Recreational Water Facilities
All recreational water facilities constructed for the purpose of public swimming or bathing must obtain a Health Permit to operate within the State of West Virginia. According to the West Virginia Legislative Rule 64 CSR 16, this includes:
- bathing beaches
- swimming, wading, and diving pools
- water slides, spray pools, lazy rivers, wave pools
- spas, hot tubs, therapeutic pools, hydrotherapy pools, and whirlpools
- facilities operated by communities, subdivisions, apartment complexes, condominiums, clubs, camps, schools, institutions, parks, mobile home parks, hotels, and similar recreational and public facilities
New Facilities/Extensive Renovations to Existing Facilities
Plans for new constructions (and some remodels) must first be approved at the State level through the Environmental Engineering Division (EED). During the construction phase, a District Sanitarian will conduct inspections of the new build to ensure adherence to the EED-approved plans. Once complete, the new facility must then apply for a Health Permit and undergo routine inspections by the local health department.
For more information, please refer to the WV Department of Health Environmental Engineering Division.
Applying for (or Renewing) a Recreational Water Facility Permit
To apply for a Permit to Operate a Recreational Water Facility, please submit the following along with permit fees:
- SG-49 Application for Permit to Operate
- An Application for Environmental Health Permit
- Annual Permit Fee (due every year in June for renewals)
Please note that the WV rule requires that all recreational water facilities have a Certified Pool Operator and submit weekly Operational Reports to the Health Department.