By VICKI URBANIK

Pools at schools, YMCAs, hotels and other public places will have to undergo an inspection process beginning next year, under an ordinance given initial approval Tuesday.

Porter County Health Board attorney Dave Hollenbeck presented to the county commissioners an ordinance establishing a new permit and inspection program for all public and semi-public pools in the county.

The county has two “public” pools – one at Splash Down Dunes and one operated by the Pleasant Township trustee – and 60 pools considered “semi public,” such as those at hotels, spas, apartment complexes, and schools.

Hollenbeck said the new program stems from swimming pools rules promulgated in 2003 by the Indiana State Board of Health. The state now wants county health departments to carry out the new rules, which Hollenbeck noted have gone largely unenforced since their adoption.

Porter County’s proposed new ordinance would require pool operators to obtain an annual permit from the county, with a fee of $25 per pool if the pool is opened only seasonally and $50 if opened year-round.

The ordinance would also require pool owners to have on staff a certified pool operator, a provision in keeping with the state rules. If the facility contracts out for its pool maintenance, then the contractor would be required to have a certified operator on staff.

Hollenbeck likened this condition to Porter County’s food inspection program, in which restaurants and other food establishments must have on staff a certified food handler.

Hollenbeck noted that neighboring LaPorte County already has a pool inspection program but that Porter County’s ordinance is much more basic.

County Health Department Administrator Keith Letta said the department hopes to carry out the new program without having to add staff.

He also noted that the health department has received a number of complaints from the public about the conditions at public pools, citing in particular one case last year in which people got sick after swimming.

The commissioners approved the ordinance on first reading Tuesday. Because it involves fees, the ordinance will need to come back for a second and final reading before it is adopted.

The pool inspection program is set to begin on Jan. 1.

Posted 8/6/2008