Swimming Pools and Bathing Beach Information

Environmental Health Services
Drumcastle Government Center
6401 York Road, Third Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21212
Email: ehs@baltimorecountymd.gov

Phone: 410-887-FOOD (3663)
TTY users call via Maryland Relay

Environment Health Services Highlight

View the Marylander’s Guide to Skin Wounds and Water Contact flyer (PDF) to learn about Vibrio, which are bacteria that occur naturally in brackish water such as the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, and in salt water, especially during warm weather months.

Pool and Spa Facilities Listing

View the list of County pools, beaches, and spas (PDF—may take several minutes to download). 

The County requires all public pool and spa operators to complete and submit the American Disabilities Act affidavit (PDF) along with the facility's pool permit application. Failure to submit the affidavit will result in the pool permit being denied or suspended.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Requirement

Baltimore County is requiring by statute that all licensed pools, spas, water attractions and bathing beaches have an AED on the premises. The owner or operator shall provide an AED and a coordinator registered with Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS). 

Swimming Pool and Bathing Beach Regulation 1.05.02

The swimming pool and bathing beaches regulations (PDF) were adopted to protect and promote the public health and safety of the users of public swimming pools and bathing beaches in Baltimore County.

Pool Operator Application

Submit the Pool Operator Application (PDF) to obtain a Baltimore County Pool Operator's Card, which is a requirement for the management and operation of public swimming pools in Baltimore County.

Application Instructions

• Please return the original application to Environmental Health Services.

• A legible copy of the certifying organization certificate must be attached to the application. This certificate is only valid in Baltimore County for three years from the date of the examination. Note: The certifying organizations must be approved by and registered with Maryland Department of Health, Center of Environmental Health and Community Services. Call 410-767-8417 for details.

• The fee for a Baltimore County Pool Operator Identification Card is $25. The cost of a replacement card is $15. Make check or money order payable to Baltimore County, Maryland. Payment can also be made by credit card.

Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act

The Department of Health enforces the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act for public swimming pools and spas. All County facilities must adhere to pool recirculation safety requirements included in the act and adopted by Maryland Public Swimming Pool and Spa Regulations (COMAR 10.17.01). The following documents are in PDF format.

• The Aquatic Facility Owner-Operator Cover Letter

• The Aquatic Facility Review Form

• The Public Swimming Pool or Spa Compliance Schedule Application 

• The Maryland Department of Health “Public Swimming Pool and Spa Stakeholders” Memorandum 

Additional Resources

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

• Maryland Department of Health