Swimming Pool Program

NDEE’s Swimming Pool Program provides oversight and inspections of public swimming pools and spas. Staff inspect municipal swimming pools/spas as well as those located at hotels, apartments, and recreational facilities. During inspections, department staff evaluate water chemistry, safety equipment, personnel training, bathhouses, and mechanical areas. The program also provides training to individuals who would like to become certified pool operators within the State of Nebraska. 

Certified Pool Operators (CPOs)

The certified pool operator is responsible for compliance with all regulations. The operator supervises the operation of the facility to ensure safety, both from a physical and chemical standpoint. The operator must also ensure records of the pool operation including attendance, disinfectant residuals, pH, chemical additions, equipment maintenance, closures, and accidents are maintained.

Every Class A (municipality type) pool must be under the immediate supervision of a Nebraska swimming pool operator. Every Class B (motel, hotel, apartment type) pool and Class F (fitness facility type) pool must have a Nebraska swimming pool operator available within 60 minutes of the facility.

To view and print current pool operator certificates, use the Active Pool Operator Lookup.

CPO Training and Examination 

An exam must be successfully completed to receive a pool operator certificate. Certificates are valid for two years. The self-study training and exam access are provided via e-mail, and the fee is $40 for each exam. Fees are non-refundable and exams are non-transferrable. Payments cannot be submitted by phone, and applications cannot be expedited. 

Instructions for all applications:

1. You must enter your own e-mail address, not a shared e-mail address.
2. Once the application and fee have been processed, you will receive an e-mail with instructions to access the online exam along with an online video and study materials 3 – 5 business days following receipt of your application and fees. (If no e-mail, please check your spam/junk folder for: NE OCIO SecureFTP Director < ocio.secureftp@nebraska.gov >.)
3. Read the study materials, watch the video, and take the exam within 45 days of receipt of the e-mail. After 45 days, the link expires and another application and payment must be submitted.
4. Use a desktop or laptop computer and Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser to take the exam.

NOTE: The exam is not compatible with mobile devices. You may not receive a certificate if using a mobile device or other non-compatible browsers.

5. Upon completion of the exam, with a passing score of 70% or higher, the Department will e-mail you instructions to print your certificate within 1 business day.

To pay with a check or money order, complete a Paper Application for Pool Operator Certification and mail the completed application and fee to NDEE. One check for multiple applications will be accepted.

Do not send checks and applications separately.

To pay with a debit or credit card, use the Credential Programs Portal and click “Credentials Log In” to create an account or log into an existing account, complete an online application, and submit an electronic payment. For assistance in creating an account, click “Credentialing Help” to review the Credentials Portal Instructions.

Lancaster County CPO Training

Pool operators working within Lancaster County are required to take the class offered by the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD). Anyone in Nebraska may alternatively take this class and exam to become a swimming pool operator. The fee for the LLCHD class is $60. View the class schedule​.

Swimming Pool Operating Permits

All Nebraska swimming pools are required to obtain an annual operating permit prior to operation.  The owner or operator of a swimming pool can apply for the operating permit on an application from the Department.  Each permit expires at midnight on March 31 of each year unless otherwise suspended or revoked.  The permit is non-transferable and must be posted visibly on the pool premises. Operating permit renewal notices are mailed each February and must be completed and returned in a timely manner to receive an operating permit by April 1st.

Accidents

Any accident occurring on the pool premises requiring medical treatment or hospitalization must be reported by the owner or pool operator within 24 hours using the Swimming Pool Accident Report. 

In the event of a drowning or near-drowning, the pool owner or operator must immediately notify the Department by calling the 24-Hour Emergency Contact at (402) 525-6601. 

Complaints

To file a complaint related to the operation of a public pool, contact NDEE Environmental Safety at (402) 471-0903 or submit the complaint via email to NDEE.Problem@nebraska.gov or NDEE.EnvSafety@nebraska.gov.

Swimming Pool Construction and Modification Permits 

NDEE’s Engineering Section conducts plan reviews and issues construction permits for all new public swimming pools/spas and modifications or improvements to existing pools as defined in Title 178 NAC 2, Chapter 2 Design, Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of Public Swimming Pools. Per the Environmental Safety Act, plans and specifications must be submitted to NDEE Engineering for review and approval prior to construction. Before making modifications to an existing pool, contact NDEE Engineering for determination on whether plan submittal is required.