Proper treatment of swimming pool water is crucial to preventing water-related illness. The Environmental Health Services Unit inspects over 900 indoor pools, outdoor pools, and spas annually and works with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), formerly Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, to open new facilities in the county.
The State Swimming Pool Law explains facility general provisions, construction, operation and use. EGLE is responsible for reviewing plans for new facilities and can be reached at 906-235-5113 or via email at beauchampk1@michigan.gov.
Effective October 1, 2025, the following fees will apply to public swimming pools (does not include State License Fee):
All credit and debit card transactions will now include a 3.5% transaction fee and electronic checks will include a $2.50 charge per order.
In addition to the Oakland County inspection fee, make sure that all licensure fees are paid through EGLE.
Pool water samples can be submitted to Environmental Health Services at both Health Division locations:
North Oakland Health Center (1200 N. Telegraph Rd, Building 34E, Pontiac)
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays until 3:00 p.m.
South Oakland Health Center (27725 Greenfield Rd, Southfield)
Monday - Wednesday until 10:30 a.m.
Samples must be submitted within 24 hours of collection. For a listing of additional water sample drop off sites that may be available in your city, see 'Drop-Off Site Locations.'
Call Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) at 248-858-1312 for potential holiday closings.
Public swimming pool samples having an EGLE/OCHD issued pool ID recorded on the appropriate yellow form are exempt from the water testing fees that went into effect on January 1, 2012.
As the swimming pool operator, you have many tasks. In addition to operating the pool safely, there are three main obligations of a public swimming pool operator required by law. They are:
Collection of quarterly bacteriological water samples is critical as an indicator that the pool operation and maintenance are keeping bacteria levels in check. If results are unacceptable, re-sampling is required. Repeated unsatisfactory water sample results could lead to closure. Sample bottles should be fresh and proper sampling techniques followed.
Drop-off sites are located at each OCHD office. Several municipalities also have drop-off locations:
Samples must be dropped off by 10:00 am on Tuesdays. Call ahead for holiday hours.
Operational Reports must be completed on a daily basis. These forms are used to record sanitizer residuals three times per day as well as pH, flow rates, cleaning, water temperature, and chemical addition. A copy must be sent to OCHD at the end of each month of operation.
Qualified personnel must be available during all hours in which a swimming pool is open to the public. This person must be available to arrive onsite within 15 minutes. This individual should be responsible for testing water quality and operating equipment for water treatment and circulation and have the authority to close the pool if necessary.
Although not required, having a pool operator who is certified in pool or aquatic facility operation means they have demonstrated competency in safe operation of swimming pools. While Oakland County Health Division does not offer any certified classes, there are several different certification programs available from a variety of organizations. For more information, contact us at 248-858-1312.
In 2022 EGLE updated their public swimming pool database, which includes providing new Pool Numbers to all pools in the state. This number will be printed on the license/operating permit from EGLE. Please take note of this new number and provide on all correspondence to OCHD. The new numbers are six (6) digits. The last two (2) digits default to 01 unless your facility has multiple pools. For example, you will see XXXX-0X. OCHD inspection reports have begun to reflect the new Pool Numbers.
Before you construct or modify your pool, renovate shower rooms or bathrooms, and/or replace equipment in your mechanical room, you may be required to obtain approval from EGLE before construction begins or changes are made. To find out more, please reach out to EGLE by contacting Karen Beauchamp at 906-235-5113 or beauchampk1@michigan.gov. Or, you may contact Oakland County Health Division, Environmental Health Services at 248-858-1312. It's important to seek approval prior to changes to avoid costly and timely mistakes. EGLE Construction Forms and Equipment Change Forms can be found here.