool/Aquatic Facility Inspections in Alexandria
The Health Department inspects an aquatic facility to check that it:
- is properly maintained
- free from safety hazards
- has properly disinfected water
- has enough pool operators and lifeguards present
In Alexandria, all inspections are done in person by an EHS, or Environmental Health Specialist. Almost all inspections are surprise inspections. There are five different types of inspections:
- Routine (.pdf)
- Complaint
- Follow-up
- Training (scheduled in advance)
- Pre-opening (.pdf)
The Health Department only inspects facilities that need or have a health permit. Pools are inspected to make sure they comply with safety rules contained within the local health codes. If a serious issue or violation is observed, the Specialist may issue a Notice of Violation, or ticket. This will be written in the inspection report.
Health inspection reports are public documents. You can view a copy of the inspection by asking the aquatic facility to show you its copy. You can also contact the City Attorney's office to make a Freedom of Information Act Request.
If you are a pool owner or operator and need another copy of a report, call 703.746.4910.
Notices of Violations/Health Department Tickets
If you or your business received a Notice of Violation from Alexandria Health Department, you have ten days to decide what to do next. The back of the ticket lists your choices.
Pay the Ticket
- Complete the back of your ticket copy and mark "Admit Violation" or "No Contest."
- Bring your ticket and payment to City Hall (301 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314). For business hours, visit alexandriava.gov/Payment or call 703.746.3902.
Disagree with the Ticket
- We recommend you first call 703.746.4910 and speak to your Environmental Health Specialist.
- If you still disagree, complete the back of your ticket copy and mark "Contest Violation." Take it to the Health Department at 4850 Mark Center Drive, 4th Floor, within ten days. If you mail your ticket, call so we know to expect it.
- The Environmental Health Manager will read the ticket and invite you to a hearing at Alexandria Health Department. This meeting is your chance to show that the violation did not happen. At the end of the hearing, the Manager will decide to uphold or waive the ticket.
Pool Management Companies
Pool management companies operate an aquatic facilities for owners. They are considered experts in their field and usually have a staff of licensed pool operators or lifeguards. Many apartments, condos, or hotels will hire them to handle the day-to-day pool maintenance.
In Alexandria, pool management companies must be licensed by the Health Department to manage a permitted facility.
Licensed Pool Operators
OPERATOR REQUIREMENTS
While an aquatic facility is operating, at least one licensed pool operator must be on the premises. A licensed pool operator must:
- Be sixteen (16) years of age or older
- Have a licensed pool operator from an approved vendor
- Passed an approved operator exam within the last three years
- Be knowledgeable about and be able to correct aquatic health and safety issues
APPROVED POOL OPERATOR CERTIFICATIONS
The Alexandria Health Department has approved the following vendors to test applicants and issue pool operation certification:
- NPC Contracting Inc.
- National Recreation and Park Association's Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO)
- National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF)
- Swimming Pool and Spa Association (SPSA)
Pool operator certifications from any other vendor will not be accepted. Additional information regarding pool operator requirements can be found here.
Aquatic Health Code
In Alexandria, all aquatic facilities are reviewed, permitted and inspected using the following health codes and regulations: