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Idaho Ends State Pool Inspection Standards, Local Oversight Steps In

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • State-mandated pool inspection standards ended July 1, 2025
  • Oversight of public pools now handled by local authorities or operators
  • South Central Public Health District drafted a memorandum for city cooperation

Idaho’s statewide health and safety standards for public swimming pools were discontinued in 2025, shifting responsibility for oversight to local jurisdictions and pool operators.

The Idaho Legislature and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare removed state-mandated requirements for public pool inspections, with the change taking effect on July 1, 2025. The passage of House Bill 202 ended state authority to enforce inspections, making local governments or individual pool operators responsible for oversight.

Following the legislative change, Eastern Idaho Public Health confirmed that it would no longer enforce the Idaho Swimming Pool Rules or conduct inspections of public pools after July 1, 2025. This adjustment required local agencies and pool managers to determine new procedures for maintaining pool safety and compliance.

In response, the South Central Public Health District (SCPHD) prepared a draft memorandum of understanding with cities to clarify roles and responsibilities related to permitting and inspecting public pools. The memorandum outlines how inspections could be conducted locally, as state law no longer requires them.

What the numbers show

  • State pool inspection standards ended July 1, 2025
  • House Bill 202 removed state enforcement authority for public pools
  • SCPHD aims for city decisions on the memorandum by May 2026

Josh Jensen, environmental health director for SCPHD, stated that permit fees would be used to cover the costs of inspections under the new memorandum. He also confirmed that SCPHD has the necessary equipment and personnel to perform these inspections if cities choose to participate.

While state inspections have ended, daily chemical testing of pool water remains the responsibility of pool operators. John Pauley, aquatics supervisor for Twin Falls City Pool, stated that staff continue to test chlorine and pH levels multiple times each day as part of routine operations.

The draft memorandum developed by SCPHD is currently under review and may be adjusted based on feedback from participating cities. Jensen stated that he hopes cities will finalize their decisions regarding participation by May 2026.

As local authorities and pool operators adapt to the new oversight framework, the process for pool permitting and inspection will depend on agreements established between health districts and municipalities.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

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